By Nutriworld | Dt. Dipanwita Saha
Have you ever wondered why our grandparents always added a spoon of ghee to their food?
They believed it was good for health and today modern science agrees! Especially when it comes to A2 ghee; they say “Old is Gold” fits perfectly. With its golden color and many health benefits (when in the right amount of), A2 ghee is once again becoming a favorite among people who want to eat healthy and naturally.
Even countries like Brazil have imported Gir cows from India for dairy farming, showing that the world is now realizing how valuable our Indian cow breeds are. So, as this healthy tradition gets global attention, it’s time we make the most of it right here at home.
Ghee or clarified butter has always been an important part of Indian cooking. It adds flavor, helps in cooking, and even has healing properties. For some time, people avoided ghee thinking it was too fatty or unhealthy, but new research shows that when consumed in moderation, ghee supports digestion, immunity, and overall wellness.
After COVID, people started to choose better, more natural foods and A2 ghee has become a big part of that shift. But what makes it so special?
1.1. What is A1 Ghee?
It is made from milk of hybrid cows that produce A1 beta-casein protein.
1.2. What is A2 Ghee?
It is made from milk of Indian breeds like the Desi Gir cow, which produce A2 beta-casein — a protein that’s easier to digest and better for health.
A2 protein-Cow’s milk beta – casein protein comes in two forms- A1 and A2 ghee. It is made from milk containing only the A2 form of protein.
“Desi cow” breeds are Gir, Badri, Sahiwal, Tharparkar. It naturally produces milk which is high in A2 protein.
Authentic A2 ghee looks golden yellow in color, has nutty aroma and a grainy texture. If priced low, it’s likely not genuine, because preparation of A2 ghee is labor-intensive.
2.1. Difference between A1 and A2 Ghee
There are certain differences in composition between A2 ghee and A1 ghee
- A2 protein, colostrum, which makes it akin to human mother’s milk.
- Easy to digest- It contains butyric acid, which regulates gastric juices and digestive According to research, if we take raisins with ghee can boost intestine’s immunity.
- Boost immunity- It contains strontium, cerebrosides, fat soluble Like A, D, E, K and that enhances immunity and brain power.
- Strengthening the body and combating the signs of aging- healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which support mental well-being, butyric acids and antioxidants which reduce radical damage and promote collagen production for a natural glow.
- Managing the weight of the body- A2 ghee contains healthy fats and cholesterol which can help in weight management by making the person feel full, is good for metabolism and supports cardiovascular function.
- Supporting blood pressure- It contains potassium, magnesium and calcium which have been associated with maintaining balanced blood pressure levels.
- If we rub it on the soles of our feet it can improve blood circulation.
In contrast, A1 ghee
- Contains A1 protein which is low in nutrition and hard to digest.
- It can cause bloating, acidity and ulcers in the stomach.
- The cows are given antibiotics and growth hormone injections to increase yield which in turn may lead to antibiotic resistance in human beings.
- This leads to resistance and lack of response from antibiotics in humans with recent examples being T.B., bird flu etc.
- A1 ghee contains peptide called BCM-7. As per a study published in the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE, BCM-7 peptide is harmful to human It affected opioid receptors in the nervous, endocrine and immune system.
3.1. Benefits of A2 ghee
Following are the benefits of A2 ghee:
- Improved digestion.
- Excellent source of VIT A, D, E, K, OMEGA-3 and OMEGA-6 fatty acids and antioxidants.
- Easy to digest.
- Boosts immunity.
- Good for weight management.
- Excellent for healthy brain.
- Moderate amount of A2 ghee can support heart health.
- Supports healthy bones, skin and health.
- A high smoke point of A2 ghee can be used for sauteing, frying and roasting without producing harmful free radicals.
- Even those who have lactose intolerance can consume A2 ghee, which is good for gut health, but they can’t consume A1 ghee because of allergies.
4.1. Difference between Bilona Method and Commercial method of ghee preparation:
Bilona ghee is made by churning curd, a slower process that preserves nutrients and is used in preparation of traditional A2 ghee.
Commercial ghee is typically made by boiling cream or butter, which is faster but may result in a loss of nutritional value and distinct flavor.
| Bilona Method | Commercial Method | |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Material | Milk is cultured into curd | Cream or butter from milk |
| Process | Slow, manual churning of curd with a wooden churner (bilona) | Fast, high-speed machine churning of cream/butter. |
| Preservation | Preserves more nutrients, vitamins, and beneficial bacteria due to less temperature variation in churning | Some nutrients are lost due to higher heat of machine churning and lack of fermentation |
| Digestion | Easier to digest due to the fermentation | Can be heavier and harder to digest |
| Flavour and smell | Richer, nuttier flavour with a distinct aroma and grainy texture | Richer, nuttier flavour with a distinct aroma and grainy texture |
| Speed/cost of production | A slower, labour-intensive hence making it more expensive | A faster, industrial process for bulk production which reduces cost. |
5.1. How to Consume A2 ghee
- The right amount of A2 ghee to have daily 1-2 for sedentary lifestyle, 2-3 tsp. for sports person and ½ to 1 tsp for children and senior citizens.
- Warm milk: Add a teaspoon to warm milk before bed for a soothing, sleep-enhancing beverage.
- Coffee or tea: Blend a teaspoon of ghee into your morning coffee (bulletproof coffee) or tea for sustained energy.
- Warm milk: Add a teaspoon to warm milk before bed for a soothing, sleep-enhancing beverage.
- Coffee or tea: Blend a teaspoon of ghee into your morning coffee (bulletproof coffee) or tea for sustained energy.
6.1. Conclusion
A2 ghee has multiple health benefits from digestive support to skin and even hair health. If you are thinking about improving your digestion, boosting your immunity, improving quality of hair and skin you can choose A2 ghee. It is a wise option, but we must keep in mind that we must consume it in moderation and experience great changes in our health and wellness.
On a different note, it is good for preserving the desi cow breeds in the longer run since the presence of desi cows will facilitate the production of A2 ghee. Over a longer period, the cost will reduce due to presence of more cows for yield of A2 milk which will make it affordable for all.
BY, Kritika upadhyay
Bsc in clinical Nutrition and dietetics from IT college Lucknow
Msc in Nutrition from IT college Lucknow
