In ancient India, a popular proverb described the land as flowing with rivers of milk and ghee, highlighting the cultural significance of this golden substance. Ghee, with its origins deeply rooted in India, not only holds a special place in our culinary traditions but is also revered as a sacred ingredient for religious ceremonies and medicinal preparations. People dealing with the intricacies of thyroid health often find themselves questioning their dietary choices. A common dilemma is whether ghee, with its rich heritage, is beneficial for thyroid health. In this article, we will delve into this question, aiming to provide a thorough and well-researched answer to the query: Is ghee good for your thyroid?
Also Read: What Cooking Oils Help with Thyroid? – Oil Up for Wellness
Thyroid Health and You
Ensuring the health of thyroid hormones is crucial, as they are produced by the thyroid gland and play a vital role in regulating various bodily functions.
The thyroid hormone plays a key role in regulating various bodily functions, including breathing, heart rate, weight, digestion, mood, growth and development, muscle function, brain development, and the maintenance of bones.
Any disruption in thyroid hormone levels can have physical, mental, and emotional implications on an individual.
Physically, an imbalance can manifest in fluctuations in weight and the development of dry or brittle hair, skin, and nails.
On a mental and emotional level, a disturbed thyroid contributes to fatigue, anxiety, depression, and cognitive challenges.
Ghee and its Nutrition
Ghee is a dairy product made using the milk, cream, or butter of cows, buffalos, sheep, or goats.
It is rich in saturated fatty acids.
Ghee contains fatty acids, cholesterol, omega, saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and vitamins A, B, D, K, and E.
It has very little water content in it.
Ghee is good for your health!
It helps improve your cholesterol levels, protects against artery-clogging, and increases your antioxidant levels.
Plus, it’s got some positive effects on your reproductive system.
100ml of ghee can give you approx. 883 calories of energy. In Ayurveda, ghee is considered the healthiest source of edible fat.
Ghee contains negligible amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, sugar, or fiber. It is purely fat and has cholesterol also.
Also Read – Cold Pressed Oil Benefits: Health in Every Drop
Is Ghee Good for your Thyroid? – Connection Unveiled
Fats and oils play a crucial role in providing essential energy and nutrients for human health, forming a significant part of our daily diet.
Dietary fats and oils play a crucial role in supporting thyroid functions.
The thyroid gland depends on specific fats to create hormones and perform its vital functions.
The thyroid function is also closely linked to fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K intake.
The intake of fats helps in the absorption of these vitamins in the body, which in turn supports thyroid health.
Ghee has a lot of saturated fat, but it’s good because it doesn’t get bad in a way that harms you.
It’s got iodine, which is good for your thyroid.
Ghee contains beneficial fats, antioxidants, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which supports improved thyroid function.
Incorporating ghee into your diet can contribute to maintaining a healthy thyroid and hormonal balance, particularly helpful if your thyroid is not functioning optimally.
Is Ghee Good for your Thyroid?
Let us see how different beneficial elements present in ghee are good for your thyroid health.
A.) Fatty Acids and Thyroid Health
The ghee contains approx., 46-47.8% Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA), 36% Monounsaturated Fatty Acid (MUFA), 18% Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA), and notable ruminant Trans-Fatty Acids (r TFA) which have an impact on your thyroid health.
Saturated fats are important for making hormones in our body, including the ones that help our thyroid work properly.
Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) are a type of unsaturated fat that may have several health benefits.
An article published in Harvard Health Publishing explicitly mentions cutting down on bad fats.
Choosing fats that help reduce LDL cholesterol, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, is advised for promoting a healthy thyroid.
Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats contribute positively to thyroid health, and maintaining a well-balanced intake of healthy fats is beneficial.
Polyunsaturated fats are involved in the regulation of inflammation that has an indirect effect on your thyroid health.
There is ample evidence indicating a close connection between metabolic diseases and issues with the thyroid. The thyroid gland plays a pivotal role as the primary center for regulating metabolism.
B.) Short and Medium Chain Fatty Acids & Thyroid Health
Short-chain fatty Acids (SCFAs) are considered crucial for thyroid health.
These substances made by the helpful bacteria in your gut are thought to play a big role in how your thyroid works.
Imagine Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) as superheroes for your gut.
They work to strengthen the connections between cells in your intestines, creating a shield that stops harmful germs from getting through – like a protective barrier.
This is crucial, especially in health issues like Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the gut’s protective barrier may not be working correctly.
The balance of microorganisms in the gut also affects the uptake of crucial minerals for the thyroid, such as iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron. These minerals are vital for supporting proper thyroid function.
Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are good for your thyroid because they quickly turn into energy, supporting your metabolism and helping your body produce heat.
They are easy to digest, making your body use energy efficiently and possibly helping with weight control, which is important for a healthy thyroid.
Some MCFAs, like lauric acid, also act as antioxidants, helping reduce stress in your body.
Overall, including MCFAs in your diet can be a simple way to support your thyroid health.
Ghee is a rich source of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and can be a valuable addition to your diet to maintain your thyroid health.
C.) Butyric Acid & Thyroid Health
Butyric acid, exclusive to ghee, contributes to its distinct flavor and easy digestion.
Research published in Frontiers suggests a connection between how our thyroid functions and a substance called butyrate, naturally present in our gut.
Butyrate, a type of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), functions as a commander, guiding your immune system and reducing inflammation to create a more balanced and less harmful environment.
Butyrate seems to affect certain cell activities, like controlling cell growth and helping the thyroid absorb iodine, which is crucial for its job.
The positive effects of ghee are largely due to a health-friendly short-chain fatty acid known as butyric acid.
D.) Fat-Soluble Vitamins & Thyroid Health
Ghee is a significant source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, providing various health benefits.
These vitamins are crucial because our bodies can’t make them on their own.
Incorporating ghee into your diet will help in the absorption of these vitamins in the body, which in turn supports thyroid health.
E.) Source of Iodine
The most common cause of thyroid is iodine deficiency. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones.
Ghee is a great source of iodine, a crucial element for thyroid hormones.
Including enough ghee in your diet can help keep your thyroid in check, especially for those dealing with thyroid concerns.
Tips for Including Ghee by Thyroid Patients
In Ayurveda, experts consider ghee one of the healthiest food items and recommend taking it daily.
However, thyroid patients must keep certain points in mind while including ghee as a part of their diet.
- Moderation is the Key –To maximize the benefits of ghee, it is advisable to use it in moderation. Consume 1-2 tablespoons of ghee daily is recommended.
- Suitable for Cooking – Ghee has a high smoke point and is suitable for various forms of cooking such as sauteing, frying, roasting, etc.
- Use as a Spreader – The best way of using ghee is to put it over your dish, toast, soups, etc. This enhances the flavor and aroma of the food.
- How to Buy – When selecting ghee, choose a high-quality option, preferably grass-fed and organic, without any additives or preservatives.
The Takeaway
Ayurveda has given immense value to ghee as a daily nourisher for our mind and body.
Ghee stands out due to its unique components such as SCFAs, CLAs, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and phospholipids.
Researchers are increasingly acknowledging the positive impact that ghee has on our bodies. Its advantages include reducing inflammation, functioning as an antioxidant, and promoting thyroid health.
In the past, scientists primarily focused on saturated fats, but now they recognize the wider benefits of the diverse fats present in ghee.
When it comes to the question of whether ghee is good for your thyroid, the positive answer lies in the beneficial components found in ghee, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), fat-soluble vitamins, and short-chain fatty acids, all contributing to thyroid health.
While this article aims to shed light on whether ghee is good for your thyroid, it’s crucial to underscore the importance of seeking personalized advice from healthcare professionals.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.
Readings & References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9861198/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghee
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4220075/
- https://www.godrejjersey.com/blogs/9-proven-benefits-of-ghee
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9571437/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/healthy-eating-for-a-healthy-thyroid#:~:text=Cut%20down%20on%20%22bad%22%20fats%20and%20simple%20carbohydrates.&text=Instead%2C%20choose%20fats%20that%20help,legumes%20are%20also%20healthy%20choices.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/16/3609#:~:text=SCFAs%20are%20a%20valuable%20source,)%20%5B78%2C79%5D.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2021.643968/full
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10789628/#:~:text=Ghee%20also%20finds%20mention%20as,no%20harm%20on%20daily%20consumption.
Very good and impotant article. Congrats.