Hausa people got it right. Manshanu (Ghee) has amazing health benefits

Popularly known as Manshanu in Northern Nigeria and clarified butter/ghee in other countries, manshanu is a staple in the Fulani community. Please let us know if you know the name in other Nigerian languages.


Manshanu has so many uses:


It is used to cook.


It is used a laxative.


It which has been used in kitchens throughout India, for example, for thousands of years and is touted for its many brain-boosting benefits including memory and intelligence improvements.


Here are a few researched benefits of ghee from Indian nutritionists:


 Acts as brain tonic


According to nutritionist Neha Chandna, Ghee is good for the nerves and brain. It contains high levels of omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids, which is ideal for overall health. Apart from this, decreased intake of these acids is associated with increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Hence, make it a habit to include ghee in your diet regularly as it can help your brain function better.


 Prevents cancer

Although ghee is high in saturated fats, it is ideal for cooking Indian food because it has a high smoke point (i.e., it does not burn very easily). This means, it generates less free radicals when heated, which are known to increase your risk of cancer. It is also rich in antioxidants that in turn protect you from free radical damage.


 Aids digestion

‘Ghee helps in the secretion of stomach acids that aid digestion,’ says Neha. Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar in her series Indian Food Wisdom and the Art of Eating Right highlights the fact that certain foods such as khichdi, puran poli, etc. need to have ghee to help us digest them better. You can also try these yoga poses to improve digestion.


 Used as a natural moisturiser

Ghee is a good beauty enhancer as well. If you have chapped lips, apply a drop of ghee on them before you sleep. In Ayurveda, ghee is used as a moisturising agent by mixing it with water and stirring it. The process is repeated several times before ghee can be used. And once made, you can store it for up to six months to use it regularly. Here are 5 beauty benefits of ghee you should try out!


Melts stubborn fat

If you have problem areas where fat gets accumulated quickly, consider adding ghee to your diet. ‘Ghee has essential amino acids that help mobilise the fat and allow the fat cells to shrink in size,’ explains Rujuta.

Apart from the above benefits, ghee is good for people suffering from joint pain. It also improves your memory and vision power. As ghee has powerful antiviral and antifungal properties, it strengthens the immune system.