In every Indian household including mine, ghee is a staple food that is an integral part of the daily diet. We add it generously to Khichdi, and Halwas, smear it on top of chapatis, and add dollops of it are added on top of rice. On those cold winter days, my mom always asked me to rub it on the skin to make it smooth. Ayurveda considers ghee the most treasured food because of its excellent healing properties. It is recommended for people of all ages as it is good for the density of the bone and the overall development and growth of the body. Until now we used homemade ghee derived from desi cow or buffalo. However, another famous variety of organic ghee is A2 Desi Cow Ghee which is trending in the market. Health experts prefer this because cows are fed on organic grass. Here’s everything you should know about this variety of ghee

What is A2 Cow Ghee?

Cow milk, or even buffalo milk, contains two types of proteins, the A1 and A2 beta-casein protein. The A2 protein, according to scientific research, is considered healthier than the A1 protein. It is found that the milk from the grass-fed Desi cows has more A2 protein and is thus packed with more nutrients. It is the purest form of ghee because it is made from the desi cow’s milk and does not contain the A1 protein, which causes adverse health effects.

However, to get all the ghee benefits of A2 Desi cow ghee, the proper churning method should be used. My grandparents would use the traditional churning method or the Bilona method which is the best way. The milk is curdled and then churned by hand, and the butter is collected. It is then heated to obtain the A2 organic cow ghee or the A2 desi ghee. 

Since A2 Desi cow ghee is made using the Bilona process, it contains no lactose and is free from casein and hence ideal for even those who are lactose-intolerant. 

What is the Difference between A2 Cow Ghee and Regular Ghee?

When I got to know about the A2 cow ghee it got me thinking what is the difference between A2 ghee and the regular ghee. Though the name sounds similar there is a huge difference based on the source it is derived and the impact on health. After going through various online resources I found that regular ghee is made from A1 beta-casein, a protein type, while the A2 ghee is made from A2 Beta-casein. The A2 beta-casein is a protein in organic milk derived from native Indian cow breeds and other animals like sheep, buffalo, camel, etc. On the other hand, ghee derived from Indian bovine fed organic grass is pure and organic A2 desi ghee. 

Additionally, I got to know that, the regular ghee is made mostly from A1 milk that contains A1 beta-casein and is called A1 cow ghee. This protein is commonly found in most commercial dairy products that are generally used. It is derived from Indian cows or foreign breed cows that are cross-bred for milk. This is because the milking capacity of these cows is higher, and also, these bovines are available in huge numbers; hence the ghee derived from them is cheaper. 

Apart from the difference in the source and the nutritional content, I found that the A2 ghee's benefits are that it has a positive impact on health compared to regular ghee. Because of the way it is prepared (Bilona method of churning), it has a higher melting point, and so the nutritional elements are retained and can be used to cook food effectively. It has a higher smoking point and is better than all other types of cooking oils for my family. 

Compared to the regular cow ghee, A2 ghee is packed with many nutrients and has superior taste. On the other hand, I found that the A1 milk protein has a structure that allows the formation of BCM-7. I also went through some studies, that said that it can lead to various problems like diabetes, allergies, and auto-immune diseases in the long run in certain people. However, the A2 protein helps make the body more healthy and robust, enabling an active lifestyle. Make sure that you consider the source and the ingredients when you purchase pure desi ghee online, as they are widely available online. 

Nutritional Facts of A2 Cow Ghee

Here are some nutritional facts about A2 organic cow ghee. 1 tbsp of A2 ghee contains a total fat of about 14g. It is free from sodium and has about 1.04 g of protein. It contains Vitamin A and is rich in D, E, and K. A2 cow ghee also has choline and omega 3 fatty acids. 

Looking at the amazing nutritional value I thought of buying A2 ghee online and wondered how to identify if it is organic, and pure A2 ghee. After some research and speaking to the elderly in my family I found that pure A2 ghee has the following characteristics:

• It has a yellowish colour due to the presence of Beta-carotene, a catenoid that has Vitamin A in A2 cow milk. 
• It has a grainy texture which means that the butter is turned into ghee on a low flame.
• It has a rich, fresh, but nutty aroma which adds great flavour to the recipe when added. 

Benefits of Organic A2 Cow Ghee

I was more concerned about the purity of the ghee which is essential for my children who were in their teens, so I thought of switching to A2 Cows ghee. The benefits were excellent because organic A2 cow ghee is wholesome and holistic, but provided you buy pure desi cow ghee online that is authentic. Ghee that is derived from organic grass-fed bovine is the new super-food. It is also preferred for its versatility and can be used in veg and non-veg recipes. Additionally, it is a health-friendly option compared to cooking oils as they have a high smoke point and can be used in high-temperature cooking. Health enthusiasts prefer to use Organic India Pure Cow Ghee derived from grass-fed bovine in their diet as it offers plenty of health benefits like: 

Boosts Digestion and Absorption

As per Ayurveda, A2 ghee stimulates the stomach to produce digestive acids that enable it to break down the food easily. Further, the pure ghee helps in the proper elimination of food through the large intestine and also removes toxins, thus aiding better digestion. It also helps in better absorption of nutrients from the food you consume. On speaking to an Ayurvedic practitioner I found that buffalo ghee's benefits are more if boosting digestion is the main criterion.

It is a Source of Minerals, Vitamins, and Anti-oxidants

Desi ghee's benefits are many because it is a great source of natural antioxidants. It also contains Vitamins like B2 and B3 in large quantities. Additionally, it contains Omega 3 and 9 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the health. Ayurvedic practitioners often suggest taking ghee and after reading about A2 ghee realized why my husband’s Ayurvedic doctor asked him to start the day with medicated ghee. 

Boosts Immunity

Gut health is an important aspect that determines our immunity. A2 ghee helps in boosting digestion and gut health, thereby boosting immunity. I found that it also has many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that make it difficult for infections to thrive. Supplement this with a good immunity booster ayurvedic juice, and you are ready to fight any disease!

Good for the Heart

Ghee has long been associated with fat and was believed to contribute to increasing bad cholesterol levels. But I read that it is a major misconception. It has been proven scientifically that ghee, especially A2 cow ghee, lowers cholesterol levels. The presence of omega 3 fatty acids helps keep the heart healthy compared to all other cooking oil.  

Improves Bone Health

Joint pains which was once a problem for the elderly is now common among people of all ages. When I too had an episode recently, my friend suggested having food with ghee. While looking at A2 ghee benefits I found that it reduces inflammation and thus prevents bone degeneration and helps keep the bone healthy. If consumed regularly, it can reduce pain in the joints by providing lubrication. In Ayurveda buffalo ghee benefits the bones more so choose buffalo ghee for better bone health.

Improves Cognitive Functioning

I remember my mother adding more ghee to my food when I was young. Only now do I realize it was because our elders knew the benefits of ghee. Recent studies show that if A2 ghee is consumed regularly, it improves memory and also other cognitive functions as it nourishes the nervous system and the brain. 

Aids in Weight Loss

Most people including me give up on ghee when on diet. But it should be the last thing to do. One of the important benefits of A2 desi ghee is that it aids weight loss. Since it contains saturated fats, omega 3, and 6 fatty acids, it helps to keep you healthy. Additionally, desi ghee helps in digestion and that aids in natural weight loss. So diet or no diet I am back to having dollops of ghee on my food. But of course, moderation is the key as anything in excess is not good!.

It Helps to Have a Glowing Skin

When my lips are chapped, the first thing I do is add ghee to them. Pure desi organic ghee gives you soft and supple skin and is suitable for all skin types. It has fatty acids that moisturise and hydrate the skin cells, making them look healthy and glowing. 

The best part about the benefits of cow ghee is that they are healthy, and adding a spoon of it makes the food tasty! I am ordering my jar of the best organic cow ghee in India made from A2 cow now. How about you? Also read Amazing Gir Cow Ghee Benefits in Ayurveda , A2 Ghee

Authored By: Divya Shankar 

About Author: Divya Shankar is a multifaceted content writer with 7+ years of experience. She has exclusive writing expertise in ayurveda.