Ghee has been used for centuries by various people around the world for its life giving properties.  In particular, ghee has been used extensively among Indian cultures and is used frequently in Ayurveda.

For those unaware, ghee is a byproduct of milk.  It’s similar to butter but is free from the common irritants that most are allergic to in dairy.  It was often referred to as the “essence” of the milk and this can be portrayed in its bright golden color.

It’s well known that grass-fed butter is a rich source of fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, and K.  However, during the process of turning butter into ghee, these vitamins become even more concentrated.  It’s for this reason that ghee is often referred to as a superfood.

However, what about those suffering from fungal overgrowth’s such as candida; can they to benefit form taking ghee?  Also, how should you consume ghee?

These are common questions that we’ve answered below plus more.  In fact, by the end of this post, you will have a better understanding as to why ghee can be so beneficial for those with candida overgrowth.

Ghee – Powerhouse of A, D, and K2

There is no denying that butter and dairy products in general are a rich source of important fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, and K2.  However, as mentioned above, these vitamins become even more concentrated in ghee.

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and plays an important role in the immune response (1).  Those suffering with candida overgrowth need all the help they can get when it comes to the immune system.  It’s very common for those dealing with fungal overgrowth’s such as candida to also be suffering with immune system dysregulation.

Also, both vitamin D and K have a synergistic relationship in the body and can help to properly displace calcium into the bones where it belongs (2).  Those dealing with arthritic conditions and calcification issues are typically low in both vitamin D and K2.  Despite what you may have been told, taking calcium supplements will not build strong bones.  In fact, excess calcium can be dangerous when there is not enough vitamin D or K2 to counteract it.

Furthermore, pro-vitamin A, such as that found in ghee and animal products, has been shown to help the immune system respond better to pathogenic fungi such as candida (3).  Interestingly, another study showed that mice infected with candida that were treated with vitamin D had a reduced fungal burden and better survival rate than mice not treated with vitamin D (4).

Luckily, ghee contains all of these important fat soluble vitamins in an extremely bioavailable form to the body.  Those living further from the equator need to make more of an effort to eat vitamin rich foods such as ghee in order to get small amounts of vitamin D in the diet.  For those interested, our Candida Diet Protocol has a whole list of the most vitamin rich nutrient dense foods in the world!

Great Source of Butyric Acid

It was well known among cultures who incorporated ghee into their diet that it had powerful immune modulating properties.  It’s now believed that the immune boosting effect of ghee is primarily due to the presence of butyric acid.

Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid that occurs naturally in animal products but is especially high in ghee.  This short-chain fatty acid has almost antioxidant like qualities making it perfect for the immune system.  One study found that rats treated with butyric acid showed significant increase in super-oxide dismutase (SOD) production (5).  For those unaware, SOD is arguably one of the most powerful antioxidants in all of existence and is naturally produced by the body.

Again, balancing the immune system and giving it all the materials it needs is very important for those with candida overgrowth.  Fungal overgrowth’s such as candida can stimulate the body’s mast cells which in return can cause an excess release in histamine (6).  Overtime, this excess histamine can build up in the body and can contribute to immune system dysregulation.

Luckily, it’s been shown that fatty acids such as butyric can help to regulate candida and naturally inhibit its growth (7).  This all the more reason that those dealing with candida overgrowth may want to consider incorporating ghee into their diet.

Free From Lactose and Casein

One of the greatest advantages of ghee is its lack of allergenic milk protein (casein) and milk sugar (lactose).  Many wishing to include high quality dairy products into their diet simply cannot due to these two common allergens.

Interestingly, the process of turning butter into ghee naturally removes the majority of both lactose and casein.  As a result, ghee may be a safe option for those dealing with dairy related allergies but would like to incorporate high quality dairy products into their diet.

Since ghee is extremely low in these two common allergens, it typically is less inflammatory than other dairy products.  Obviously the quality of the dairy plays an important role in whether or not it will be inflammatory towards the body or not.  However, ghee can naturally reduce the possible inflammatory properties present in dairy products.

Rich in Saturated Fat

The opinions of many experts are beginning to shift and most now realize that saturated fat is not bad for the body.  In fact, fat is essential for survival.  All of our body’s cells are incased in a layer of fat and the brain is 60 percent fat by weight.  Starving oneself of what the body needs for optimal health is never a good practice.

In particular, those with candida overgrowth are going to need more fat and protein than those who are healthy.  This is true for anyone dealing with chronic sickness.  Fat and protein provide everything the body needs for regeneration and are needed daily for health and well-being.

Before the agriculture revolution, the diet of man was primarily fat based.  Living off what is provided by nature typically forces one to consume a very specific diet.  For example, try making a raw salad out of wild greens you find in the forest and you will quickly learn that most wild plants are extremely toxic. 

As a result, we naturally gravitated towards seasonal fruits and year round animal foods for our nourishment.

The Bottom Line – Should you Eat Ghee?

In our opinion ghee is an excellent food to include into your diet.  Although we generally do not recommend dairy products, ghee is very unique.  It’s extremely low in the common milk allergens lactose and casein.  Also, ghee is highly concentrated with important fat soluble vitamins.  These vitamins such as A,D, and K are essential for both healthy bone development and a healthy immune system.

As with anything, it’s important that you always purchase ghee that is grass-fed and organically raised such as this one here.  Grass-fed ghee is going to be a much richer source of fatty acids and will contain more of the important fat soluble vitamins.  Whenever purchasing animal foods, especially dairy products, it’s critical that its grass-fed and organic.

That being said, there are several different high quality ghee products on the market that are grass-fed.  Unfortunately, depending on the brand, ghee can be quite expensive. 

For those who like DIY and want to save on costs, ghee can be made at home very easily.  All you need is a couple of pounds of grass-fed unsalted butter (kerrygold is best) and a cheese cloth.  Watch the video below for an easy to follow tutorial on how to make ghee at home!

Closing Points – Cooking with Ghee

Ghee is very unique in that it has a very high smoke point.  This means it will not degrade despite being subjected to high amounts of heat.  As a result, it can be great for cooking.

Unlike vegetable oils that breakdown and create toxic byproducts at high heat, ghee remains stable.  This is mainly due to the fact that it’s primarily saturated fat.  Out of all of the fats – saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated – saturated fat is the most stable.  It’s for this reason that animal fats, which are primarily saturated, can be so beneficial for the body.

However, it can also be enjoyed right out of the jar!  In fact, some like to add it to their herbal teas in order to create a rich creamy taste!