Cardiologist shares if starting your day with a spoonful of ghee is healthy: ‘Ekdam bekar baat hai’

Published on: Jul 4, 2025, 14:34:59 IST

By Sanya Panwar

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Ghee has health benefits, but are they really worth it considering the high calories? (Adobe Stock)

Dr Bimal Chhajer said 'ghee is a high-calorie food, and it is the worst for your weight'. But should you start your day with ghee? Here's what he said.

Ghee, or clarified butter, has been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries. In the February 7, 2024 episode of Figuring Out With Raj Shamani, Dr Bimal Chhajer, a cardiologist specialising in non-invasive cardiology highlighted the potential drawbacks of having ghee. According to him, ghee is predominantly composed of saturated fats, which may raise cholesterol levels and increase heart disease risk when consumed excessively. Also read | Cardiologist shares 'jadoo diet for weight loss', assures you'll shed at least 7 kg in 1 month without starving yourself

Do you actually need ghee?

Asked how ghee has been a part of traditional Indian diet for years, Dr Chhajer said in Hindi, “Earlier people used to exert themselves physically, and needed to eat ghee, but that is still being carried forward, even when our lifestyle has changed.”

Ghee is high in calories

Responding to people believing that they should start their day with a spoonful of ghee, especially those who follow Ayurveda (one of the world's oldest medical systems, originating in India), he added, “Ekdam bekar baat hai (that is not good at all). Ghee is 100 percent triglyceride (a type of fat found in your blood). Now let me explain how having too much ghee is problematic. Ayurveda is 2500 years old. The world has changed since then. People have stopped physical labour. But Ayurveda is still stuck in the past and has not adapted to the changes in our world. Ghee is fat and one gram of fat has 9 calories as compared with a roti, rice or dal that have 4-5 calories per gram. Ghee is a high-calorie food, and it is the worst for your weight.”

Asked if ghee is better than oil for Indian cooking, Dr Chhajer said it is their 'lack of knowledge' if people are using it for cooking and thinking it is healthy. Want to know what the best oils for Indian cooking are? Click here to know about the five oils that cardiologist Dr Alok Chopra suggested for Indian cooking in an Instagram video shared on June 15.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sanya Panwar
With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More

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