Indian cuisine is all about lots of spices and oil. This usually freak out a lot of fitness enthusiasts, who often get confused between using ghee or oil. Honey thaker shares tip to simplify your decision-making
The dilemma of choosing between ghee and oil is something that most of us face almost every day. This happens because we fail to understand that there’s nothing 100 per cent perfect. Everything has its pros and cons. Therefore, choosing the right oil or choosing between ghee and oil depends on your health goals. So, let’s talk about the benefits and the disadvantages of ghee and one of the most commonly used vegetable oils.
Ghee: Ghee is a type of highly-clarified butter that originated from the Indian subcontinent and is most commonly used in South Asian cooking. Ghee, just like butter, is made using cow’s milk. The quality of it depends on the source of milk. Ghee processed using grass-fed cow’s milk is of the optimal quality and provides several health benefits.
It is enriched with Vitamins A, D, E, and K. It is lactose-free and contains no sugar or salt. It is also said to be rich in antioxidants and antibiotics and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits:
Disadvantages:
The only disadvantage is it can be stored as fat in your tummy if you eat more than the required amount. On average, a healthy adult can have two to three spoons of ghee every day. Another potential setback is that in some cases of ghee consumption by lactose-intolerant people may cause health concerns.
Oil: Vegetable oils are derived from plants and fruits. There are several different types of oils and they all have pros and cons. Let's discuss a few of the most common vegetable oils used for cooking, here.
Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil is extracted from the seeds of the flower and is very commonly used.
Benefits: Sunflower oil is rich in omega 6 and linoleic acids. Contains essential nutrients that can help lower the risk of heart diseases and also blood cholesterol. Sunflower oil also aids in digestion and is good for your immunity, skin, and hair.
Disadvantages: A diet that is high in sunflower oil may increase blood sugar levels. It may also cause allergies in people who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family.
Both ghee and oil are beneficial for health; however, moderation is the key. Additionally, it is vital to consult your healthcare professional to learn which one is right for you based on your health conditions.
The writer is Head Nutritionist — Fitness Science & Nutrition, Purenutrition.in.