Desi Ghee Nutrition Facts
Pure desi ghee is a concentrated source of energy and healthy fats. Here's the complete nutritional breakdown per 100g of pure desi ghee:
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 900 kcal |
| Total Fat | 99.8g |
| Saturated Fat | 62g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 29g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 256mg |
| Protein | 0.1g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Vitamin A | 3069 IU |
| Vitamin E | 2.8mg |
| Vitamin K | 8.6mcg |
Calories Per Serving
| Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon (5g) | 45 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (15g) | 135 kcal |
| 2 tablespoons (30g) | 270 kcal |
1 Tablespoon Desi Ghee Calories
One tablespoon of pure desi ghee contains approximately 135 calories. This is comparable to olive oil (119 kcal) and butter (102 kcal), but ghee provides more fat-soluble vitamins.
1 Teaspoon (1 Spoon) Desi Ghee Calories
A single teaspoon has about 45 calories — a reasonable amount to add flavour and nutrition to dal, rice, or roti.
Desi Ghee Paratha Calories
A typical desi ghee paratha (atta + 1 tablespoon ghee) contains:
| Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| Plain atta paratha (no ghee) | ~180 kcal |
| Paratha + 1 tbsp desi ghee | ~315 kcal |
| Paratha + 2 tbsp desi ghee | ~450 kcal |
| Mooli paratha + 1 tbsp ghee | ~340 kcal |
| Aloo paratha + 1 tbsp ghee | ~360 kcal |
Cholesterol in Desi Ghee — Should You Worry?
Desi ghee contains about 256mg cholesterol per 100g. However, research shows that dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol than previously thought. The saturated fats in ghee are mostly short and medium-chain fatty acids that the body metabolises differently from long-chain fats found in processed foods.
For most healthy adults, 1–2 tablespoons of desi ghee per day is safe and beneficial.
Cow Ghee vs Buffalo Ghee Nutrition
| Property | Cow Ghee | Buffalo Ghee |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (per 100g) | 900 | 900 |
| Fat | 99.8g | 99.8g |
| Colour | Pale golden | White/cream |
| Texture | Grainy | Smooth |
| Best for | Tadka, halwa | Parathas, winter cooking |
| Vitamin A | Higher | Slightly lower |
Both types are equally nutritious. The choice comes down to taste preference and cooking style.
Is Desi Ghee Good for Weight Loss?
In moderation, yes. The CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) in ghee has been linked to fat metabolism. Adding a small amount of ghee to meals increases satiety, helping you feel full longer and eat less overall.
The key is portion control — 1–2 tablespoons daily, not half a cup.