Is ghee good for weight loss?

In the Indian culture, ghee has been used extensively for various purposes. We’ve always had our grandmothers or mothers telling us to eat it. Despite this, people either hate it or love it. However, one cannot deny the value it brings to the table. Ghee is filled with anti-inflammatory properties, helps the digestive system and promotes healthy skin. Best of all, it is also suitable for people who are lactose intolerant. If this is not enough, ghee has an additional magical property that might blow your mind.

As surprising as it may sound, ghee is the addition you should make to your diet if you want to lose weight. One might wonder how is ghee good for weight loss despite it being a source of (healthy) fat. To answer your question and to help you lose weight, we will be discussing the importance of ghee for weight loss. To know more about this magical age-old ingredient, keep reading!

How ghee helps in losing weight?

Omega 3 and 6 are the fatty acids that play an active part in weight loss. They increase lean body mass and reduce body fat. Rich in both of them, ghee becomes a significant contributor to helping you lose weight. Additionally, ghee mobilises body fat and burns the fat tissues in the body, which encourages weight loss. 

Ghee and butter: which is good for weight loss?

Ghee, simply clarified butter is usually preferred over regular butter for daily use. In this case, we will analyse their role in weight loss and see their pros and cons in deciding whether to use butter or ghee for weight loss. 

Both ghee and butter are high in saturated fats which makes it difficult to clarify - ghee or butter, which is good for weight loss. Even though ghee helps burn down the fat tissues in your body, it does not have a significant advantage over the other. Consuming an excess of either will make you gain weight. Therefore, it is necessary to eat anything in moderation so that it aligns with your goals.

Nutritional composition of ghee 

After establishing the role of ghee in weight loss, we will understand its nutritional qualities. One tablespoon of ghee contains approximately 130 calories and 15 grams of fat, 9 of which are saturated fats. It is also rich in Omega 3 and 6 while having 0 carbs, fibre, sugar or protein. Nevertheless, it has varying amounts of Vitamin A, E, and K.

Comparison with butter and other cooking oils

Ghee benefits for weight loss, but should you still use it over other cooking oils present in the market? These points will give you reasons why you should -

• Ghee has a high smoking point. Other cooking oils with a lower smoking point break down easily, forming free radicals that cause various cancerous diseases in the body.
• Cooking oils do not have nutrients like vitamins A, E, and K present in ghee.
• Ghee can also be consumed by people who are lactose intolerant.
• Ghee has a unique nutty taste which can bring a depth of flavour to your dishes.
• Ghee is digested more easily in comparison to other cooking oils.
• It promotes heart health.

Ghee in traditional medicine and diabetics

Ayurveda is the Indian branch of medicine and has increasingly promoted ghee as a source of health and vitality. It balances the vatta and pitta dosha in the body and increases ‘agni,’ which helps you digest food quickly. Moreover, it lubricates and nourishes your body to reduce dry skin, dry colon, and inflammation of joints. Ayurveda also says that it can improve your memory, and eye health and increase the overall strength and beauty of the body. All of this combined slows down the aging process and impacts longevity.

Further, ghee has a low glycemic index. Thus, adding it to your food will not spike your sugar levels. This is typically useful for people with diabetes since the low glycemic index balances insulin and regulates blood sugar levels in the body.

Balancing calories: ghee in a calorie-controlled diet

Even though ghee is good for weight loss, ensure it is the right amount and the right way. Precisely, you should have 1-2 teaspoons of ghee daily. Keep in mind to integrate into a diet that is well-balanced and nutritious.

Our body needs adequate carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals apart from the fat that ghee provides. Since ghee is also slightly high in calories, one should balance intake by pairing it with foods that are lower in calories. A calorie-deficit diet is mandatory to lose weight.

Ways to use ghee for weight loss

As the search for questions like “Does ghee help in weight loss?” goes up, it becomes indispensable to show the various ways to use ghee for weight loss. Here are a few ways on how to take ghee for weight loss.

• Substitute ghee for oil when making gravy or curry-based dishes.
• Add it to your rotis or parathas for that extra melt-in your feeling!
• Mix it with warm water to drink in the morning.
• Use it in delicious sweets and mithais to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Top it as a dressing to your nutritious salad bowls.

Conclusion

We started the blog with the question - is ghee good for weight loss? To conclude, ghee for weight loss is helpful. Its nutritional and fat-burning properties should make you reconsider adding it to your diet if you haven’t already. 

Remember to consume only limited amounts and avoid excess, which can lead to weight gain. Consider using ghee to supplement a balanced diet instead of relying on it entirely. Don’t forget that weight loss requires consistent efforts through regular exercise, portion control, calorie deficit, adequate sleep and proper stress management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ghee contribute to weight loss?

Ghee does have the potential for weight loss by mobilising fat and burning fat tissues in your body. It’s also rich in Omega 3 and 6, which help increase lean muscle in the body, contributing to weight loss.

Can ghee be a part of a balanced diet?

You can use ghee as a fat source in a diet rich in carbohydrates, protein, and fibre to create a well-balanced and nourishing meal.

Can ghee be considered a healthy cooking oil for weight-conscious individuals?

Ghee is a healthier alternative compared to other cooking oils owing to its high smoking point and role in digestion and weight loss, making it suitable for weight-conscious and lactose-intolerant individuals.

What nutrients in ghee are beneficial for overall health?

Omega 3 and 6 in ghee help reduce cholesterol and promote heart health. Additionally, vitamins like A, E, and K promote eye health, and digestion, building strong bones and reducing antioxidants.

Can incorporating ghee into my diet help with weight loss?

You can start by incorporating 1-2 teaspoons of ghee into your diet for weight loss. Make sure not to go overboard to avoid weight gain.