Ghee Purity Test: Nutrient-rich ghee provides many health benefits. But, adulterated ghee is harmful for health. Here are some easy ways to check the purity of ghee at home.

A treasure trove of nutrients, ghee is an integral part of our traditional Indian diet and Ayurvedic medicine. Being lactose-free, it is perfect for cooking. It is rich in healthy fats that support brain function, improve digestion, and help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K. Ghee also contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that promotes gut health. In limited quantities, ghee boosts energy, strengthens immunity, and promotes glowing skin, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.

According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, ghee is rich in the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is essential for brain development and function. The high amount of DHA in ghee reduces the risk of neurological diseases like Alzheimer's disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The presence of antioxidants like vitamins A and E in ghee contributes to its ability to combat oxidative stress, the study says. These antioxidants help neutralise free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Adulterated ghee often contains harmful or substandard ingredients such as vegetable, starch, animal fats or synthetic colours, and these can pose serious health risks. Adulterants such as starch or soapstone can harm the digestive system, causing bloating, stomach pain or diarrhoea. Many fake ghees are mixed with vegetable or hydrogenated oils that are high in trans fats. These raise bad cholesterol (LDL), lower good cholesterol (HDL), and significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, the low-quality fats and synthetic chemicals in adulterated ghee can affect the nervous system over time, causing fatigue, reduced cognitive function or headaches. Therefore, it is advisable to check the purity of ghee before consuming it. Here are some smart ideas you can use to check the purity of ghee at home.

Traditionally, ghee in its pure form is golden in colour, with a rich and creamy texture. It should look translucent and clear when held against the light. A pale colour of ghee indicates preservatives added to it.

Naturally, ghee has a pleasant aroma and a smooth consistency. Ghee should never smell burnt. The burnt smell can be due to the presence of water or adulteration. Hence, buying such ghee should be avoided.

Just put some frozen ghee on your palm and if it starts melting immediately then it is pure ghee. Otherwise, it is not pure and one should avoid buying such ghee.

Fill a glass with plain water at room temperature, add ghee to it, if the ghee floats then there is no adulteration in it and if it sinks then it means the ghee is adulterated.

Mix a pinch of hyaluronic acid and a teaspoon of salt in two teaspoons of ghee, check the colour of the ghee after 20 minutes. If the colour of the ghee has turned red, it means that it is adulterated.

Mix two drops of iodine solution in the ghee you have brought, now if the color of the ghee becomes purple then it means that starch has been mixed in the ghee.

It is important to pay special attention to the packaging and labels of ghee products. A genuine ghee brand will have all major regulatory compliance certifications. One should check the license number, packaging date, expiry date thoroughly before buying ghee.

PC:Asinetnews