Ghee is a traditional Indian kitchen ingredient that also finds itself important in the ancient Indian medicine Ayurveda. Ghee finds a place in Ayurvedic texts spanning over 3000 years with around 4000 references of which nearly 2900 references related to therapeutic benefits. Infertility is a challenging situation for many couples. So, as a nutritional and medicinal powerhouse, does ghee boost fertility?
Ghee adds taste and health to every meal. All those winter delicacies like laddos, pinnis, and halwa are difficult to resist consuming, no one can eat just one. In this article, let’s delve deeper into the goodness of ghee and explore its potential for boosting fertility.
Infographic of Benefits of Ghee For Fertility
What is Ghee?
Ghee is a form of clarified butter extensively used in India (1). In most houses, no meal is complete without using ghee in some form. In addition, ghee also forms part of traditional Indian medicine sciences such as Ayurveda and is a part of many Indian rituals.
A spoonful of shudh desi ghee has a high concentration of fats, especially healthy fats such as omega-3, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K), and antioxidants.
Does Ghee Help to Boost Fertility?
Ghee, when consumed regularly and in moderation, can positively impact fertility.
In men, ghee is known to preserve and maintain sperm health and count and prevent oxidative damage to the sperm (2).
Among women, it helps balance hormones regulate menstrual cycles, relieve PMS symptoms and regularise periods (3) (4). Ghee also plays a vital role in maintaining health and wellness during pregnancy, post-delivery, lactation, and menopause.
[Read: Fertility Foods For Women]
Benefits of Ghee For Fertility
Ghee forms an important part of ayurvedic treatments for fertility owing to the many benefits it offers. Here are some of the beneficial fertility properties of ghee.
1. Sperm Health
Regular and moderate consumption of ghee can have a positive effect on sperm health, quality, quantity and motility (5).
Ghee is also being used as a part of ayurvedic treatments to treat conditions such as necrospermia (6) and oligozoospermia (7).
2. Egg Health
Microbial diversity of ghee, may improve egg quality and increase the chances of successful conception (8).
3. Nutrient Absorption
Ghee’s medium-chain fatty acids enhance nutrient absorption, enabling essential vitamins and minerals to reach reproductive organs effectively (9).
4. Hormone Balance
Regular moderate ghee consumption regulates fertility hormones, menstrual cycles and ovulation, alleviates conditions such as PCOS and boosts fertility in women (3A) (10).
[Read: Boosting Male Fertility]
Ghee as a Part of Ayurvedic Fertility Treatments
Ghee has numerous medical benefits, especially when mixed with therapeutic plants and herbs. These mixtures have been used to treat infertility for a very long time. Herbal-infused ghee treats infertility difficulties and improves the chances of successful conception.
Combining ghee with fertility herbs like Shatavari, Dashmula, Ashwagandha, Shilajeet, Nimba, Agnimantha, etc. boosts its efficiency and strengthens reproductive organs.
1. Go-Ghrita
Go-Ghrita, a mix of ghee with various medicinal plants is a natural and comprehensive fertility support treatment since it promotes overall reproductive health (2A).
Traditionally prepared multi-herbal Go-Ghrita is employed in a holistic approach to infertility treatment, and both men and women benefit from it.
2. Phal-Ghrita
Phal-ghrita is a mix of cow ghee with cow milk and medicinal herbs such as manjishta and triphala. This is also known to have a positive effect on fertility and works by regularising ovulation and menstrual cycle and other fertility disorders (11).
3. Kaamdev-Ghrita
Kaamdev ghrita, also known as ‘VajikaranaRasayana,’ is a traditional Ayurvedic ingredient used to increase sexual performance, treat infertility, and prevent premature ejaculation (12).
Many couples seeking natural conception prefer a go-ghrita-infused therapeutic approach.
[Read: Shatavari For Fertility]
How Does Ghee Support Couples Trying to Conceive?
In recent years, many middle-aged couples all over the world have suffered from infertility, or the inability to conceive their child after years of regular unprotected intercourse. Not being able to get pregnant negatively hurts their psychological well-being and quality of life, as they grow older.
Ghee’s anti-inflammatory properties may help balance reproductive hormones, which improves the reproductive health of hopeful couples.
Butyric acid in ghee, enhances gut health by improving nutrient absorption from other foods, which is vital for conception and pregnancy (1A).
Incorporating ghee into their diet can help establish a fertile environment for healthy conception to begin.
Ghee’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities can help strengthen and boost the immune system. Recent studies have confirmed its efficacy against seasonal infections, as well as physiological and metabolic disorders such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, infertility, and viral illnesses.
Now is the time to combine traditional wisdom and modern research for domestic use and to promote human health, bridging old practices with modern medical discoveries.
[Read: Emotional Impact Of Dealing With Fertility Problems ]
When to Consult a Doctor?
A healthy lifestyle, including nutritious foods and frequent exercise, is essential for reproductive health. However, addressing any underlying medical issues is critical.
Every maternity journey is unique, and new-age IVF fertility provides specialized options to fit your specific requirements. While nutritious foods are advantageous, fertility is complex and requires a multifaceted approach. Contact a fertility clinic to schedule a consultation personalized to your specific needs.
Full-fat dairy products, such as milk, curd, buttermilk, cottage cheese, and ghee, are common household food items. Owing to their high bioactive content, these dairy-based items can aid in therapeutic formulations.
We must adopt ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and use ghee as a natural fertility enhancer in the modern era. Seek advice from an expert healthcare practitioner for personalized infertility therapy. A qualified dietitian nutritionist can help you on your journey to parenthood using the nutritious goodness of ghee and other vital nutridense foods.
FAQ’s
1. Can Any Woman Consume Shatavari Ghee?
Yes, Shatavari-infused ghee is safe for all women and provides long-term benefits. Regular ingestion may support female reproductive organs, enhancing fertility and improving women’s overall health. Shatavari-infused ghee is extremely useful to women of all ages and stages of life, improving overall health and vigor.
2. Is Ghee Good For Fertility?
Yes, Ghee, when ingested as part of a well-balanced diet, supplies essential fatty acids for overall wellness. A balanced diet high in ghee may boost general well-being, which is critical for female reproductive health. Regular physical exercise and portion management are required for the best effects.
3. Is there a Difference Between Cow And Buffalo Ghee For Dietary Use?
Cow ghee is nutritionally superior to buffalo ghee, as it contains less saturated fat. Consult a qualified dietitian nutritionist for specialized advice on choosing the best ghee.
4. Does Ghee Increase Egg Production?
No, there is no scientific evidence that ghee boosts egg production in women. Ageing, health, and genetics all have an impact on fertility. While a well-balanced diet is beneficial to reproductive health, certain foods, such as ghee, have not been shown to increase egg production.
5. Is Ghee Good For Sperm Quality?
While some believe ghee may benefit sperm quality due to its nutrient content, scientific evidence is limited. Ghee contains healthful fats and vitamins that may benefit overall health, but direct ties to enhanced sperm quality are unclear.
Read Also: Does Moringa Boost Fertility
References
- Sindhuja, S, Prakruthi, M, Manasa, R, Shekhara, Naik, Mahesh, Shivananjappa, IP Journal of Nutrition, Metabolism and Health Science, Innovative Publication Health benefits of ghee (clarified butter) – A review from ayurvedic perspective, 12521, 2020, 2582-628X – https://www.jnmhs.com/html-article/12521
- Varsakiya JN, Goyal M, Thakar A, Donga S, Kathad D. Efficacy of Virechana (therapeutic purgation) followed by Go-Ghrita (cow ghee) in the management of Ksheena Shukra (oligozoospermia): A clinical study. Ayu. 2019 Jan-Mar;40(1):27-33. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6891991/
- El-Gharrawy HT, Sadek KM, Mahmoud SF, Abd Elrehim AM, Shukry M, Ghamry HI, Ibrahim SF, Fericean L, Abdo M, Zeweil MM. Natural Ghee Enhances the Biochemical and Immunohistochemical Reproductive Performance of Female Rabbits. Life (Basel). 2022 Dec 27;13(1):80. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9861198/
- Dr. Ujwala Murlidhar Katole, Dr. Dayanand Dattatraya Ovar, Dr. Monish Maruti Shinde and Dr. Ganesh Sakharam Deshmukh, World Journal of Pharmaceutical And Medical Research, AYURVEDA VIEW ON COMMON MENSTRUAL DISORDERS, CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND MANAGEMENT, wjpmr, 2021,7(10), 246 – 248. – https://www.wjpmr.com/download/article/87082021/1630749873.pdf
- Priyanka Kumari, Ashutosh Kumar Pathak and Kameshwer Nath Singh, Alternative and Integrative Medicine, A Critical Study of Role of Diet Consisting Chiefly Milk and Clarified Butter in Spermatogenesis and Black Gram and Sesame Seed Oil in Oogenesis, Volume 12:04, 2023 – https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/a-critical-study-of-role-of-diet-consisting-chiefly-milk—clarified-butter-in-spermatogenesis–black-gram–sesame-seed-.pdf
- Doddamani SH, Shubhashree MN, Giri SK, Naik R, Bharali BK. Ayurvedic management of necrozoospermia – A case report. Ayu. 2019 Jan-Mar;40(1):44-47. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6891995/
- Varsakiya, Jitendra; Goyal, Mandip; Thakar, Anup; Donga, Shilpa; Kathad, Divyarani, EBSCO Open Research, Efficacy of Virechana (therapeutic purgation) followed by Go-Ghrita (cow ghee) in the management of Ksheena Shukra (oligozoospermia): A clinical study, AYU: An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda, 2019, Vol 40, Issue 1, p27 – https://openurl.ebsco.com
- Kochhar KP, Oberoi AK, Hazra S, Lal PR, The Role of Traditional Diet and Yoga for Infertility: A blend and balance of Traditional knowledge and Modern medicine, Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, Vol. 16(Suppl), June 2017, pp. S 69-S 74 – l – https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/42278/1/IJTK%2016(Suppl)%2069-74.pdf
- B.R.V.KIRAN, P.PUJITHA, M.V.L.SRUTHI, M.MANOJ KUMAR, EFFECT OF COW GHEE ON ORAL ABSORPTION OF DRUGS –AN INVITRO COMPARITIVE RESEARCH STUDY, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES https://web.archive.org/web/20180420234236id_/http://ijapsonline.com/pdfs/03-06-2016/Ijaps%202015%2003%2001.pdf
- Yende, M., Pradnya, D., Preeti, D., Sheetal, T., & Kalpana, T. (2022). Effect of phala ghrita
on development of ovarian follicle followed by beejotsarga (ovulation) in patients of
infertility due to ovarian factor in comparison with clomiphene citrate. International
Journal of Health Sciences, 6(S2), 956, 967 – https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/418846-effect-of-phala-ghrita-on-development-of-03593d58.pdf - Dr. S.P. Otta1, Dr, R.N. Tripaty, CLINICAL TRIAL OF PHALAGHRITA ON FEMALE INFERTILITY, Ancient Science of life, Vol: XXII (2) October / 2002 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3330999/pdf/ASL-22-56.pdf
- Gurav N, Gurav S, Wanjari M, Prasad S, Wayal S, Rarokar N. Development and evaluation of aphrodisiac potential of a classical ayurvedic formulation, ‘Kaamdev ghrita’ in rat model. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2021 Apr-Jun;12(2):294-301 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8185976/
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