

Janmashtami, or Gokulasthmi, is a special day that marks the divine birth of Lord Krishna. The celebration is incomplete without offering the Lord his favourite makkhana or white butter. The vessels brimming with butter are hung up on the rope, with crowds of people competing to attain it. This playful celebration hints at the usefulness of this butter in our diet.
This butter is often used to complement parathas and chapatis, making a scrumptious breakfast. But is it really that good for your health? Find out how white butter benefits your health in the following blog.
What is White Butter?
White butter is a fat-rich food obtained by churning either fresh cream or fresh curd with cold water. The leftover liquid is called buttermilk, with the makkhana floating at the top that can be easily extracted. Its flavour is somewhat similar to that of whipped cream cheese.
White Butter vs Yellow Butter: What’s the Difference?
White and yellow butter are both used in cooking, but the two are very different in composition and taste. Yellow butter contains additional salt added for preservation, which gives it a yellowish hue, usually found in store-bought butters.
Apart from the salted variation of white butter, there is another type of yellow butter that mostly stays in liquid form at room temperature. It is also known as clarified butter or ghee and is popularly used on chapatis.
Composition of White Butter
After an extensive survey of varieties of white butter or makkhana, it was found to hold the following composition values (1):
- Moisture content: 18-20%
- Fat: 78.5-81%
- Non-fatty solids: 0.7-1.5%
- Lactic acid: 0.2%
As per the guidelines provided by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), white butter should have at least 76% milk fat in weight. Along with healthy fats, it also has various nutrients that make it beneficial for general health.
Health Benefits of White Butter
The health benefits of white butter have been mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts. As per Charaka Samhita, its consumption is documented to have immense health benefits for malabsorption, piles, etc. Owing to this common knowledge, makkhan liberally lathered on rotis. If you have not tried it before, the following list of benefits will make you want to:
Loaded with Nutrients
Being a dairy product, makkhana is a powerhouse of nutrition. It is abundant in healthy saturated fats that provide energy for the body. Moreover, it also contains fat-soluble vitamins A and E, which are wonderful antioxidants that support eye and skin health. The high percentages of vitamin D present in this energy food strengthen bones. There are also generous amounts of vitamins K2 and B12 that are known to protect the heart from various diseases.
Helps Reduce Inflammation
White butter is a rich source of butyric acid, which is a short-chained fatty acid that helps lower inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Consuming it regularly may help reduce inflammatory issues and infections.
Improves Digestion
The butyric acid in makkhan is also linked with improved digestive health, which can ease bowel movement in constipation. Moreover, the greasy nature of butter is known to smoothen the digestive tract, which helps with easy motion. It can also help alleviate irritation in the stomach due to acidity and have a cooling effect on the linings of the stomach.
May Help with Weight Loss
As the butter helps improve digestion, it prevents the buildup of toxins in the colon and boosts metabolism. This can be beneficial for getting rid of fat. As per Ayurveda, butter or ghee helps kindle the digestive fire, which improves metabolism. Hence, consuming this butter in moderation can be helpful for weight loss.
May Reduce Skin Dryness
Butter has natural emollient properties and is great for locking moisture in. It is also suitable for topical use for soothing irritated or chapped skin, such as the lips and elbows. Its consumption is also suitable for the management of skin dryness.
Precautions While Using White Butter
While the benefits of consuming makkhan are tempting, there are a few precautions that you need to take to avoid side effects:
- Avoid consuming it if you are lactose-intolerant.
- Although it may help with weight loss, consult a doctor before use.
- White butter calories are high and should be consumed in moderation when paired with other high-calorie foods.
To Sum Up
White butter is commonly offered to Lord Krishna and consumed on the occasion of Janmashtami. It is incorporated into the daily diet due to its immense health benefits. Since it contains healthy fats, the consumption of white butter benefits your eyes, skin, and bone health. Moreover, it is known to improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the body. Make sure to use it in moderation to enjoy its benefits without any side effects.