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Ghee, also known as clarified butter, is a popular traditional Ayurvedic therapeutic oil used in medical treatments and food. If you are unsure that cow ghee, commonly used when added to the rice, can cause you to gain weight or not, then you have come to the right place seeking the answers.
At the same time, cow ghee 
or clarified butter is rumoured heavily to make you fat because of its fatty ingredients. The right amount of consumption can enhance your nutritious, balanced diet, ensuring you get all the good properties of the ghee. Also, at the same time, overconsumption or adding ghee to everything instead of rice can elevate your calories and increase your daily intake, making you fat.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), consuming up to 10% ghee is positively healthy and nutritious. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) also reveals that ghee, when taken seldomly with the right proportions to the rice, can help you get active and stronger without adding weight to your body.
Reasons Why Adding Ghee May Not Lead To Weight Gain:
Nutrient-rich
The ghee you have with rice contains essential fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E, which are important for various bodily functions, including immune system support, bone health, and skin health. These nutrients in the ghee can be beneficial when included as part of a balanced diet, contributing to overall well-being without weight gain.
Satiety
Do you ever feel fuller when having ghee rice? The presence of healthy fats in ghee can increase the feeling of satiety or fullness after a meal. It is the feeling of being satisfied that can lead to reduced cravings and overeating, potentially supporting weight management.
Stable Blood Sugar
Ghee you have with rice has a low glycemic index, meaning it has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. The stable blood sugar level in your body helps prevent sudden spikes and crashes, reducing the likelihood of cravings and excessive calorie intake.
Metabolism Boost
Medium-chain fatty acids present in ghee may be metabolised differently than long-chain fatty acids, potentially promoting a slight boost in metabolism. Also, it can contribute to weight management when part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
Traditional Use
Ghee has been a staple in traditional diets in many cultures for centuries. Consuming it with rice in a balanced eating pattern is less likely to contribute to weight gain. Adding ghee in rice has always been one of the most filling and delicious dishes one can have.
Reasons Why Adding Ghee Could Lead To Weight Gain
One needs to be mindful about having ghee as it tastes good and is very easily over-eaten in many households. That are certain reasons that you should know before eating ghee that can make you fat, including over-consumption and an unbalanced state given below:
Calorie Density
Ghee is calorie-dense, providing about 120 calories per tablespoon. If you are overeating, ghee with rice without considering overall caloric needs will lead to an imbalance and contribute to weight gain over time.
Over-consumption
If you are using large quantities of ghee in rice for garnish or as a condiment, it can add significant calories to meals. You should avoid regularly exceeding daily caloric requirements as it can contribute to weight gain.
Unbalanced Diet
If ghee is added to an unhealthy diet high in processed foods, sugars, and excessive calories, it can contribute to an unbalanced and calorie-rich diet. For example you can avoid adding ghee to fried rice or biryani additionally as it already has ghee and oils, making it calorie-rich.
