Ghee, Buttermilk, Turmeric: Misunderstood Indian Foods Explained

Jan 29, 2026

By Daily All Day Health and Wellness Team

ghee-butter-turmeric-benefits-misunderstandings

Ghee, Buttermilk, Turmeric: Misunderstood Indian Foods Explained

The Real Story of Ghee, Buttermilk & Turmeric

Imagine a grandmother in an old Indian kitchen. A pot gently simmers as fresh milk turns into ghee, turmeric is stirred into tadka, and cool buttermilk soothes everyone on a summer noon. For generations, these three foods have shaped health and happiness in Indian homes. Yet, many people today—especially outside India—wonder if ghee is unhealthy, if turmeric is ‘just a spice’, or if buttermilk is only a byproduct. These beliefs miss the point! Here, let’s explain the truth about ghee (including desi cow and Gir cow ghee), buttermilk, and turmeric.

Keyword focus: Ghee, buttermilk, turmeric, desi cow, ghee in english, making ghee, health, Indian foods.

Ingredient Deep Dive

1. Ghee: Counting the Benefits Beyond Taste

Ghee is called ‘clarified butter’ in English, but it is a lot more than that. Traditional homemade ghee is usually prepared from cow or buffalo milk. Nowadays, you also get many brands and varieties, like desi ghee, bilona ghee, a2 cow ghee, and best ghee butter from Gir cow milk.

Difference from Butter: Ghee is made by slowly heating butter to remove water and milk solids. This makes it shelf-stable and easy to digest. Butter contains milk solids and can turn rancid faster.
Types: Cow and buffalo ghee have different flavors and health values. Desi cow ghee (and Gir cow ghee) is known for its yellow color and slightly nutty aroma.
Uses in Food: Used in tadkas, making sweets like tirupati laddu, khichdi, and even drizzled on ghee podi dosa.
Digestibility: Ghee lacks the milk solids found in butter. So, people with lactose intolerance can usually have ghee without worries.
Health Value: Ghee has healthy fats, vitamins A, D, E, and K, and is said to transfer the ‘goodness’ of whatever you cook in it[Quora].
- For more about digestion, read our guide to gut health and daily habits.
Misunderstandings: Some people think ghee is the same as ‘vanaspati ghee’ (hydrogenated oil), but pure ghee is natural and vastly different.
Other Fun Facts: Ghee is shelf-stable, which means it can last weeks or months without refrigeration—a big reason it’s loved in India[Quora].

2. Buttermilk: Digestive Hero & Everyday Cooler

Buttermilk (chaas or neer mor) is not just leftover water from butter making. In Indian homes, it is spiced with cumin, curry leaves, salt, and sometimes ginger.

Coolant for Gut: Rich in natural probiotics, buttermilk soothes the digestive system, especially after spicy meals or in summer.
Traditional Use: In Ayurveda, buttermilk is called ‘takra’ and is used to balance digestion and reduce acidity.
Misunderstanding: Some think buttermilk has almost no value compared to milk, but the live bacteria help gut health and immunity.
Pairing: Buttermilk is often served with rice meals in South India, making it part of everyday nutrition. Curious about balanced Indian meals? Read our blog on healthy homemade recipes and balanced nutrition.

3. Turmeric: The Golden Spice with Real Power

Turmeric is called the ‘golden spice’ for a reason. It colors and flavors, but truly shines with its health properties. The main compound, curcumin, has been studied for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing powers^[3].

Everyday Use: Most Indian curries, dals, and sabzis (especially in South India) use turmeric.
- Find more on immunity-boosting spices in our immunity spices blog.
Bioavailability Challenge: Curcumin from turmeric is not easily absorbed by the body. Eating it with black pepper or fat (like ghee) helps your body use it better^[1],^[2].
Quora Quotes: Turmeric is sautéed in ghee or oil before curries and veggies in Indian kitchens. It is NOT just a sprinkle—it starts the flavor and health process[Quora].
Medicinal Uses: Turmeric is used in drinks (haldi doodh), poultices for wounds, and even in rituals.
Recent Science: New research looks at using curcumin in advanced forms (like nanoparticles) to boost bioavailability for true health results^[3],^[4],^[5].

Turmeric in South Indian Foods (Quora Q&A Review)

Sambar
Rasam
Puli kulambu (tamarind curry)
Avial
Upperi (stir-fried veggies)
Majority of curries and dal preparations—almost always started with a pinch of turmeric in hot ghee or oil[Quora].

Relating Ancient Ingredients to Modern Benefits

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Main Ingredients: Berberis Aristata (Daruhaldi), Ceylon Cinnamon, Milk Thistle
Supports: Blood sugar balance, healthy cholesterol, liver detox, and heart health
Benefits:
- Helps manage diabetes and fatty liver
- Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and supports metabolism
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- Unique combo of berberine, cinnamon, and milk thistle for diabetes/cholesterol
- Read more about Gluco Wise

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Main Ingredients: Sea Buckthorn pulp (Omega 3 6 9, Omega 7, Vitamin C, E, antioxidants)
Supports: Skin glow and hair strength, immunity, metabolism, gut health
Benefits:
- Natural, no sugar/colors, lab-tested
- Juice made from pure pulp, retains full nutrients
- See details for Sea Buckthorn Juice

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Indian ghee different from butter or Western ghee?
Ghee made from Indian cow milk (like desi or Gir cow) is heated more, so all water and solids are removed. This gives it a nutty flavor, better shelf-life, and makes it easier to digest, even for people with milk allergies. It also can be stored without refrigeration.
Is turmeric really healthy, or is it just a colorant?
Turmeric is very powerful—it contains curcumin, which is an antioxidant and helps with inflammation. Modern research even looks at curcumin’s role in boosting immunity, fighting diabetes and cancer, and supporting the liver^[3]. But the body absorbs it better with fat and black pepper.
Is buttermilk only for drinking in summers?
No, buttermilk is good all year, but especially helpful in hot seasons or after spicy meals. It cools the stomach, aids digestion, and even helps balance body fluids.
Are these ingredients safe for all?
Generally yes, but people with allergies or serious health issues should check with a doctor. Some products may also not be suitable during pregnancy/lactation—like supplements containing strong herbs.
Can these foods help with diabetes or cholesterol?
Ghee (in moderation), buttermilk, and turmeric can form part of a healthy diet. Modern supplements like Gluco Wise combine traditional and modern science (berberine, cinnamon, milk thistle) for diabetes and heart support.
See more on superfoods for daily health.

Ghee, buttermilk, and turmeric are not just foods; they are treasures of Indian tradition with deep health significance. Modern science reveals—especially for turmeric—antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic benefits, though bioavailability is a consideration for truly realizing curcumin’s promise^[1]^[3]. Ghee, from desi or Gir cow milk, stands apart from normal butter by offering purity, energy, and nutritional richness. Buttermilk cools and balances the digestive system, crucial for well-being, especially when consumed after spicy meals or in hot climates. Products like Daily All Day Gluco Wise (with berberine and milk thistle) naturally complement traditional foods, supporting cholesterol, blood sugar, and liver health. All three—ghee, buttermilk, and turmeric—show how ancient wisdom blends with new science for better living. If you’re curious to learn more about practical daily nutrition, holistic health, or delicious ways to combine these, our blog has plenty of resources. Remember, embrace these foods with confidence and let tradition and wellness guide your choices.

Key Citations: ^[1] ^[2] ^[3] ^[5] ^[4] ^[6]