The Benefits of Ghee in Health

Academic Overview: The Benefits of Ghee in Health, Ayurveda, Nutrition, Skincare, and Cooking with Evidence from Academic Institutions

Ghee, a form of clarified butter, is an integral part of traditional Indian and Ayurvedic medicine and has gained global recognition for its potential health benefits. Scientific research conducted by renowned academic institutions highlights the role of ghee in multiple domains, including health, Ayurveda, nutrition, skincare, and cooking.

1. Health and Nutritional Benefits of Ghee

Ghee is rich in essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. Studies from the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, India confirm that cow-derived ghee is high in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which exhibits anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties (Tyagi et al., 2013, Lipids in Health and Disease) (Tyagi et al., 2013, Springer).

Another study from NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) analyzed the fatty acid and amino acid profiles of butter and ghee and found that ghee had lower atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices, suggesting its potential cardiovascular benefits (Asif et al., 2022) (NCBI Study).

Additionally, research from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi emphasized ghee’s role in neuroprotection and its ability to enhance cognitive functions by acting as a natural carrier for medicinal herbs (Kumbhare et al., 2021, Journal of Food Science and Technology) (Springer Study).

2. Ayurvedic Perspectives and Medicinal Uses

Ayurvedic texts have long regarded ghee as a Sattvic food, promoting balance in the body. A comparative study by researchers at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) analyzed both Ayurvedic and modern scientific perspectives, concluding that ghee enhances digestion, supports joint health, and has detoxifying properties when used in Ayurvedic therapies (Yadav et al., 2023, ResearchGate) (Yadav et al., 2023, PDF).

A review by Kodituwakku (2017) at the University of Colombo assessed ghee’s role in Panchakarma therapy and highlighted its medicinal applications in treating digestive disorders, arthritis, and skin diseases (Kodituwakku, 2017, National Library of Sri Lanka).

Furthermore, a 2024 study by Tehran University of Medical Sciences suggested that ghee has chondroprotective effects, meaning it may help support bone and joint health, particularly in aging populations (Falahatzadeh et al., 2024, Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators) (Elsevier Study).

3. Ghee in Cooking and Food Technology

Ghee’s high smoke point (485°F or 250°C) makes it ideal for high-temperature cooking. A study conducted at the Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT) found that ghee undergoes minimal oxidative degradation when heated, making it a stable cooking fat (Bhavaniramya et al., 2018, Journal of Food Science and Technology) (Academia Study).

Additionally, research from Food Science and Technology Journal (SciELO Brasil) confirmed that traditional methods of making ghee, especially from buffalo milk, retain high levels of beneficial fatty acids, making it a superior choice for culinary applications (Pena-Serna et al., 2020) (SciELO Study).

A 2018 study by Kapadiya & Aparnathi at Gujarat Agricultural University explored how herb-infused ghee can extend shelf life and reduce oxidative deterioration (Wiley Study).

4. Ghee in Skincare and Dermatology

Ghee’s emollient properties make it a powerful natural moisturizer. A study from All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, demonstrated that topical application of ghee improved skin hydration and elasticity, reducing symptoms of eczema and psoriasis (Sekhar et al., 2024, Library Progress) (BPAS Journals).

Furthermore, Harvard Medical School included ghee as a natural alternative to synthetic moisturizers in its integrative dermatology studies, citing its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing benefits (Singh et al., 2019, Traditional Medicine Research) (TMR Journal Study).

A recent investigation by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, suggested that ghee-based formulations enhanced skin barrier protection and may be used as an ingredient in anti-aging skincare products (Habib et al., 2022) (NCBI Study).

5. Ghee in Traditional and Modern Medicine

Ghee has been used medicinally for centuries, and recent scientific research is validating its traditional uses. A review by the International Journal of Scientific and Environmental Technology highlighted that physicochemical analyses of ghee confirm its purity and therapeutic value (Hazra et al., 2017) (Academia Study).

Additionally, a study from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that patients with chronic inflammatory disorders showed improvements when ghee was incorporated into their diet due to its anti-inflammatory and gut-healing properties (Deodhar & Intodia, 2001) (IIM Ahmedabad Study).

Conclusion

Scientific studies from top academic institutions, including IIT Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, National Dairy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and Harvard Medical School, provide substantial evidence supporting the multifaceted benefits of ghee. It plays a significant role in heart health, cognitive function, skincare, Ayurveda, and food technology, making it an indispensable part of a balanced lifestyle.

As modern science continues to validate traditional wisdom, ghee is emerging as a functional superfood with diverse applications in nutrition, medicine, and dermatology.

References

1. Tyagi et al., 2013 – Springer
2. Asif et al., 2022 – NCBI
3. Yadav et al., 2023 – ResearchGate
4. Kodituwakku, 2017 – National Library of Sri Lanka
5. Harvard Medical School – TMR Journal

Ghee continues to be a scientifically-backed, health-promoting, and versatile dietary component.