Uncovering The 5 Common Ghee Myths For Healthy Cooking And Guilt-Free Indulgence

Updated:Aug 11, 2024

Ghee, which is thoughtfully kept in kitchens, has been a staple of every Indian household for many centuries. But false beliefs might have surfaced around ghee, the most common of which is that it's bad for health. While some people continue to use it, others avoid it out of fear.

5 Common Ghee Myths You Need To Stop Believing

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Ghee is a common, nutritious staple in Indian households. On the other hand, there are several myths and lies regarding ghee. As people become more aware of their health, they are substituting better options and avoiding anything that might lead to an unhealthy weight. Since then, several dietitians and influencers have criticised the use of desi ghee , mostly due to its high-fat content.

Ayurveda, which sees pure desi ghee as the purest representation of the earth element, holds that it is an essential part of conventional medicine. You might be reluctant to add desi ghee to your diet because of a few misconceptions about it. But that should not be the case, as this article debunks many myths surrounding ghee or clarified butter.

Myth 1: Ghee Is Unhealthy

The idea that ghee is bad since it is made entirely of fat is among the most widespread ones. While fat is a substance, ghee is one type of fat among others. Healthy fats, such as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are good for the body and general health, are abundant in ghee. Ghee consumption can significantly lower the risk of heart disease and enhance lipid profiles, according to research by the Ohio State University (2010) in Columbus.

Myth 2: Ghee Causes Weight Gain

Ghee will make you fat is the most prevalent fallacy about it. It is precisely for this reason that a lot of individuals abstain from using ghee in their everyday meals. Acknowledging that ghee is high in fat doesn't mean that consuming it in excess would cause weight gain. Saturated fat calories should make up no more than 10% of your daily caloric intake, according to Harvard Medical School research. Make sure to maintain it below this percentage, whether you obtain it from ghee or another fat source.

Myth 3: Food Shouldn't Be Cooked In Ghee

The idea that using ghee in cooking might be unhealthy is another prevalent misconception about it. It is important to note, nevertheless, that ghee is a safer alternative for high-heat cooking since it has a higher smoke point than many conventional cooking oils. By doing this, you can lessen the possibility of dangerous free radicals being released when using oils with lower smoke points.

Myth 4: Ghee Is Difficult To Digest

Many people think that ghee makes you bloated and is hard to digest. One of the few components of ghee that is naturally occurring, butyric acid, may help to improve immunological response, reduce inflammation, and facilitate easy digestion. Ghee keeps constipation at bay while assisting with bowel movement regulation. By strengthening gastric acids to maintain and repair the stomach and supporting the digestive system, it improves gut health and assists in digestion, according to the IP Journal of Nutrition, Metabolism and Health Science.

Myth 5: Ghee Is High In Lactose

Contrary to common assumption, ghee contains almost little lactose or casein, so those who are lactose intolerant can usually take it well. The milk particles are separated and taken off to produce ghee, leaving just pure butterfat. For people who are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy, ghee is a good substitute for butter.