Consuming ghee and honey together can be harmful! Is it true?

Dr Swathi Reddy (PT), Consultant Physiotherapist and certified diet counsellor and MIAP, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru, spoke to HealthShot about it.

Consuming ghee and honey together can be a threat to your health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Here’s why ghee should be a part of your regular diet

Ghee has always been an integral part of Indian cooking. Not only does it make your food delicious, but it may come as a surprise to many that ghee has incredible health benefits as well.

1. Aids in digestion

Ghee is helpful in maintaining a healthy gut. The consumption of ghee helps in releasing stomach acids which help in digesting the food. It is for this reason certain foods like pooran poli or khichdi need to have ghee, to help us digest them better

2. Good for brain

Ghee contains high levels of Omega-3 and Omega-9 fatty acids which are considered extremely good for the nerves and the brain.

3. Beneficial for hormonal balance

Ghee also contains important vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin E which are needed for hormonal balance and a healthy liver.

Also, read: Is ghee better than butter? Know it from an expert

4. Helpful in weight loss

Because of being rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, ghee can aid your body during weight loss by increasing the lean body mass and reducing the excess fats.

5. Beneficial for breastfeeding mothers

Ghee is always known to be a good source of energy and more important for breastfeeding mothers.

Don’t miss out on the benefits of ghee. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

6. Rich in saturated fats

It is a saturated fat, because of which there is always a debate regarding its inclusion in the diet. But our body needs some amount of saturated fats as well. Brain functioning and saturated fats are closely related. But excessive amounts of it are unhealthy. Its intake should be limited.

Here are some benefits of honey for your skin, hair and body

Honey is loved all over the world. Its sweetness and depth of flavour make it hard to resist. Dr Reddy said it also has many potential health benefits. Such as:

1. Rich in antioxidants

Good quality honey that is fresh and minimally processed contains important antioxidants which help in preventing premature aging, type 2 diabetes and heart disease as well.

2. Helps in metabolism and weight loss

Having honey with warm water on an empty stomach is helpful in increasing metabolism and thus aids in weight reduction

3. Good for skin and hair

Honey is the best hydrating component when it comes to skin and hair. It can help in keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized and can keep your hair soft and healthy.

Adding honey to your skincare routine can yield wonderful results. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. Increases immunity

With its several medicinal properties and bacteria fighting capabilities, honey helps in strengthening the immune system. Honey is also helpful to treat a sore throat or a sinus infection.

Also, read: Honey is the magical golden liquid your skin, hair and body needs. Here’s why

5. Healing property

Another important and rarely known usage of honey is that it is used to help heal burns of partial thickness, post-surgical infected wounds and ulcers related to diabetic foot.

Why consuming ghee and honey together may be toxic?

While ghee and honey are individually very beneficial, combining them, especially in equal ratios, may cause certain harmful effects. Dr Reddy said, “The reason behind this is their biochemical composition, honey is made from nectar and ghee is fat. Ghee causes heat and honey is a cooling agent.”

So, on mixing ghee and honey, a bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum releases. This bacteria multiplies and releases toxins that are harmful to the body leading to health issues like stomach aches, and respiratory issues, and can even be poisonous.

You should avoid consuming ghee and honey together. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Another reason why ghee and honey shouldn’t be taken together is, that honey is a complex polysaccharide and it requires special enzymes for its break up and ghee is a complex chain of fatty acids which requires emulsification then further action of lipase and other lipid breaking enzymes. If taken together, they can interact with one another in our gastro intestine resulting in indigestion and accumulation of free radicals and thereby resulting in health issues, even cancers, said Dr Reddy.

Consume ghee and honey separately to avoid the side effects and enjoy its health benefits of it!