Is Indian Ghee Better Than Butter?

A spoonful of ghee.
Ghee is a clarified butter product. It has more fat than butter since the water, and milk solids have been removed. (Image: Marek Uliasz via Dreamstime)

Indian ghee has made a triumphant return to the Indian kitchen in recent years, and what a triumphant return it has been.

Ghee has been dubbed the “new superfood” after years of being associated with weight gain and poor health. It keeps your intestines healthy, is an excellent source of fat, and is also great for your skin. Nutritionists all across the world advocate moderate and controlled amounts of ghee. Others, however, wonder if it is preferable to ordinary butter and whether it may come with health concerns.

This article will examine ghee in depth and compare it to butter.

So what is ghee?

Ghee is a clarified butter product. It has more fat than butter since the water and milk solids have been removed.

It was developed to keep the butter from deteriorating in hot climates. The phrase is derived from the Sanskrit word “sprinkled.” it has been utilized for thousands of years in Indian and Pakistani traditions.

Ghee is created by heating butter and separating the liquid and milk solid components from the fat. 

First, the butter is cooked until the liquid has evaporated and the milk particles have settled to the bottom of the pan and turned golden to dark brown. The residual oil (ghee) is then allowed to cool until it is warm. The liquid is then filtered before being placed in jars or other containers.

It’s simple to make at home with grass-fed butter.

paratha-ghee
Hot delicious paratha with ghee. (Image: Manubahuguna via Dreamstime)

The benefits of ghee 

  • When you cook with ghee, you avoid being exposed to carcinogens. However, when most oils are heated, free radicals can cause many types of cancer.
  • It moisturizes both your skin and your hair.
  • Ghee is entirely natural. It has a long shelf life because of its low moisture content.
  • Ghee contains the cancer-fighting compound CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid). CLA has been shown to help fight both cardiovascular disease and cancer.
  • Ghee is a nutrient-dense fat.
  • It is anti-inflammatory. Ghee was widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to relieve swelling and burns. It includes butyrate, which reduces inflammation. It also aids in the healing and repair of the stomach lining, which is beneficial to those with Crohn’s disease.
  • Lactose-intolerant people can take it since it is devoid of milk solids.
  • Ghee, like butter, includes vitamins A and E. Vitamins D and K are also present.

Butter composition 

To make butter, churn milk and separate the solids (butterfat) from the liquid (buttermilk). Butter’s high-fat content contributes to its rich and creamy texture. Because it gives a distinct and appealing flavor to meals, butter is frequently used to replace oil in cooking, particularly when sautéing vegetables. It is also an essential element in baking.

Some people have substituted margarine for butter throughout the years. However, it has not been established that margarine is healthier than butter. After all, margarine is a butter substitute that combines water and vegetable oils and ingredients like salt, colorings, and natural or artificial flavorings.

Butter has long been a source of contention despite its widespread use worldwide. Some argue that its fat content would raise your cholesterol level, but it’s not as bad as some say. 

butter
Butter’s high-fat content contributes to its rich and creamy texture. (Image: Photomailbox via Dreamstime)

Benefits of butter 

  • Butter contains vitamins A and E, antioxidants, riboflavin, phosphorus, and calcium.
  • It can shield your cells from free radicals, enhance your immunity, improve your vision, and raise your chances of avoiding breast and stomach cancer.
  • It is primarily made up of saturated fats, which, contrary to common belief, have no relation to heart disease. But, according to a new study, the fats in butter may increase your risk of developing heart disease.
  • Butter promotes adrenal and thyroid function.
  • It protects us from artery deterioration.
  • Butter helps to prevent tooth decay.
  • Butter is a source of Activator X, which aids our bodies in mineral absorption.
  • This is a rapid source of energy for our bodies.

Conclusion: Butter vs. ghee 

Ghee is an ancient natural food with medicinal and culinary use. It has certain culinary benefits over butter and is preferred if you have a dairy allergy or intolerance. However, there is no proof that it is healthier than butter. Both can be consumed in moderation as part of a nutritious diet.

To determine which is better for you, you must go beyond the nutritional profiles of the two.

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  • Ratul Saha

    Ratul Saha is a freelance writer based in India. He specializes in Culture and Lifestyle while aiming to inspire others through his word versatility.

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