Are Claims That Ghee “Clogs Arteries” Outdated Science?

People have said for years, “Ghee clogs your arteries.” Shops, schools, and even family doctors repeat this. But should we still believe it? Modern science tells a different story. Here’s what you should know if you live in the UK and eat ghee or use it in your cooking.

Why did people fear ghee?

For a long time, doctors said all saturated fat is bad for your heart. Ghee is rich in saturated fat. They thought eating too much saturated fat could raise cholesterol, making arteries narrow, and giving you a higher chance of a heart attack. In the past, many health groups told people to cut down on foods like ghee, butter, and coconut oil for this reason.

What do new studies show?

Now things have changed. In the last fifteen years, researchers did many big reviews and studies. These are called “meta-analyses.” A meta-analysis looks at lots of people, tens or even hundreds of thousands, and many studies are put together. Scientists found the links between saturated fats and heart attacks are not as strong as old studies said.

Here’s what new studies say:

·          BMJ review: A big study checked over 70 other studies. They found no big link between eating more saturated fats and dying from heart disease.

·         Journal of the American College of Cardiology review: Scientists found there is not enough proof to say saturated fats by themselves cause heart problems.

·         Diversity of saturated fats: Not all saturated fats are the same. Some are short, some are medium, and some are long-chain. Ghee has many types, so it does not act the same way as the fats in, say, processed meat.

These new reviews tell us the science is more mixed. Ghee alone, and foods like it, may not be as scary as once thought.

Different fats, different effects

Years ago, scientists put all saturated fats and foods like ghee in the same group. But new research shows this group is too broad. Saturated fats in ghee are not equal to the ones in red meat, sausages, or sweets.

Some fats in ghee (like butyric acid and conjugated linoleic acid) may help the gut and have other helpful effects. UK food experts say it is smart to look at your whole diet, not only cut out single foods.

Does ghee “clog arteries” in real life?

There is no strong proof that eating ghee in cooking, or spread on bread, will “clog” your arteries fast, unless you eat far too much of it. Most big studies show the risk is more with having lots of processed meats, sugars, not moving enough, and smoking.

On the other hand, some research from India and Pakistan hints eating ghee as part of a normal diet does not raise heart disease much. In some places, people eat ghee almost daily but have good heart health. Other things matter too, like how much you eat, exercise, or your family history.

Should you eat ghee every day?

Too much fat, no matter the type, can lead to weight gain. That can raise your risk for other health problems. So, keeping a balance is key. If you are healthy, swap ghee and oils. Try not to reuse ghee for frying many times. If you already have high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart issues, speak to your GP.

What do health groups in the UK say now?

NHS UK says you can have small amounts of saturated fat, but not too much. This means it is okay to use ghee, but don’t have lots of it every day.

The British Heart Foundation also says to enjoy fats like ghee now and then, but try using more unsaturated fats (like olive or sunflower oil) in your meals too.

Conclusion

Old ideas about ghee “clogging arteries” come from older science. Newer studies say the link is not so simple. Ghee, when used in small amounts and part of a mixed diet, is safe for most people. Eating a mix of foods, moving more, not taking too much sugar or fried foods, that helps heart health most.

So, ghee and your heart get on better than you might have thought. Just enjoy it in moderation, along with veg, fruits, and whole grains.