Filmmaker Farah Khan and her cook, Dilip, paid a visit to Baba Ramdev’s sprawling Haridwar aashram, where they not only took a tour with the spiritual guru but also whipped up his ‘ATM’ recipe made with “gaay ka ghee,” or cow ghee. “ATM bana rahe hai. ATM ka matlab hai aloevera, turmeric, and methi (ATM means aloevera, raw turmeric and sprouted fenugreek),” Ramdev said, while demonstrating the recipe on the filmmaker’s YouTube vlog.In a wok, add cow ghee, hing, garlic, chunks of raw turmeric, fresh aloe vera, raw, sprouted fenugreek (methi), and curry leaves. Allow it to cook and turn off the flame.What’s special about this dish?“Aloevera anti-ageing hai. Iska naam hai Geeta Kumari. Woh Kumar hi rahega. (Aloe vera is anti-ageing. This dish is called Geeta Kumari. One would continue to remain youthful, and not age faster),” said Ramdev.“Pehle aap hi khaaoge yeh (You eat this first). Dawai samajhke khaalun main? (Should I eat it as a medicine?) Hai toh tasty but thodi kadwi hai (It is tasty but slightly bitter). Ab main jawan aur khoobsurat ho jaungi isse? (Will I be young and beautiful if I eat this?)” asked Farah, to which Ramdev said, “Yes, for many years”.As Farah told Dilip to finish off the sabzi, Dilip said, “Ma’am, bahut kadwa hai (It is very bitter)”.Taking a cue from Ramdev’s revelation that the sabzi made with these ingredients is anti-ageing, we decided to verify.Consultant dietitian Garima Goyal said that the dish does combine ingredients that are individually recognised for their health-promoting properties.Story continues below this adAloe vera: Contains bioactive compounds that can aid digestion and act as a mild laxative. However, excess intake, especially of unprocessed aloe latex, may cause abdominal cramps or electrolyte imbalance.Turmeric: Rich in curcumin, which has well-documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Its absorption improves when taken with fat or black pepper, which this recipe lacks.Sprouted Methi (fenugreek seeds): Offers soluble fibre and compounds that can support blood sugar control, digestion, and cholesterol management. Sprouting enhances the bioavailability of nutrients, said Goyal.That said, combining these three “doesn’t automatically multiply their effects”. “The bitterness may discourage regular intake, and consuming it on an empty stomach in concentrated amounts could irritate sensitive stomachs. A balanced diet with these ingredients used in culinary amounts is often more sustainable than consuming them as a bitter medicinal dish,” said Goyal. Aloe vera, turmeric, and sprouted methi all contain antioxidants and bioactive compounds that can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation – two key drivers of premature ageing. (Photo: Pixabay)In moderation, this mix is not harmful for most people, but Goyal emphasised that it should not be seen as a quick-fix or substitute for medical treatment of diabetes, cholesterol, or digestive issues. “More importantly, how these ingredients are prepared and in what quantity determines whether the drink is beneficial or just unpalatable,” mentioned Goyal.Aloe vera, turmeric, and sprouted methi all contain antioxidants and bioactive compounds that can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation – two key drivers of premature ageing.Story continues below this adAlso Read | Marathi actor Sanjay Khapare recalls what John Abraham once told him about his eating habits: ‘No oil, masala food’“Aloe vera supports hydration and skin health, turmeric’s curcumin offers anti-inflammatory and free-radical-fighting effects, and sprouted methi provides fibre and plant compounds that support metabolic balance. Together, they may aid in maintaining cellular health and slow down age-related decline, but they cannot stop or reverse ageing,” said Goyal.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.