Ghee is a form of clarified butter with the milk solids removed, offering healthy fats and vitamin A. Its rich flavor and high smoke point make it a popular cooking fat in many culinary traditions.
Why it's good in pregnancy
The healthy fats in ghee provide a concentrated energy source and help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from other foods. Its small vitamin A content, from a moderate dietary source, can contribute to your baby's development when used in normal cooking amounts.
Key nutrients
Healthy FatsProvide concentrated energy and support absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Vitamin AContributes to your baby's tissue and vision development in the moderate amounts found in ghee.
Serving ideas
Use for sautéing vegetables
Drizzle over cooked grains like rice or ragi porridge
Use in place of butter in baking
Add a small amount to lentil dishes
Use for pan-frying fully cooked proteins
Safety
Choose pasteurized.
Choose ghee made from pasteurised dairy, and store it in a sealed, airtight container away from direct heat and light. Use a clean, dry spoon each time to prevent introducing moisture or contaminants that could cause spoilage. Ghee can be kept at room temperature for a period due to its low moisture content, but refrigeration extends its freshness further. Discard ghee that develops an off smell or visible mold.
Common questions
Is ghee healthier than butter during pregnancy?Both can fit into a balanced diet in moderation; ghee has a higher smoke point and no lactose, which some people find easier to digest.
How much ghee is safe per day during pregnancy?A tablespoon or so per day is a reasonable amount as part of a varied diet, since it's calorie-dense.
Is ghee safe if I'm lactose intolerant during pregnancy?Ghee has milk solids removed, which makes it lower in lactose and often better tolerated, though sensitive individuals should check with their healthcare provider.
Did you know?
Ghee is made by simmering butter until the water evaporates and the milk solids separate and are removed.
Because of its low moisture content, properly stored ghee can last much longer than regular butter.
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