“Ghee and butter make you fat.” Well, that is not entirely true. Having either of the two in moderation is good for health.

Where to use ghee?

Ghee is basically butter that has been heated so that the milk portion gets separated from the oil. You might have seen the brown solid that separates out while making ghee. This is the milk that solidifies on heating. And the remaining oil is ghee. 

Since the milk gets separated, ghee is a good substitute for lactose-intolerance i.e. sensitivity to dairy products. Moreover, ghee has a high smoke point, meaning it doesn’t burn quickly. So, when it comes to sauteing or frying vegetables, ghee is an ideal option. In fact, it also enhances the taste of the dish, as compared to when the vegetables are sauteed in cooking/vegetable oil.

These days, cow ghee has also gained popularity, which is distinguishable from buffalo ghee due to its slightly yellowish colour. Cow ghee has a lot of benefits, including ayurvedic properties too. It is low in fats, thus it helps in losing weight. Not only that, it also improves memory, leads to healthy skin, lubricates joints, detoxifies the body, and is easily digested by the body as compared to other types of ghee.

Learn different recipes that you can make with ghee leftovers (the brown residue left after making ghee)

Milk Cake With Ghee Leftovers

Mango Ghee Residue Barfi

If you want to check the nutrition of different brands of ghee that are available in India, click here.

How is butter different?

Butter is a dairy product made by churning buttermilk, through which the solid fats get separated from the liquid, giving it a rich and creamy texture. Be it on toast, parathas, pav bhaji, or other Indian cuisines, butter enhances the flavour. It also adds texture and volume to baked goods, when used in baking.

You can check the nutrition of different brands of butter that are available in India by clicking here.

Which of the two has more calories?

Ghee has more concentration of fats, as compared to butter. But the difference in their calories is negligible. So, choosing either ghee or butter over the other, solely to watch your weight and calorie intake, won’t impact the health in any way.

Whereas butter helps in maintaining bone health, developing the nervous system, and increasing the immunity; ghee strengthens muscles and maintains eye health.

If you are still wondering what to include in your daily diet, the answer is- both in moderation.