Ghee in Ayurveda: For many years, ghee was seen as an enemy of health. Doctors, diet charts, and even fitness trainers told us to avoid it.
People were warned that ghee would make them fat, block their heart, and harm their health. As a result, many homes replaced ghee with refined oils and margarines.
But today, ghee is back. Not just back, but celebrated. From Ayurveda to modern nutritionists, everyone is talking about the health benefits of this golden fat.
Patanjali and other Ayurvedic brands have also played a huge role in bringing ghee back into our kitchens. What was once called unhealthy is now being called a superfood.
So, what changed? Why is ghee suddenly the hero of our meals again?
Ghee in ayurveda
In Ayurveda, ghee has always been considered a medicine as well as food. Ancient texts call it a “rasayana,” which means something that nourishes the body, mind, and soul. Ghee is believed to balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) when used properly.
Ayurveda says ghee improves digestion, builds immunity, strengthens memory, and even supports healthy skin and eyes. It is used in Panchakarma treatments, in medicinal preparations, and even in rituals like havan.
While the modern world is only now discovering its benefits, Ayurveda has praised ghee for thousands of years.
The science behind ghee’s comeback
Modern research now agrees with what Ayurveda has always said. Ghee is rich in healthy fats, especially short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which support gut health. It also contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K that are important for immunity and bone health.
Unlike refined oils, ghee has a high smoke point. This means it does not break down into harmful compounds when heated. That is why ghee is safer for cooking traditional Indian foods like parathas, puris, and curries.
Nutritionists today also highlight that not all fats are bad. Our body needs good fats for energy, brain function, and hormonal balance. Ghee, when consumed in moderation, is one of the best sources of such good fats.
Why people stopped using ghee
If ghee is so good, why did people stop using it in the first place? The answer lies in lifestyle changes.
In earlier times, people were more active. They walked, farmed, cooked fresh food, and worked with their hands. Ghee gave them the strength and stamina they needed.
But in modern urban life, physical activity reduced, while processed foods and refined sugars increased. Doctors then advised cutting down on fats, and ghee unfortunately got blamed along with unhealthy fats.
Marketing by refined oil companies also played a role. Oils were promoted as “heart-healthy,” while ghee was painted as dangerous. Slowly, many families gave up the traditional ghee that their grandparents swore by.
One of the biggest reasons for ghee’s revival in modern India is the effort of Ayurveda-based companies like Patanjali.
Patanjali emphasized that ghee is not just fat, but medicine. It launched cow ghee prepared in the traditional way and made it available at an affordable price across India. By linking ghee to Ayurveda and yoga, Patanjali created awareness about its benefits among the masses.
For many people, Patanjali was their first step back to Ayurveda. They started with ghee, then slowly moved towards other Ayurvedic products. The brand also promoted the use of desi cow ghee, which is considered more sattvic and beneficial in Ayurveda.
Today, you can see Patanjali ghee in supermarkets, small grocery shops, and even online stores. This easy availability has played a huge role in the golden comeback of ghee.
Global love for ghee
Interestingly, ghee is no longer just an Indian treasure. Health-conscious people in the West are also embracing it. In countries like the USA and UK, ghee is sold as a premium “clarified butter” and marketed as a superfood. Fitness experts abroad recommend it for keto diets and gut health.
What was once seen as “old-fashioned” in India is now a trendy global health food. This has also made Indians proud of their traditional wisdom.
Of course, like all foods, balance is important. Eating too much ghee without exercise can lead to weight gain. Ayurveda always stresses that ghee should be consumed according to one’s age, activity level, and digestion power.
But when used mindfully, ghee is not only safe but also one of the best foods we can include in our lifestyle.
So the next time you put that spoon of ghee on your hot roti, enjoy it with pride. You are not just eating fat. You are tasting a tradition, a medicine, and a lifestyle all in one.