Butter VS Ghee
February 21, 2022
Butter and Ghee, both are rich, flavourful and dense ingredients that elevate the taste of any recipe just by its mere presence. Both butter and ghee are rich sources of fat in the diet. Fats are an essential micronutrient present in our diet which are a must in order to ensure healthy growth and development. Fats can be healthy and unhealthy depending upon the source, quality and amount of fat you consume.
Different types of fats should be included in the diet. Unsaturated fats which are called MUFA and PUFA are considered as healthy as they help maintain good cholesterol levels and are protective against heart disease. These healthy sources include fatty fish, seeds, nuts and olives. Saturated fats should also be included in a healthy diet. They are solid fats at room temperature and include animal products like pork, chicken and beef. It is recommended to limit one’s intake of saturated fats as too much of it can increase the risk of heart diseases. Even though unsaturated fats are considered as healthier than saturated fats, its intake must also be in moderation. Too much of good or bad fat can be equally unhealthy.
Understanding the difference between ghee and butter is key to judge which is better suited for you. Both ghee and butter share certain similarities, they do differ in several ways including fat concentration and smoke point.
Ghee is a type of clarified butter and has several health benefits. Ghee has a higher smoke point which means it does not burn easily and therefore can be used for frying. It produces less toxin (which can cause cancer) when heated as compared to other oils. Ghee is lactose free and a better substitute to individuals who have allergies or sensitivities to dairy products. Nutritionally, ghee has a higher concentration of fat than butter and also has additional calories, not very significant though. Ghee has more fat concentration than butter, so a higher amount of saturated as well as unsaturated fats. But the difference in calories is not very significant, so if you are watching your caloric intake choosing one over the other may not impact your health.
Butter is a good accompaniment to various dishes and also a fair substitute to oil, it adds a distinct flavour to the overall food preparation. Eating butter in moderation may not be necessarily bad for you, ghee may however be a better alternative.
