Ghee and coconut oil are essential ingredients for everyday cooking. The former is consumed more in North India, while the latter is popular in the southern part of the country. From curries and vegetables to bread, they are used in making a variety of dishes. However, many people often find themselves in a dilemma as to which option is better for cooking. Ghee and coconut oil differ in their nutrients and benefits. Are you also in a similar situation? Don’t worry! Fitness coach Ralston D’Souza recently revealed the truth on Instagram, so you can make informed decisions while cooking.
Also read: 5 surprising reasons why you should start drinking ghee water every morning
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What are the benefits of ghee?
Ghee makes a wonderful contribution to our diet for many reasons. This golden wonder contains butyric acid, which is known to aid digestion, boost immunity, and support healthy cholesterol levels. Additionally, ghee is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, E and K – all of which are great for skin and hair health.
What are the benefits of coconut oil?
Coconut oil is considered to be one of the most favorable oils for weight loss. According to a study published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), coconut oil helped improve metabolic parameters in obese individuals. Plus, the antibacterial properties of coconut oil help nourish the skin from within, giving it a healthy glow. Some nutrients present in coconut oil also promote hair growth.
Ghee vs Coconut Oil – Which is Healthier for Cooking?
According to fitness coach Ralston D’Souza, coconut oil is a better option than ghee for cooking. He explains that ghee contains cholesterol, which when heated on high flame can oxidize and form oxysterols. Since most traditional Indian food is cooked on high flame, using ghee for cooking is not such a good idea. D’Souza further explains that the cholesterol present in ghee can put you at risk of heart diseases. So, while ghee has a higher smoke point than coconut oil, the real issue is with cholesterol.
He recommends assessing factors beyond smoke point when choosing a cooking medium. Ralston recommends choosing cholesterol-free, antioxidant-rich plant-based oils. However, this does not mean that you should stop consuming ghee completely. He suggests using ghee as a topping, as it’s rich in vitamins and butyrate – a short-chain fatty acid known to support gut health and reduce inflammation. For cooking, he recommends using coconut oil.
Also read: What happens if you consume coconut water, lemon water, ginger every day?
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Keep these things in mind to make informed decisions about your ghee and coconut oil intake so that you stay fit and healthy!
