Impact of Ghee Consumption on Human Lipid Profile: A Meta-Analysis

Ghee, a traditional clarified butter widely used in South Asian cooking, has become a topic of intense debate. While some studies suggest ghee is harmful due to its high saturated fat content, others argue that its unique nutritional properties can positively impact human health. This meta-analysis aims to clarify this conflicting evidence by reviewing human experiment studies on ghee consumption and its effects on the lipid profile. A systematic search for relevant studies was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. After applying selection criteria, six studies were included in the meta-analysis. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB2) was employed to assess the quality of the studies. Using R software, random-effects meta-analysis, meta-regression, subgroup analyses, and publication bias tests were performed. The findings revealed that ghee intake, whether from buffalo or cow sources, significantly reduces total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels in humans. Based on these results, the meta-analysis underscores the necessity of further investigations on ghee consumption levels in human studies due to the strong evidence of its effects on TC and TG levels [1] Overall, this article is valuable for those seeking a concise analysis of the impact of ghee on lipid profiles, presenting key information and findings. The lipid profile is a set of values that indicate the levels of fatty substances in the body, crucial for assessing cardiovascular disease risk. A healthy lipid profile typically shows low levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), with high levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) [2] Cardiovascular disease(CVD) is a leading cause of mortality globally, with diet recognized as a critical modifiable risk factor. The recent report highlighted dietary fat, especially trans fatty acids (TFAs), as a significant concern for heart health. In this context, understanding the impact of various dietary fats on the lipid profile is essential for protecting heart health.