Weight loss: Ghee/ clarified butter or coconut oil? What can help you lose weight faster?
Ghee vs coconut oil: Which is healthier for you?
When you are on a weight loss journey, eating the right kind of foods is crucial. So is the oil or the fat source you use to cook them in.
While a lot of us prefer to use refined, or vegetable oils for cooking, there are far better and healthier variants to choose from. With the emergence of food trends, the focus has also shifted onto natural fat sources, which have been traditionally used. Coconut oil, ghee are the two most talked about options today.
Rich in health benefits, multivitamins and no less than super-foods, both ghee and coconut oil are said to be healthy oils and known to promote weight loss.
But which out of the two can help you lose weight faster?
Which of these oils is more nutritive and packs in fewer calories? We help you decide today.
The best oil for weight loss
Although there is no one oil that can magically help you lose weight, some oils and natural fats are better than others. Fats are crucial for the absorption of vital nutrients such as Vitamin A, D, E and K, all of which help in vital functioning.
Of all available options, ghee and coconut oil drive the most attention because of the multiple benefits they bring in. You will be surprised to know that they are not just super good for your skin and hair, but eliminate body fat too!
We tell you about a few of their rich benefits, and the one you should be using if getting fitter in on your mind.
Benefits of using coconut oil
Coconut oil, nothing less than an elixir for your body can actually accelerate weight loss.
While the taste of coconut oil may take a while for some to get used to, the benefits are plenty
In comparison to refined oils, coconut oil is thermogenic, burns fat faster. The MCT present in it also promotes faster, effective weight loss.
Traditionally coconut oil has also been used to practice oil pulling, which helps in the elimination of toxins and ailments which contribute to weight gain. It also contains medium-chain triglycerides which are comparatively easier for the digestive system to digest and aids metabolism.
Nutrition values
Apart from being anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory in nature, a tablespoon of coconut oil contains the following nutritive properties:
-121 calories
-0 g of protein
-13.5 g of fat, of which 11.2 g is saturated
-0 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol
It also contains 100% fat, most of which is saturated. Opting for the least processed, virgin coconut oil is the most viable option.
Why is ghee healthy for you?
Next to coconut oil comes ghee, or clarified butter. A traditional Indian secret, the benefits of ghee for weight loss are now being hailed all over the world.
One of the prime reasons behind using ghee for weight loss is the loaded, wholesome benefits it carries.
A good source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D and K, ghee has a high smoke point making it great for cooking. Ghee is a pure form of fat and contains no casein, making it perfect for dairy-intolerant people. Ghee also contains gut-friendly enzymes which help in its easier digestion.
Nutrition values
Serving size of one tablespoon ghee, on average contains the following nutritive properties:
-115 calories
-9.3 grams of saturated fat
-O carbohydrates
-38.4 grams of cholesterol
-0 grams of proteins.
Apart from this, it also contains good traces of Vitamin A, D, K and calcium.
Both fat sources are Keto-friendly
Another solid reason why the two fat-sources are hailed to be weight loss friendly options is that both the options are medium-chain fats that encourage the body to enter ketosis, i.e. use fat as fuel.
Incorporated into a number of dishes, ghee and coconut oil are also used to make keto coffee, a weight-loss-friendly drink.
Which one should you choose?
Safe to say, both the fat sources are extremely nutritious and both weight loss friendly in their own ways.
The difference, and what makes one better than the other depends on some nutritive values and dietary preferences.
Coming to the calories, coconut oil contains slightly higher calories than ghee. Ghee is also somewhat also more nutritious than coconut oil since it contains the goodness of vitamins and nutrients which support overall health.
On the other hand, the taste of both these oils can also be different. Coconut oil tends to have a sweeter taste, while ghee has a neutral taste.
Coconut oil may be better for Vegans
If you are following the Vegan diet, coconut oil can be a better option since it contains zero traces of dairy. There are also some who believe that the high saturated fat content in coconut oil may outweigh its benefits.
However, according to some studies, despite being at par with each other, coconut oil does a much faster job in promoting weight loss than ghee.
Again, When it comes to weight loss, both are at par with each other, but studies have concluded that coconut oil works better than ghee in this aspect. Therefore, it might boil down to your dietary requirements to understand what may work better for you and help fulfil your goals.
The bottomline
Fats are essential to losing weight. However, it's only helpful as long as you use them in moderated quantities. Always consume oils and fats in moderation, as part of a varied diet.
Unmoderated, or high quantities of ghee or coconut oil can disturb your digestion if you have a sensitive stomach.
It's also important to note that both the fat sources work best if you get to choose organic, unprocessed sources.
Lastly, do remember to chalk out a healthy workout plan which encourages you to burn off the calories which you consume and promotes a deficit, which is key to optimum weight loss.