The debate on which is healthier between ghee and butter has been raging for ages. There are staunch supporters on both sides who will vehemently argue the benefits of either butter or ghee. But what do people in the medicinal field have to say? Is one indeed better than the other?
The first written reference of butter was found on an old limestone tablet that is 4500 plus years old. Butter is made by churning milk and separating the solids (butterfat) from the liquid (buttermilk). Butter contains a high concentration of fat that gives it its rich and creamy texture. Butter is often used as a substitute for oil in cooking, especially when it comes to sautéing vegetables because it adds a unique and pleasing flavour to foods. It is an indispensable ingredient in baking as well.
Over the years, some people have replaced butter with margarine. However, margarine hasn’t been proven to be healthier than butter. Butter, after all, is a natural fat.
Despite being used extensively all over the world, butter has always been at the centre of controversy. Some claim that its fat content will amp up your cholesterol level, but did you know that it is not as villainous as it is portrayed to be?
Ghee is actually a derivative of butter. It is clarified butter. When butter is heated, it allows milk to break away from the fats. The milk portion then caramelizes, and the oil that is left behind is ghee. The impurities from the surface are gotten rid of, and the clear liquid fat is retained.
It is a staple of sub-continental cuisine. It even finds mention in ancient ayurvedic texts. Like butter, ghee has faced its share of backlash. But ghee too has several benefits-
If both butter and ghee are nutritionally similar, which should you opt for?
In my opinion Ghee is slightly better than butter , but don’t use these to fry any foods because fried foods with ghee and butter has transfats which is very bad for body
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Also Read: Ghee Benefits: Unveiling The Golden Goodness For Your Well-Being
Homemade ghee can easily be stored for up to 3 months without refrigeration. It should be stored in an airtight container and as far away from direct sunlight as possible.
As for butter, in almost all weather conditions in India, the butter needs to be refrigerated. It is preferable to chop a block of butter in smaller chunks and wrap it in butter paper before storing it. Using zip lock bags or air-tight containers can also be preferred. This makes usage of butter easier while allowing better heating and re-heating as required. Small butter chunks are also easier to consume as the proportions and measurement of using butter in making a particular dish is better.
Ghee is comparatively easier to digest since it is free of lactose and milk solids and thus preferred by people who are lactose intolerant.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Also Read: Does Butter Go Bad? Your Guide to Butter Shelf Life
There are slight differences between the two products other than how they are produced. Ghee contains fewer milk proteins than butter. So, if you are relying on dairy products for your source of proteins, butter would be a better option for you. On the other hand, people who are allergic to milk cannot consume butter, so ghee is something they can opt for.
Ghee has a higher fat and calorie content. But the difference is marginal. One tablespoon of ghee has about 115 calories and 14.9 grams of fat. Ghee is rich in fatty acids. The ratio of omega- 3 to omega- 6 fatty acids in ghee is considered ideal but only in pure ghee. One tablespoon of salted butter has about 100 calories and 11.52 grams of fat. The calories in one tablespoon of butter are equal to an entire banana.
Essentially, you have to look beyond the nutritional profile of the two to figure out which is more suitable for you.
First of all, the two have very distinctly different flavours. Go for the one whose essence you prefer.
Secondly, ghee has a higher smoking point (252 degrees Celsius) than butter (177 degrees Celsius). So it can withstand more heat and would not stick to the bottom of your cooking pan, which makes it ideal for sautéing.
People who are sensitive to lactose and casein can opt for ghee- it has a lesser content of both. What we can conclude is that both butter and ghee are a preferable substitute to most other cooking oils as they both produce less acrylamide when heated- a chemical that ups the risk of cancer. While both ghee and butter should be consumed in controlled amounts, one needn’t exile them from their diet until absolutely necessary. Both can be used based on preferences.
So, analyze your taste and culinary requirements to decide which to opt for.
Also Read About: 11 Health Benefits of Buttermilk & How to Make It Home
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
No other food element has got as much bad press as ghee. With research conducted over the years, it has come to light that instead of harming the body, ghee is right for you. It turns out our grandmothers were right in cooking food in ghee and adding it to our bowls of steaming dals and rice. In the scriptures, it has been equated to gold. Considering its amazing benefits, our ancestors knew the real value of ghee!
Did You Know?
Research proves that ghee is low in fat. It has healthy fats which make it add good cholesterol to the body. Ghee does not cause heart diseases like other forms of fat.
Ghee consumption is strongly related to a healthy gut. In the olden times, our ancestors used to have a spoonful of ghee before every meal. It lined the gut and reduced chances of ulcers and cancer.
Ghee is rich in Butyric Acid, which helps the body in producing T cells that fight diseases. Also, read 7 habits to boost immunity
Ghee is a dependable source of critical oil-soluble vitamins A and E that are needed for a healthy liver, balanced hormones, and fertility.
Ghee has butyric acid, which is an anti-cancer constituent. The antioxidants present in it make it anti-inflammatory.
Ghee is lactose-free. It doesn’t cause allergies in those who suffer from dairy or casein intolerance.
Ghee is one of the safest dermatological cosmetics. It is skin-friendly and helps treat burns.
Rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and a natural emollient, ghee helps you with maintaining healthy skin by locking in moisture, improving skin repair, treating cracks and softening the skin. This is also one of the popular traditional benefits of ghee.
Due to the presence of vitamin E and the fact that it can improve hair thickness, ghee is great for applying to the hair and scalp. The health benefits of ghee mean that it can also ease a dry, itchy scalp due to its moisturising properties.
Ghee is rich in Vitamin K, which helps in calcium absorption. It helps in the prevention of tooth decay and prevents atherosclerosis. Also, read the best foods for healthy bones
Since the usage of ghee results in balancing the hormones, it is instrumental in thyroid dysfunction.
Ghee revs up the body’s metabolism making it an ideal medium for weight loss. Consumption of ghee makes it burn the other fats in the body and thus causes weight loss.
Ghee does not break into free radicals at a high temperature. Free radicals are responsible for cancer, amongst other diseases. This makes it an ideal medium and a stable fat to cook and fry food in.
Ghee tends to balance the hormones in the body. This makes it an ideal contender if you are looking to relieve yourself of menstrual issues like PMS and irregular periods.
Ghee consumption increases appetite in kids and adults alike. This is another reason to add it to your child’s food.
Ghee elevates the taste of any dish that it is added to – a bowl of dal becomes tastier after adding ghee.
Ghee attracts toxic elements in the body and helps in cleansing the body of harmful stuff. It is one of the most sattvic foods.
Regular consumption of ghee leads to a reduction in stress and anxiety levels.
Let me tell you a secret! Ghee may enhance your memory. Yes, you read it right! According to the study, desi ghee is a good source of vitamins A, D, E, and K and essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 9) that may aid memory.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Also Read: Ghee Benefits: Unveiling The Golden Goodness For Your Well-Being
Ghee is an excellent source of fatty acids, such as linolenic and arachidonic acid, as well as the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K that may help maintain optimal health. I read an article that suggests the regular intake of ghee may aid in maintaining good vision as a result of its richness in antioxidants.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Also Read: Brahmi Grita: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
