GHEE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH: A GOLDEN START TO YOUR MORNING- BY SIMRAN WADHWA
Jul 29
2 min read
I am Simran Wadhwa nutritionist at The Kenko Life.
In the world of wellness and nutrition, ghee also known as clarified butter, has made a strong comeback. Once feared as a source of fat, it's now praised as a superfood, especially in Ayurveda. A traditional Indian practice involves consuming a teaspoon of ghee on an empty stomach in the morning.
So, what happens when you begin your day with ghee? Let’s understand the science and tradition behind this golden ritual.
1. Boosts Digestion & Gut Health- Ghee stimulates the secretion of stomach acids that help in digestion. Consuming it on an empty stomach coats the stomach lining and prepares the gut to receive food, reducing bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Key Nutrient:
Butyric acid: A short-chain fatty acid in ghee that supports the health of intestinal walls and improves metabolism.
2. Kickstarts Metabolism- Ghee contains medium-chain fatty acids that are quickly metabolized by the liver for energy.
This helps in:
Increasing metabolic rate
Enhancing fat-burning
Reducing morning sluggishness
Pro tip: Adding a few drops of ghee to warm water or mixing it with turmeric amplifies the detox effect.
3. Supports Brain Function- Your brain is made of nearly 60% fat.
Starting the day with ghee provides healthy fats that:
Support cognitive function.
Enhance memory and focus.
Stabilize mood by supporting neurotransmitter production
Ayurveda Says: Ghee is known as medhya rasayana- a rejuvenator for the brain and nerves.
4. Balances Hormones- Healthy fats are essential for hormone production. Ghee helps maintain:
Stable insulin levels.
Menstrual health.
Thyroid function
Women especially benefit from ghee as it helps in balancing estrogen and progesterone, particularly during perimenopause and menopause.
5. Natural Detox & Lubrication- In Ayurvedic detox (Panchakarma), ghee is used to mobilize fat-soluble toxins and flush them from the body.
Taking ghee in the morning helps:
Cleanse the digestive tract.
Improve bowel movements.
Lubricate joints and tissues
How to Take Ghee in the Morning-
Dosage:
1 teaspoon (start with 1/2 if new to ghee)
How:
On an empty stomach,
Followed by warm water,
Can be taken alone or mixed with turmeric or lemon juice.
Avoid if:
You have fatty liver, uncontrolled diabetes, or are advised to avoid fats by your doctor, consult your nutritionist or doctor before starting this process.
To conclude - Adding ghee to your morning routine is a small change with big benefits. Rooted in tradition and backed by science, this golden fat nourishes your gut, brain, hormones, and overall vitality.
Start slow, observe how your body responds, and always choose pure, grass-fed, or A2 ghee for best results.