It is recommended to add a tablespoon of ghee to stewed apples, or any other fruit, to slow down the release of sugars (apples will be used in this explanation). This is rooted in the understanding of how different macro-nutrients affect digestion and blood sugar levels.

Here’s an explanation of why and how this works in the gut:
Sugar Regulation: For anyone who has unregulated blood sugar levels and a compromised gut lining, a rapid influx of sugar can be detrimental. It can feed pathogenic bacteria in the gut, exacerbate inflammation, and lead to blood sugar spikes and then crashes, which can affect mood, energy, and overall healing.

Nutrient Absorption: The GAPS diet emphasises nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest and support gut healing. Adding ghee which is a healthy fat ghee ensures that the body receives essential fatty acids while also helping to regulate the absorption of other nutrients, including sugars.

Satiety: Fats are more satiating than carbohydrates alone. Including ghee helps to make the stewed apple more filling, reducing the likelihood of overeating or craving more sugary foods.

How it works in the gut:
The mechanism by which fat, like ghee, slows down the release of sugars involves several physiological processes:

Delayed Gastric Emptying: When fat is consumed with carbohydrates, it slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. This is a key factor in regulating blood sugar. The presence of fat in the small intestine triggers hormonal signals that reduce the motility of the stomach.

Slower Digestion and Absorption: Once the food mixture (chyme) enters the small intestine, the fat component requires more time and digestive enzymes (lipases) to be broken down. This extended digestion process for fats also means that the carbohydrates (sugars) mixed with them are exposed to digestive enzymes for a longer period and absorbed more gradually into the bloodstream.

Reduced Glycemic Response: By slowing down the rate of sugar absorption, ghee helps to prevent a rapid spike in blood glucose levels. Instead of a sudden surge, the sugars are released more steadily, leading to a more stable blood sugar response. This is beneficial for overall metabolic health and for reducing stress on the pancreas, which produces insulin.

Stimulation of Gut Hormones: The presence of fat in the small intestine can stimulate the release of certain gut hormones, such as GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1). These hormones play a role in slowing gastric emptying, promoting satiety, and enhancing insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, further contributing to blood sugar regulation.

By incorporating ghee with stewed apples, the GAPS method leverages the digestive properties of fat to create a more balanced and gentle impact on blood sugar, supporting the healing process of the gut.