Oil and ghee

Ghee is a type of clarified butter, whereas oil is a viscous, neutral and non-polar chemical
substance. The difference between the two food items is based on their ingredients, method of
preparation and uses.

The term ‘ghee’ is defined as type of clarified butter and is prepared from cow’s milk.
Traditionally, ghee is made by heating butter on a slow pan, which is then stirred slowly until the
oil separates from the butter. It releases a froth, which is then strained out and discarded. The oil
turns into a pale yellow which is then strained and stored as ghee.

Oil, on the other hand, is defined as any neutral, non-polar chemical substance, which is a
viscous liquid at ambient temperatures. It is made from plant, animal or synthetic fat. Oil is
widely used for cooking, baking and frying, etc. This cooking oil is mainly produced in two
separate processes. First, it is extracted from a seed, nut or a fruit. Then, it undergoes refinement
to alter the appearance, texture, smell and taste.

In terms of cooking, oil and ghee are widely used as condiments, spread or added to food to zing
up the flavor. Though, in an Indian kitchen everything from chapattis, curries and dals is laced
up in ghee, while oil is a widely used ingredient in salads, pastas and other baked dishes in the
West. But, based on their flavor and nutrients, ghee is considered a healthier option than oil.

In flavoring a dish, ghee can used because of its delicious buttery taste, whereas the flavor of oil
depends on the fruit or vegetable which it is extracted from, but generally, it is tasteless.

Another difference is that ghee is salt free, lactose free and does not burn easily at high
temperatures. On the other hand, oil consists of trans fats and a low smoke point, which helps it
burn easily at low temperature.

Ghee is said to be the ‘ideal cooking oil’ because of its many healing properties. It aids in
digestion because of its light flavor. It also helps to improve absorption and increase the life
energy force. It improves our memory, strengthens the brain, nervous and immune system. Ghee
lubricates joints and connective tissues, which makes the body flexible. It also helps in
stimulating a healthy flow of fluids throughout the body.
Oil, on the other hand, sure feels heavy to the stomach and the use of bad oil can lead to
indigestion, clogged arteries and other problems. But, oil also has its uses. Oil consists of all the
trans fats required by our body and brain to function properly. Coconut oil and olive oil are
widely used because of their weight control properties.

Thus, oil and ghee are fairly delicate and healthy fats, respectively. It is their use, in moderate
amounts, which makes all the difference. As, both used daily in small quantities, they can do
nothing to disrupt one’s healthy life style.

An oil is any nonpolar chemical substance that is a viscous liquid at ambient

temperatures and is both hydrophobic and lipophilic. Oils have a high carbon and
hydrogen content and are usually flammable and surface active. Wikipedia

Nutrition Facts of oil

Amount Per 100 grams

Calories 884

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 100 g 153%

Saturated fat 49 g 245%

Polyunsaturated fat 9 g

Monounsaturated fat 37 g

Cholesterol 0 mg 0%

Sodium 0 mg 0%

Total Carbohydrate 0 g 0%

Dietary fiber 0 g 0%

Sugar 0 g

Protein 0 g 0%

Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0%

Calcium 0% Iron 0%

Vitamin D 0% Vitamin B-6 0%

Vitamin B-12 0% Magnesium 0%

Nutrition facts for ghee

Comparison between Oil and Ghee:
Oil Ghee

It is defined as any neutral, non-polar It is defined as a type of butter that has been
Definition chemical substance, which is a viscous clarified by boiling to the point of separation
liquid at ambient temperatures. of the oil from the butter.

Made It is made from animal, plant or synthetic

It is made from milk of animals.
from fat.

It contains of:
It contains of:
Consists
 Mono-saturated fats
of  High anti-oxidants
 Poly-saturated fats and
 Vitamins A, D K and E.
 Trans fat

Burn It burns easily as compared to ghee. It does not burn easily as compared to oil.

Stability It has a low stability as compared to ghee. It has high stability as compared to oil.

It has a low shell life, cannot be stored for It has a high shell life and can be stored for
Shell life
long. long.