Ghee's Health Benefits on Cardiovascular Health and Lipid Profile: Revisiting the Evidence

Ghee, or clarified butter, has long been revered in Indian culinary traditions and Ayurvedic medicine as a wholesome fat with numerous health-promoting properties. Yet, in modern nutrition science, its role remains controversial—praised by some for its potential benefits and questioned by others for its possible link to coronary heart disease (CHD). A recent systematic review and meta-analysis by Carlos Aulesa and Elisa Fernandez from Vall d’Hebrón Hospital, Barcelona, revisits this debate through a comprehensive evaluation of existing evidence.

Following PRISMA 2020 and MOOSE guidelines, the authors screened over 900 studies published between 1994 and 2024. After rigorous selection, 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis, encompassing nearly 20,000 participants. The pooled analysis of ghee consumption and CHD revealed a modest and statistically non-significant increase in risk (OR 1.15; 95% CI: 0.71–1.59). Importantly, ghee intake demonstrated neutral to mildly favorable effects on lipid parameters, suggesting that moderate consumption may not adversely impact lipid metabolism.

 The evidence supports a balanced approach—embracing ghee as a traditional fat with cultural and nutritional value, but within the boundaries of moderation and overall dietary quality.

 Source: Progress in Nutrition 2025; Vol. 27, N. 3: 16889