The first thing that comes to mind after hearing “ghee” is the taste it adds to any food. But is ghee good for diabetes? More often, diabetics are concerned about what they eat. Diet plays a huge role in controlling levels of blood sugar.
This article tells all the things about ghee and diabetes. You will learn about its nutritional value and its benefits. Explore how much it is safely consumable. We’ll also clarify some myths about ghee and diabetes. So, let’s get started with knowing whether ghee is good for diabetes or not.
Diabetics are asked to avoid fatty and sugary foods. But what about ghee? Is ghee good for diabetics? Ghee is an indispensable product of Indian cuisine. It has been used for over a thousand years. It is laden with healthy fats, vitamins, and other nutrients.
These might bring general health goodness. Let’s just dive deeper into the question: is ghee good for diabetes? Can it be included in a diet for diabetes control?
Nutritional value of ghee
It is a good source of fats and saturated fats in particular. Fats provide a source of energy. They also help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K. Ghee does not contain carbohydrates. So, it is a very important factor for the person who has diabetes. Carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels.
Side-by-side comparison of the nutritional composition of 1 tablespoon (about 14 grams) of ghee,
|
Nutrient |
Amount (per 1 tablespoon / 14 grams) |
|
Calories |
112 |
|
Fat |
12.7 grams |
|
Saturated Fat |
7.9 grams |
|
Monounsaturated Fat |
3.7 grams |
|
Polyunsaturated Fat |
0.5 grams |
|
Cholesterol |
33 milligrams |
|
Vitamin A |
8% of daily value |
|
Vitamin E |
Small amount |
Though ghee possesses a high quantity of fat and calories, it does not even have a carbohydrate. So, it does not raise blood sugar levels. Its large consumption leads to an increase in body fats. This usually raises the risks of diabetic patients.
Glycemic index of ghee
The glycemic index is defined as a measure of food that signifies how quickly it raises the blood sugar level. So, food items with high GI get digested fast, which causes sharp rises in blood sugar levels, whereas low-GI food can slowly, over time, gradually release sugar and maintain stable blood sugar levels. So, where does ghee stand?
Ghee has zero glycemic index. That is because this food item does not contain carbohydrates. As such, blood sugar levels are not elevated directly. However, it becomes an excellent fat for those suffering from diabetes when used appropriately.
So, can diabetics use ghee because of its low glycemic index? Maybe not, because although it will not raise blood sugar, the total balance of fats as well as calories in the diet counts too. So taking too much fat, even from ghee can cause weight gain. Weight gain might worsen insulin resistance among patients with diabetes.
Is ghee and giabetes a good combination or a risk?
Like any other food, has some benefits and disadvantages in managing diabetes.
Pros of ghee for diabetes
- Zero Carbohydrates: Ghee is carbohydrate-free and therefore will not directly elevate blood sugar.
- Pure Healthy Fats: Ghee contains monounsaturated fats, improving heart health, which has been associated with the regulation of blood sugar.
- Digestion Aid: Ghee has been found to stimulate the stomach acids thus aiding in digestion; it has aided various people suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, generally considered to be a predisposing factor to diabetes.
Cons of ghee on diabetes
- High in Calories: Ghee is something that holds a high amount of calories. Excessive calorie consumption increases the weight. This is not good for diabetic patients.
- High in Saturated Fats: Some studies show advantages to the consumption of saturated fats, like ghee. However, the high amounts of saturated fat consumption are hazardous. This increases the chances of heart disease as diabetes itself does.
So, is ghee good for diabetics? In small amounts, it can be a part of a well-balanced and diabetes-friendly diet, but that’s as far as it should go, please.
Myths over ghee for diabetic patients
There are many myths revolving around ghee and diabetes; let’s sort some of them out:
Myth 1: Ghee is terrible for diabetics, as it’s fattening.
- Fact: Ghee is fat, but that doesn’t automatically make it bad. Healthy fats like those in ghee can fit into a healthy diet when consumed appropriately.
Myth 2: Ghee reverses diabetes.
- Fact: No food reverses diabetes. Ghee can be a good support to overall health, but can’t reverse diabetes.
Myth 3: Ghee raises blood sugar levels.
- Fact: Ghee has no carbohydrates and, therefore will not raise blood sugar directly.
These myths show that people may misunderstand whether ghee is good for diabetes. The truth is that ghee has its benefits. However, like any other food, it should be taken in moderation, especially by those people with diabetes.
Benefits of ghee to a diabetic person
Is ghee good for diabetes? Let’s take a closer look at some specific ways that ghee may benefit those managing diabetes:
1. Improves digestion
it stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes. In this way, it helps to break down food better. For people with diabetes, better digestion helps prevent bloating and indigestion issues. These issues may worsen blood sugar handling.
2. Helps absorb nutrients
Some vitamins are fat-soluble, such as A, D, E, and K. These need fat to be absorbed in the body. Ghee supplies that fat, making your body capable of assimilating whatever it needs without raising blood sugar.
3. Boosts immunity
Contains butyrate as an anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acid. It enhances the health of the gut consequently improving immunity. A healthy gut and immune system, therefore, determines the chances of fighting the infection in case an individual is in a diabetic condition.
4. Provides healthy fat
Ghee contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These enhance heart health. This is the primary problem of diabetic patients. Heart diseases are considerably high in patients suffering from diabetes. Healthy fats consumption could help reduce the rates of bad cholesterol.
Understanding intake of ghee in the daily diet of diabetic patients
That’s knowing if ghee is good for diabetics; the other point to know is how much of it to consume. Ghee is healthy, but, it is very calorie-dense and fatty at the same time, leading to weight gain if consumed in excess. This can deteriorate the diabetes management condition.
Most doctors instruct their diabetic patients to avoid eating too much-saturated fat. Ghee is predominantly saturated fat so, therefore, its intake must be managed. Although ghee contains healthy fats, the quantity consumed must be managed.
How much can Be used?
If you are asking, Is ghee good for diabetes and how much can I consume? The response is: that moderation is the key.
For a diabetic, 1-2 teaspoons of ghee may be okay as a general guideline, but again, it’s all relative to your overall diet, weight, and how well-controlled your blood sugar is. Always remember to consult your doctor or nutritionist with any significant changes in your diet.
Boost your health with Doodhvale high-class ghee
Have you ever been in a jam trying to figure out where you might find pure ghee in Delhi? Give Doodhvale a try. Their focus on delivering fresh, farm-sourced dairy products helps them to have the best quality for a very reasonable price.
Doodhvale’s ghee is done in the antique process, and the nutrients along with flavours remain intact. So, their ghee is perfect for everyone, including patients with diabetes, to add healthy fats to their diet. And if you have concerns about quality along with affording, then Doodhvale’s ghee may be a good one to consider.
Final thoughts
Ghee can be included in a diabetes-friendly diet. However, consume it in moderation. It offers healthy fats and supports digestion. It does not raise blood sugar levels. However, excessive intake leads to weight gain and high cholesterol. This can be a dangerous situation for diabetics.
If you are thinking about putting ghee into your food, then consult a doctor. In case you are searching for good ghee in Delhi, you can surely find one at an economical price at Doodhvale
