Ghee is a common ingredient found in every Indian household. But have you ever wondered which ghee you consume – cow or buffalo ghee? And how does that affect your health? The two might seem similar, but there are noticeable differences between them.

What you need to know:

What is ghee?
Difference between cow ghee and buffalo ghee
Cow ghee Vs. buffalo ghee nutritional compositions
Cow ghee Vs. buffalo ghee: Which is better?
Ayurvedic perspective: The medicinal value of cow and buffalo ghee

**What is ghee?**

Ghee is primarily made using the fatty components of cow milk and buffalo milk. To produce ghee, a mixture of milk and butter is carefully processed through a method of simmering and curdling. It can also be created by simply boiling the collected dairy cream. Ghee has a rich history of being used for addressing specific health concerns. Incorporating ghee into a balanced diet can contribute significantly to your overall health, like enhanced digestion, bone health and nutrient absorption.

Ghee is similar to clarified butter, except it’s slightly more concentrated. It tastes a bit nutty with a caramel-like flavor. In addition, it has a light, grainy texture that almost feels smooth.

Difference between cow ghee and buffalo ghee

When it comes to cow ghee Vs. buffalo ghee, both offer different health benefits, such as:

Cow ghee:

Full of vitamins (A, D, and K), and calcium
Features antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
The color of cow ghee is yellow
Has carotene, which changes to vitamin A after digestion

Buffalo ghee:

Loaded with essential nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus
The color of buffalo milk is often white or off-white
Has a higher fat content and more calories

**Cow ghee vs. buffalo ghee nutritional compositions**

Here is a detailed list of the nutritional compositions of cow and buffalo ghee.

Cow ghee (1 tablespoon)

Calories: 123 kcal
Fat: 14 grams
Saturated fat: 9 grams

Buffalo ghee (1 tablespoon)

Calories: 44 kcal
Fat: 5 grams

**Cow ghee Vs. buffalo ghee: Which is better?**

Certain factors can help you determine which ghee type suits you better. Here are some of them:

Milk to ghee ratio

Typically, the ghee made from buffalo milk is more than that of cow milk.

Shelf life

Buffalo ghee has a higher fat content, so it lasts longer, whereas cow ghee has a shorter shelf life.

Fat content

Cow ghee is much lighter than buffalo ghee. If you’re concerned about consuming excess fat, then go for cow ghee.

Digestion

Ghee contains butyric acid, which aids in metabolism. However, cow ghee is much lighter and easier for your gut to digest than buffalo ghee.

Ayurvedic perspective: The medicinal value of cow and buffalo ghee

Here are some common medicinal values of cow ghee:

Cow ghee is rich in several vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and oxidants associated with a reduced risk of liver diseases, arthritis, and infections.
Cow ghee is high in monounsaturated omega 3s. These healthy fatty acids promote your heart health. Incorporating it into your daily diet can also reduce your cholesterol levels.

Here are some medicinal values of buffalo ghee:

Buffalo ghee is rich in CLAs (Conjugated Linoleic Acids) and MCFAs (Medium-Chain Fatty Acids). These compounds help in weight management and enhance your heart health.
Like cow ghee, buffalo ghee is rich in vitamin A, which is great for maintaining eye and skin health and boosting immunity. Buffalo ghee can also help manage dark circles and reduce chapped lips. The vitamin K in buffalo ghee also strengthens bones.

Consider adding ghee to your daily diet. For instance, mix a teaspoon of ghee into your morning coffee for an energizing kick. Cow ghee can be a better option as it provides a lot of health benefits, including enhanced brain function. In addition, it has much fewer calories than buffalo ghee, making it a healthier alternative.

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