Winters are here! The season’s chilly embrace brings us the need for foods that don’t just keep us warm but also nourish our body from within to avoid falling sick and boost our immunity. Amongst the many ingredients that fuel traditional winter recipes, ghee is a time-tasted superfood of India with multiple health benefits. It is revered for centuries in Indian cuisine and Ayurveda and is a powerhouse of health benefits that’s highly valuable during colder months. As winter sets in, our body’s needs shift, and we start craving rich, warming, and nutrient-dense foods. Ghee fits perfectly into this need. Here’s why:
1. Keeps You Warm and Nourished
Ghee is a natural heat-producer, ideal for the winter. According to Ayurveda, ghee has "tikshna" (sharp) and "ushna" (hot) qualities, which help balance the cold weather and promote internal warmth. Consuming ghee, especially in the morning, can help keep you warm, making it easier to face the cold.
2. Rich in Healthy Fats
During winter, the body requires more fat to stay warm. Ghee is an excellent source of healthy saturated fats essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting immune function. These fats also promote the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), which are crucial for bone health and maintaining healthy skin in dry, cold weather.
3. Boosts Immunity
Ghee contains various antioxidants, including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to improved immunity. During the winter months, when the immune system is more vulnerable, ghee provides the body with the necessary nutrients to fight infections and illnesses. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the chances of catching a cold or flu.
4. Promotes Digestion
Winter foods are often heavier and more indulgent, sometimes leading to sluggish digestion. Ghee is known to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and aid in the smooth digestion of food. It also helps absorb nutrients and enhances the gut microbiome, essential for overall health.
5. Maintains Healthy Skin
Cold weather can cause dry, flaky skin, but ghee is a natural moisturiser. When consumed, ghee helps hydrate your skin from the inside out. The essential fatty acids in ghee help nourish the skin, keeping it soft, supple, and glowing.
6. Enhances Mental Clarity and Cognitive Function
Winter can sometimes bring a sense of sluggishness or lethargy, but ghee is known to support brain health and improve mental clarity. The omega-3 fatty acids in ghee are beneficial for cognitive function, and its fat-soluble vitamins nourish the brain.
7. Balances the Body's Doshas
According to Ayurvedic principles, winter tends to increase the Vata dosha (which governs movement and air). Vata can lead to dryness, anxiety, and digestive imbalances. Ghee helps balance this dosha by providing warmth, moisture, and nourishment to the body.
5 Ways to Incorporate Ghee Into Your Winter Diet
1. Ghee with Warm Milk
One of the most popular and comforting ways to consume ghee in winter is by mixing a teaspoon of it into a glass of warm milk.
2. Ghee in Curries and Soups
Add ghee to your favourite curries, dals, or soups. The richness of ghee enhances the flavour of these dishes and makes them even more comforting during cold weather.
3. Ghee on Parathas or Rotis
Spread a little ghee over your parathas or rotis for an added dose of flavour and nutrition. Ghee can also be added to rice for a delicious and warming meal.
4. Ghee with Honey
Try a spoonful of ghee mixed with honey for a simple and nutritious treat. This combination is excellent for boosting immunity and can be taken in the morning for a healthy start to your day.
5. Ghee-Based Sweets
Incorporating ghee into traditional winter sweets like tilgul (sesame and jaggery balls) or gajar ka halwa (carrot pudding) is a great way to enjoy its benefits.
Ghee is undoubtedly India’s superfood for a healthy winter, offering numerous benefits for both body and mind. With its ability to nourish, energise, and promote overall health, it is a traditional remedy that has stood the test of time.
At Govind Milk, we take great pride in bringing you India’s superfood for a healthy and happy season.
Shop for our rich and luxurious ghee from a store near you and look forward to more delicious winter days and nights every day!