Will Ghee Make Me Fat?
You may wonder: if ghee is pure extraction of fat from butter, will including it in my diet not make me fat? It’s a common concern and a reason some people avoid ghee altogether. It’s unfortunate, as this fear stems from outdated myths, and by avoiding ghee, people miss out on an incredibly nourishing and potentially healing food. Let’s break down these pesky misconceptions and uncover the truth about ghee and weight once and for all…
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Fat Doesn’t Make You Fat
For decades, we’ve been bombarded with the message that fat in food equals fat on the body. This led to the rise of low-fat diets, replaced by an overreliance on refined sugars and processed foods. As these low-fat diets became popular, health issues like obesity and metabolic diseases soared. Hmmm…could it be that we got it all wrong about fat?
The truth is, fat is an essential macronutrient your body needs for numerous functions. From supporting hormone production to maintaining brain health, fat plays a key role. It also helps you feel full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating. Furthermore, we need to understand that not all fats are created equal—and choosing the right kind can have a huge impact on your overall health.
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It’s About Quality Fats
Not all fats are good for you. Many common cooking oils, such as canola, sunflower, and rapeseed, are polyunsaturated fats often heavily processed with solvents and chemicals. These oils are unstable at high temperatures, making them prone to oxidation and capable of triggering inflammation in the body (please stop cooking with them!).
Ghee, on the other hand, is a pure saturated fat derived from butter. While saturated fats were once demonised, research has shown that they’re stable for cooking and provide a clean source of energy. High-quality ghee, especially when made from grass-fed butter, is packed with fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Choosing ghee as your primary cooking fat ensures you’re avoiding harmful oils while nourishing your body with healthy, stable fats. For more on this, read The Health Benefits of Ghee: Why it’s the Ultimate Cooking Oil.
Fat-Burning Ghee!
Believe it or not, consuming ghee can actually support fat loss. Based on this modern study, ghee can assist in reducing body fat compared to other cooking fats.
Additionally, ghee contains a variety of important fatty acids, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and conjugated linoleic fatty acid (CLA). MCTs are metabolised differently than other fats; they’re quickly absorbed by the liver and used as an immediate energy source, which can help boost metabolism. Plus, the findings of this modern study suggest that CLA consumption favourably modifies body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors, as well as reducing fat storage. Impressive!
Ghee is also a rich source of butyric acid, which plays an essential role in energy production, cellular repair, and digestion, which can positively impact metabolism and weight management. And if that wasn’t enough, fatty acids in ghee have been found to trigger the release of appetite-suppressing hormones, such as cholecystokinin (CCK), which signals fullness to the brain and helps reduce the likelihood of overeating.[1]
By replacing less healthy oils with ghee, you may find your energy levels and body composition actually improve over time.
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A Time-Tested Superfood
Ghee isn’t just another item on the supermarket shelf; it’s a time-tested staple with roots in ancient cultures. For centuries, ghee has been revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing and nourishing properties. It’s been used not only as a cooking fat but also as a remedy for ailments, a carrier for herbs, and even as a skincare product. Talk about multi-purpose!
There’s something to be said for ancestral wisdom. Foods like ghee have stood the test of time for a reason. When incorporated into a balanced, whole-foods diet, ghee can provide lasting benefits that align with centuries of traditional knowledge.
Finding Balance in Your Diet
When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, balance is key. A diet rich in unprocessed, real foods—including quality fats like ghee—will naturally support your body’s needs and allow it to settle at its happy weight. By listening to your hunger and fullness cues, and choosing foods that nourish your body, you’ll create a sustainable way of eating without unnecessary suffering or fear of weight gain.
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Ghee offers a wholesome, natural alternative to overly processed oils. By prioritising nutrient-dense foods and steering clear of fake ingredients, you can enjoy a diet that makes you healthy and happy. The idea that ghee will make you fat is a myth rooted in outdated dietary advice. Instead of fearing this incredible superfood, embrace it as part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle (personally, I have it everyday).
I created Yoghee because I wanted to offer you a ghee made from the finest grass-fed, cultured butter, ensuring you get the purest product possible.
Let’s move past the misconceptions and make ghee a kitchen staple. Nourish your body, enjoy your meals, and step into the vibrant healthy life you were meant to live. 🙂
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