Is Ghee in the Morning Good or Bad? A Cardiologist’s Verdict Will Surprise You

Ghee has been a staple in Indian kitchens for centuries. From sizzling takes to Ayurvedic rituals, its rich aroma and taste have earned it a sacred spot in our diets. But is having ghee first thing in the morning good

for you or is it just another health myth waiting to be debunked?

Recently, some cardiologists have warned against the popular trend of consuming a spoonful of ghee on an empty stomach. So, what’s the truth? Is it a golden elixir or a heart health hazard? Let’s break it down.

Ghee in the Morning: A Tradition or a Trend?

In Ayurveda, ghee is revered as a “sattvic” food that promotes balance and healing. Many people start their day with a teaspoon of ghee, believing it:

• Aids digestion
• Lubricates joints
• Detoxifies the body
• Boosts immunity

However, these claims often lack the backing of modern medical science, leading to confusion — especially when cardiologists offer a different perspective.

What Cardiologists Say About Morning Ghee

Dr. Ramesh Kumar, a leading Indian cardiologist, recently made waves by cautioning patients against having ghee first thing in the morning. According to him and several peers:

Consuming saturated fat, such as ghee, on an empty stomach may lead to an increase in LDL cholesterol levels over time, particularly in individuals with sedentary lifestyles or pre-existing heart conditions.

Also Read: Best Drinks for Women’s Gut Health: AIIMS Expert Explains – Medstown

Key Concerns from Cardiologists:

• High Saturated Fat Content: Ghee is around 62% saturated fat, which, when consumed excessively, can increase the risk of artery blockage.
• Morning Timing: Early morning ghee without any other food may lead to sudden lipid spikes, especially when not balanced by fiber or carbs.
• Heart Health Risks: Long-term daily intake may contribute to elevated cholesterol levels, particularly in people over 40 or with a family history of heart disease.

So, is ghee always bad in the morning? Not exactly.

When Ghee Can Be Beneficial in the Morning

Context matters. Ghee isn’t inherently bad the quantity, timing, and your health profile make all the difference.

Ghee Might Be Safe and Beneficial If:

• You’re active or athletic, with a high metabolism
• You eat a balanced diet rich in fiber and protein
• You consume small quantities of 1 tsp or less
• You’re free from cholesterol issues or cardiac risk factors
• You combine it with warm water or food, not on an empty stomach

  Also Read: Why Buckwheat Is the Gluten-Free, Protein-Rich Supergrain? –

Ghee for Breakfast: Healthy Alternatives

Rather than taking ghee by itself, consider adding it as part of your breakfast:

Smarter Ways to Include Ghee:

• Drizzle over hot porridge or oats
• Use it to saute vegetables or eggs
• Add to whole-grain chapatis or parathas
• Mix with warm dal or khichdi

This approach avoids the shock of high saturated fat on an empty stomach while still giving you the benefits of ghee in moderation.

Common Myths About Morning Ghee Debunked

Let’s bust some popular beliefs:

Myth	Reality
Ghee burns fat when taken in the morning	Ghee has calories and saturated fat — no scientific evidence supports this
Everyone benefits from daily ghee intake	Not true for those with heart issues or high cholesterol
Ghee detoxifies the body	There’s no scientific proof; hydration and fiber are better detoxifiers
More ghee = more health	Excess intake may lead to weight gain and heart risks

Final Verdict: Is Ghee in the Morning Good or Bad?

It depends.

• For healthy individuals, having a small amount of ghee with a wholesome breakfast can offer benefits like improved digestion and energy.
• For those with heart concerns, high cholesterol, or sedentary habits, consuming ghee — especially on an empty stomach may do more harm than good.

Always consult your doctor or a registered dietitian before adding high-fat foods like ghee to your routine, especially in medicinal-style doses.

Ghee isn’t a villain — or a miracle. It’s a traditional fat with nutritional value when used mindfully. Skip the morning spoonful if you have heart risks, but don’t fear using a little in your cooking.

Want to know if ghee is right for your diet?
Talk to your cardiologist or get a personalized nutrition plan.

People Also Ask

1. Is it safe to eat ghee on an empty stomach every morning?
While Ayurveda promotes this practice for digestion and detox, many cardiologists caution against it — especially for people with high cholesterol or heart risk. Always consider your personal health profile before starting this routine.

2. What do cardiologists say about having ghee in the morning?
Some Indian cardiologists advise against consuming ghee first thing in the morning, citing its high saturated fat content. They warn it may raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and contribute to long-term heart health risks if consumed daily without balance.

3. Are there any benefits of eating ghee for breakfast?
Yes — when used in moderation. Including a small amount of ghee in your breakfast (with dal, chapati, or oats) can aid digestion, provide energy, and improve nutrient absorption. The key is to combine it with a balanced meal, not take it alone.

4. Who should avoid ghee in the morning?
People with the following conditions should avoid or limit morning ghee:

• High cholesterol
• Heart disease or family history of it
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity or high BMI
  Consulting a doctor or dietitian is recommended before regular consumption.

REFERENCE: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/cardiologist-shares-if-starting-your-day-with-a-spoonful-of-ghee-is-healthy-ekdam-bekar-baat-hai-101751618801082.html