Gir Cow Ghee vs Refined Oil: What is Better?
A debate we’ve been hearing for ages - ghee vs refined oil, isn’t it? While we use both ingredients for our cooking interchangeably, they both come with their own sets of pros and cons.
Let’s dive deep to understand what is better for health and taste!
What really is Gir Cow Ghee?
Since the dawn of time, ghee has been a basic ingredient in Indian cooking. Ghee is a Sanskrit term that means to sprinkle. It is a variety of clarified butter that contains more concentrated fat than butter. Water and milk solids are present in greater quantities in butter than they are in ghee. Due to butter's tendency to spoil sooner, it was invented in the past as a replacement. Yes, Ghee can be stored for longer periods of time at room temperature.
Ghee is referred to as "ghrita" in Ayurveda. It is a medication for many different illnesses.
What benefits does Gir Cow Ghee have?
Vitamins A, C, D, K, and E are only a few of the vitamins that are abundant in ghee. It has excellent antioxidant qualities. As a result, it aids in lowering the risk of cancer, arthritis, cataracts, and heart disease. It has conjugated linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids, which aid to lessen gastrointestinal inflammation. It aids in the body's quick and increased absorption of nutrients.
- Since desi ghee is a high source of vitamin A, regularly consuming it is beneficial for preserving healthy skin, eyes, and immunity.
- Butyric acid can be found in Desi ghee. It is a short-chain fatty acid that enhances human digestion and lessens inflammatory responses in the body.
- Additionally, it is applied topically to treat burns and edema.
- It contains a lot of linoleic acids, which lowers excessive body weight by managing cholesterol levels. It aids in the battle against cancer.
- High concentrations of monounsaturated omega-3 fatty acids can be found in desi ghee. These fatty acids aid in the reduction of inflammation and safeguard the heart from different heart disorders.
- The amount of lactose and casein is quite little because it is made by removing milk solids. For those who cannot tolerate lactose, it is a useful source of fat.
- It is an effective home treatment for wintertime cough.
- It helps in curing the problem of constipation.
What is refined oil?
Refined oil is the term used to describe purified oil. However, it is not really ‘pure’ oil. In the purifying procedure, hazardous compounds like nickel are used. It receives an alkali, acidic, or bleaching treatment. Then it is either deodorized, neutralized, or filtered. Hexane, a hydrocarbon, is also required for these activities. It contains sodium hydroxide as well as several dangerous compounds that are employed as preservatives. It causes the oil to get rancid and produce PUFAs, or polyunsaturated fatty acids, which call for deodorization. Trans fats are created when the oil is taken from the seeds.
Some of the most popular refined oils in the market are:
- Vegetable oil
- Canola oil
- Soybean oil
- Safflower oil
- Margarine
- Corn oil
Effect of consuming refined oils
The consumption of refined oils can cause the following harmful effects:
- Digestive issues may be brought on by refined oils. Sodium hydroxide, a caustic chemical, is added throughout the refinement process to create refined oils. This chemical has a significant negative impact on the lining of the alimentary canal, which interferes with digestion and absorption. It may result in ulcers, gastroenteritis, tumours, and cysts.
- Additionally, refined oils contain more omega-6 fatty acids than usual. The health of the intestines is severely harmed by omega-6 fatty acids. It causes a number of deadly disorders, including colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Carcinogens exist in refined oils. One of the most crucial chemicals used in the refinement of oils is nickel. It has negative effects on the skin, liver, and respiratory system. It makes other cancers and breast cancer in women more likely.
- All of the important nutrients are lost during the refining process and the amount of trans fats increases. Trans fats raise blood levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol. At the same time, they reduce the amount of beneficial cholesterol. As a result, plaque builds up inside the artery walls, which results in artery narrowing. This is the cause of a number of cardiac conditions, including angina, atherosclerosis, shortness of breath, and heart attacks. A stroke can result if the blockage occurs in the brain.
- Bleaching, deodorising, and other processes are used during the refining of oils. These are all acidic or alkaline processes. They lessen the oil's flavour, aroma, and chlorophyll concentration. The oil's staleness gets worse. Because of the compounds in the oil, the alveoli in the lungs begin to shrink. Breathing problems and, in some situations, lung infections might also happen.