Buffalo Ghee Vs Cow Ghee – Which is Better?
Desi ghee comes from either cow milk or buffalo milk. Both of these are popular in Indian homes. Both cow ghee and buffalo ghee are beneficial for our health. They contain many nutrients good for our bodies and lend immunity and strength. They are good for resolving skin issues and are excellent moisturisers.
However, both are not the same in all respects. With similarities, there are also points of difference between them. Read on to know the different properties and benefits that buffalo and cow ghee give and which one is the best.
Difference Between Buffalo Ghee and Cow Ghee
Cow Ghee vs Buffalo Ghee |
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Cow Ghee |
Buffalo Ghee |
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Colour |
Yellow | White or Off-white |
Composition |
Fat, Cholesterol, Free Fatty Acids, Carotene | Similar to Cow Ghee but has no Carotene |
Nutrients |
Vitamins, Minerals, Proteins, Antioxidants, Calcium | Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium |
Milk to Ghee Ratio |
Less ghee compared to buffalo milk | More ghee for the same quantity of milk |
Shelf Life |
Lower shelf life | Higher shelf life |
Weight Management |
Helps in weight loss | Helps in weight gain |
Digestion |
Much more digestible | Is heavier on the gut |
Skin Benefits |
Good for skin issues | Excellent moisturiser in winters |
Cooking |
Has a somewhat neutral taste | Is more aromatic and flavourful |
Dairy Products |
Used for easily digestible food products | Used in creamy and fat-rich dairy products |
Consumption by the Elderly |
Preferred for its many benefits | Can be avoided by older people |
Ayurveda |
Has more medicinal properties, used in Ayurveda | Not much used in Ayurveda |
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Sahiwal Cow A2 Desi Ghee
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Buffalo Desi Ghee
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1. Colour
Ghee color of buffalo ghee vs cow ghee?
The most visible difference is the color of the ghee. Buffalo ghee is white or off-white. Cow ghee on the other hand is yellow.
2. Composition
While the chemical composition of buffalo and cow is similar, carotene (that can be converted to Vitamin A) is available only in cow ghee. While the two contain fatty acids, the percentage composition varies.
Chemical composition of Cow Ghee vs Buffalo Ghee
Constituents |
Cow milk ghee |
Buffalo milk ghee |
| Fat (%) | 99 – 99.5 | 99 – 99.5 |
| Moisture (%) | <0.5 | <0.5 |
| Carotene(mg/g) | 3.2-7.4 | – |
| Vitamin A(IU/g) | 19-34 | 17-38 |
| Cholesterol (mg/100g) | 302 – 362 | 209 – 312 |
| Tocopherol(mg/g) | 26 – 48 | 18 – 31 |
| Free fatty acid (%) | 2.8 | 2.8 |
Source: (R.P.Aneja et al., Technology of Indian milk products, Dairy India publication. Section 3.4: Fat rich dairy products, page 187.)
Also Read – A1 Ghee Vs A2 Ghee: Which is Best for Health?
3. Nutrients
Buffalo Ghee vs Cow Ghee for Nutritional benefits
Both the ghee have calcium and vitamins. Cow ghee has a higher number of nutrients including minerals, antioxidants, and proteins. Buffalo ghee is a good source of phosphorus and magnesium. It also has a higher percentage of calcium.
4. Milk to Ghee Ratio
Milk to Ghee Ratio of Buffalo Ghee and Cow Ghee
Ghee extracted from buffalo milk is higher compared to the ghee from the same amount of cow milk. This also impacts the cost of ghee, making buffalo ghee more affordable than its counterpart.
5. Shelf Life
Shelf Life of Buffalo Ghee and Cow Ghee
Buffalo ghee has higher fat content which results in higher shelf life, whereas cow ghee has a relatively lesser shelf life.
6. Weight Management
Which is best ghee – buffalo ghee vs cow ghee for weight loss and weight gain?
Cow ghee helps in weight loss because it can burn unwanted fat. On the other hand, calories and fat present in buffalo milk help in gaining weight. However, in no case should ghee be consumed beyond a healthy amount. Buffalo ghee is especially suited for people who are physically very active and want to put on some weight.
7. Digestion
Which is best ghee – buffalo ghee vs cow ghee for Digestion?
the presence of Butyric acid in ghee helps in metabolism. But cow ghee is much more digestible and lighter on the gut than buffalo ghee.
8. Skin Benefits
Which is best ghee – buffalo ghee vs cow ghee for Skin?
Ghee is extremely beneficial for the skin. You can apply a small amount on your face and body for deep moisturisation, especially in winters. Buffalo ghee works very well for treating chapped lips, dry and dull skin, and dark circles.
9. Cooking
Which is best ghee – buffalo ghee vs cow ghee for Cooking?
Pure ghee has a high smoking point and is a great option for sauteeing and frying at high heat. Desi ghee sweets are popular delicacies and are preferred for special occasions.
Both cow ghee and buffalo ghee are used for cooking. However, the aroma and flavour they lend to food vary. Cow ghee has a more neutral taste whereas buffalo ghee has a particular flavour that many food enthusiasts love.
10. Dairy Products
Buffalo milk and therefore ghee has a creamy and rich texture. It is therefore preferred for producing fat-based dairy products.
11. Consumption by Elderly People
Which is best ghee – buffalo ghee vs cow ghee for Elders People?
Cow ghee is preferable to buffalo ghee since it boosts bone strength, improves brain and mental powers, is good for heart and eyesight and contains healthy cholesterol. It is also easily digestible and helps in bowel movements.
12. Use in Ayurveda
Which ghee is Used in Ayurveda cow ghee or buffalo ghee?
According to Ayurveda, cow ghee has much more medicinal properties. It is therefore used in Ayurvedic medicines, concoctions, decoctions, and treatments like ‘Nasya Vidhi’. Religious rituals also prefer cow ghee over any other ghee.
Also Read – 25 Wonderful Health Benefits Of Ghee
Conclusion
There is no clear answer for which ghee is the best. Overall, cow ghee has more beneficial properties than buffalo ghee. It is fit to be consumed by people of all ages, especially children. It helps in improving metabolism and immunity.
Buffalo ghee, on the other hand, is a culinary delight. It lends a sweet aroma and loads of flavour to the recipes. People who love ghee-based food and sweets prefer its rich texture and granular structure.
Both have their unique taste and texture. Finally, it comes down to the personal preference of consumers. While some people use both cow ghee and buffalo ghee as per specific requirements, some people stick to their favorite ghee.
Shahji Ghee produces both Cow Ghee and Buffalo Ghee using the traditional bilona method. The ghee is made in small batches so that freshness and purity are maintained at the highest standards. Shop now and get your daily dose of healthy and wholesome goodness today.
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Sahiwal Cow A2 Desi Ghee
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Buffalo Desi Ghee
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