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Ghee is the Indian kitchen’s staple ingredient, often used with oil or even as a garnish. It has a rich, creamy texture along with a warm, nutty aroma that elevates any of your dishes with its rich flavour. It is quite essential in various dishes for that rich essence, but it also complicates the overall healthy bars of a dish if consumed in excess. It is made from clarifying butter, and apart from its taste, it is also renowned for its health benefits.
Though ghee can enhance the flavour profile of many dishes, pairing it with certain foods can result in less-than-ideal culinary experiences, especially when the balance of flavours, textures, and nutritional needs is disturbed. It is important to be mindful of the potential impact ghee can have on individuals with specific dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
Honey
If you are planning to pair honey with a dollop of ghee, you might want to avoid it since it can lead to certain unwanted effects on your health. Even though both honey and ghee are highly nutritional, you should consume them separately. One hand is honey, which is a fast-digesting item, and the other is ghee, rich in fats and amino acids that take up quite an amount of time to digest. According to research published by PubMed Central in April-June 2010, combining two will lead to a feeling of bloated stomach and in the worst-case scenario, it can cause indigestion too.
Fish
Fish, especially oily types, contains high levels of healthy fats like omega-3s, which already provide rich flavours. Ghee, being a dairy fat, is heavy and can cause digestive discomfort when combined with fish. As per a study published by the Indian Journal of Medical Research in September 2012, consuming this pairing may overwhelm the digestive system, making it harder to absorb nutrients. Your health needs to maintain a balanced approach to fats, as excessive or incompatible combinations can lead to bloating or indigestion. Opt for lighter oils like olive oil when cooking fish for a healthier option.
Acidic Fruits
Acidic fruits like citrus, tomatoes, and pineapples should not be paired with ghee due to their contrasting digestive properties. The acidity in these fruits can interfere with the digestive enzymes in ghee, potentially leading to discomfort or indigestion. Ghee requires a more neutral or mild food pairing for proper digestion because it contains fat. According to research published on Researchgate in December 2018, combining ghee with acidic fruits can slow digestion, causing bloating or acidity. To maintain digestive balance and absorb nutrients effectively, it’s important to pair ghee with foods that complement its richness, like vegetables, lentils, or grains.
Tea or Coffee
Even though bullet coffee has recently become a trend, as per the study published by Current Development Nutrition in June 2018, pairing tea or coffee with ghee is not advisable due to its impact on digestion and overall health. Adding ghee’s fat to beverages like tea or coffee can lead to a heavy, greasy feeling in the stomach. This combination might slow down the digestion process, making it harder for your body to absorb nutrients effectively. Moreover, the high fat content can increase cholesterol levels over time.
Radish
Radish is known for its sharp, spicy flavour and its tendency to increase bile production in the body. Ghee, on the other hand, is rich, heavy, and warm. When paired together, they can cause indigestion or an upset stomach, as their contrasting effects can strain the digestive system. According to the research published by Nutrition Journal in January 2014, consuming this combination might lead to discomfort, bloating, or acid reflux. To maintain optimal digestive health, it's best to enjoy radishes in light preparations and reserve ghee for other dishes.
