Consuming ghee water — a mixture of a teaspoon of ghee in a cup of warm water, taken on an empty stomach every morning — has reportedly led to a variety of health benefits, as noted by individuals who have incorporated it into their daily routine.
Health Benefits of ghee water:
- Improved Skin Health: Ghee is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which contribute to skin health. Individuals have reported clearer, brighter skin that feels more hydrated with regular consumption of ghee water.
- Enhanced Hair Quality: There have been slight improvements in hair quality, with some users noting that their scalp feels more conditioned. While the effects may take longer to become more pronounced, some believe continued consumption may lead to more significant benefits.
- Gut Health: Ghee is considered a natural laxative, which helps in regulating bowel movements. This makes ghee water a potential remedy for digestive issues, helping to support overall gut health.
- Stable Weight: Interestingly, while consuming ghee water, individuals have reported that it has neither caused significant weight gain nor weight loss, suggesting that it may not have a major impact on body weight when taken in moderation.
- Regulated Blood Sugar Levels: Consuming ghee water on an empty stomach may help reduce sugar spikes often associated with breakfast, making it a potentially beneficial practice for stabilizing blood sugar levels.
These anecdotal benefits highlight the potential of ghee water in supporting skin, hair, digestive health, and even blood sugar regulation. However, further research may be required to substantiate these claims.
Nutrition experts offer differing views on the benefits of consuming ghee water, a practice where a teaspoon of ghee is mixed with warm water and consumed on an empty stomach:
- Jinal Patel, Dietitian at Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai, supports the idea of ghee water for its various benefits. According to Patel, ghee can help improve stomach-related issues like gas, indigestion, bloating, and constipation. Ghee is also recognized for its role in boosting skin collagen, enhancing immunity, and increasing energy levels. Patel advises moderation when consuming ghee to avoid any potential downsides.
- Dr. Birali Swetha, Chief Dietician at Gleneagles Aware Hospital, Hyderabad, presents a more cautious perspective. She acknowledges that consuming ghee with warm water on an empty stomach is a popular Ayurvedic practice with historical beliefs that it improves digestion, promotes gut health, and supports regular bowel movements. Dr. Swetha highlights butyric acid and healthy fats in ghee as the key elements thought to contribute to these benefits. Butyric acid, in particular, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its support for gut cells. However, she points out that there is limited scientific evidence to conclusively prove the claimed benefits of ghee water for digestion or its measurable effects when consumed on an empty stomach.
In summary, while ghee water is supported by some experts for its digestive and skin health benefits, others caution that more clinical research is needed to validate these claims. Moderation remains a key factor in its consumption, as with any dietary practice.
Ghee, while a source of beneficial fats that aid in nutrient absorption and energy balance, contains saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals with high cholesterol or cardiovascular concerns. Excessive consumption can lead to unwanted weight gain and disrupt lipid levels, potentially increasing the risk of health issues.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
