Taking into account the wide spreading of Obesity across the world. Ayurveda’s views can appear contradictory but ghee has been used for millennia in Indian diets without any reported adverse effects of health. One must scrutinize ghee through the modern scientific lens.

Refutition Of Lipid Hypothesis In Modern Research

All fats, especially saturated fats, have been widely vilified by modern health authorities. This can be traced back to the Lipid Hypothesis of the 1950’s. Which stated heart disease was due to high intakes of saturated fats. It suggested favouring polyunsaturated fats would improve health though growing evidence suggests the Lipid Hypothesis was wrong. Most of the earlier studies focused on cholesterol levels as an indicator of CVD risk but recent studies indicate. That the more specific culprit is oxidised low density lipoprotein cholesterol that leads to atherosclerosis.

The presence of 65% saturated fat in Gir Cow Ghee made it an easy target. One Lancet study explored the high frequency of atherosclerosis in Indian immigrant populations and found substantial amounts of harmful cholesterol oxides were found in ghee, but not in butter. This implies cholesterol in butter is oxidised in making ghee. The author stated one need only eat 1g of ghee daily for there to be a harmful effect on arteries.

When the experiment was repeated however, no cholesterol oxides were detected in ghee. The authors felt that by the time ghee’s cholesterol oxidises, it is no longer considered edible (3-4 months storage at ambient temperature). It is also thought oxidation may be prevented due to ghee’s considerable level of antioxidants.

How does Ghee prevent CVD (Cardio vascular (Heart) disease)

Beside ghee contains only those fatty acid or saturated fat that are primarily (89%) short chain fatty acids, compared with longer chains in other animal fats, such as beef fat. It is the longer chain fatty acids that are associated with blood clotting and thrombosis. Short chains are not only easier to digest, but help hormone production and strengthening cell membranes. They also have anti-microbial properties, protecting against harmful micro-organisms in the digestive tract. Beyond there being no clear evidence linking pure ghee with CVD risk, it seems it may even help prevent heart diseases.

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