Ghee is immensely nutritious and is a clarified butter produced from cows milk. The milk fat is rendered from the butter to separate the milk solids and water (whey). It is incredibly simple to make at home by melting butter and skimming the butter fat from the top. What is left is a yellow liquid and when this cools down it becomes creamy ghee.
But why do we do this? Most people with dairy intolerance can tolerate ghee as apposed to butter nearly all lactose from the milk solids are removed during the rendering process. There might be minute amounts of lactose in ghee, but it is unlikely to be enough to have an effect on those who are lactose intolerant. In addition to the lactose being removed, casein is removed. Casein is a protein that many people do not tolerate, especially for people who cannot tolerate gluten. That is because gluten and casein have a similar molecular structure that cause problems with an opiate type affect on the brain. Although it is considered virtually casein free and most people can tolerate it when following the GAPS Diet, there are still the minor cases of people who cannot tolerate the slightest amount of ghee so when introducing ghee please introduce it acording to the instructions in the Gut and Psychology Syndrome book (GAPS) by Dr Natasha Campbell McBride - “introducing dairy protocol”.
Here are some of the fantastic health benefits gained from consuming ghee:
1. Ghee is loaded with fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K
2. Vitamin K(2) can assist with the absorption of calcium therefore assisting in strengthening bones
3. Ghee has a high smoke point making it ideal to cook with
4. Ghee is virtually free of lactose and casein making it suitable for most individuals who are lactose/casein sensitive or intolerant to dairy.
5. Ghee contains essential fatty acids such as conjugated linoleicacid (CLA) which the human body cannot make. CLA can help the body increase metabolic rates, boost the immune system and keep cholesterol levels in check
6. Ghee is packed with butyrate which is a fatty acid which can be made in the gut but if your gut flora is compromised then your gut might not be making sufficient amounts of butyrate. Butyrate is a powerful anti-inflammatory and can help protect against cancer, gut disorders like IBS and autoimmune diseases.
For a delicious healthy snack, try sautéing washed and chopped kale in ghee until it turns crispy. Your kids will love this wholesome snack. Your body will also love the double dose of fibre and fat.