Ghee is often seen as a staple of comfort food in North Indian households, added generously to parathas, dal, and sabzi without much second thought. But a recent warning from a Delhi-based cardiologist has sparked concern about how much is too much. By breaking down everyday meal portions, the doctor highlighted how common eating habits may quietly push saturated fat intake far beyond safe limits, potentially putting heart health at serious risk.
Delhi-based cardiologist Dr Shailesh Singh took to X to flag what he described as a worrying but common dietary pattern in many North Indian families. According to him, breakfast often includes around 20 grams of ghee spread over parathas. Lunch typically adds another 10 to 15 grams of chapati or rice, along with sabzi or dal, plus an additional 10 grams mixed into dal or vegetables. Dinner, he noted, is usually similar to lunch in both composition and quantity.
When these portions are added up, Dr Singh pointed out that daily ghee consumption alone can reach nearly 60 to 70 grams. He cautioned that this level of intake significantly increases the risk of a cardiac event. To explain why, he broke down the fat composition of ghee. Around 60 grams of ghee contains approximately 44 grams of saturated fat and 16 grams of unsaturated fat.
Daily recommended intake of ghee
Dr Singh highlighted that the recommended daily intake of saturated fat is only about 10 to 20 grams. Consuming more than three times this amount, he warned, is dangerous for heart health. He further stressed that this calculation accounts only for ghee and does not include other common sources of saturated fat in daily diets, such as milk and milk-based products.
Based on this, Dr Singh assumed that many people may be consuming more than four times the recommended daily limit of saturated fat without realising it. He urged people to stop this pattern immediately and regulate their daily fat intake, emphasising that moderation is essential for maintaining better heart health.
However, ghee is calorie-dense and high in saturated fat. Excess intake can increase the risk of heart disease and weight gain, especially in people with existing risk factors.
Delhi-based cardiologist Dr Shailesh Singh took to X to flag what he described as a worrying but common dietary pattern in many North Indian families. According to him, breakfast often includes around 20 grams of ghee spread over parathas. Lunch typically adds another 10 to 15 grams of chapati or rice, along with sabzi or dal, plus an additional 10 grams mixed into dal or vegetables. Dinner, he noted, is usually similar to lunch in both composition and quantity.
When these portions are added up, Dr Singh pointed out that daily ghee consumption alone can reach nearly 60 to 70 grams. He cautioned that this level of intake significantly increases the risk of a cardiac event. To explain why, he broke down the fat composition of ghee. Around 60 grams of ghee contains approximately 44 grams of saturated fat and 16 grams of unsaturated fat.
Daily recommended intake of ghee
Dr Singh highlighted that the recommended daily intake of saturated fat is only about 10 to 20 grams. Consuming more than three times this amount, he warned, is dangerous for heart health. He further stressed that this calculation accounts only for ghee and does not include other common sources of saturated fat in daily diets, such as milk and milk-based products.Based on this, Dr Singh assumed that many people may be consuming more than four times the recommended daily limit of saturated fat without realising it. He urged people to stop this pattern immediately and regulate their daily fat intake, emphasising that moderation is essential for maintaining better heart health.
Pros and cons of ghee
When used in moderation or on a doctor’s advice, ghee can offer several health benefits. According to WebMD, ghee is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats that help the body absorb essential nutrients, especially when cooking vegetables. Ithas anti-inflammatory properties and supports digestive and colon health. Ghee may help reduce body fat in some people, and monounsaturated omega-3 fats support heart health.However, ghee is calorie-dense and high in saturated fat. Excess intake can increase the risk of heart disease and weight gain, especially in people with existing risk factors.
