Ghee is one of the staple foods in every Indian household and is used as a primary ingredient for cooking. From children to pregnant women, Ghee is recommended for everyone as it is good for bone density, helps in the body’s growth and development, and does not decrease the good cholesterol level.
By choice, Ghee is made from cow, buffalo, goat, and sheep milk. However, the purest type of Desi Cow Ghee is known as the A2 Cow Ghee, which can only be produced using pure A2 milk (A2 Cow milk) from cows originating in India or generally referred to as Desi Cows. Now, let’s get to understand what exactly is A2 ghee and how it is a healthier option.
What is A2 Cow Ghee?
As already mentioned, A2 Desi Cow Ghee is the purest form of ghee made entirely from the milk extracted from desi cows. It is prepared by following the traditional bilona or churning method. Firstly, the milk is curdled and then hand-churned or motor-churned. Then, the butter collected in the process is heated until the cow ghee of desi A2 is procured.
It is considered a healthier alternative to regular ghee as the primary ingredient of A2 ghee, A2 cow milk, does not contain a type of β-casein protein called the A1 protein. This protein is considered detrimental to the body and has more negative effects on the lactose intolerant. This ghee is also known as the most nutrition-dense variant for all age groups. The best part is that one can find this ghee online easily!
Also read: Almond butter benefits
What are the Characteristics & Ingredients of this Ghee?
A2 Desi Cow Ghee, as already mentioned, is entirely made from A2 cow milk. No other ingredients, additives, or chemicals are added to this ghee. Here are the characteristics of A2 ghee:
- It has a yellowish colour, which is due to the presence of a colouring pigment known as Beta-carotene found in A2 cow milk. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid that is a vitamin-A precursor.
- It has a grainy texture, a highly coveted attribute, as it means that when producing the ghee, a low flame was used.
- It has a rich aroma, which helps it blend precisely with any meal.
A2 Cow Ghee Nutritional Facts
Now that we are well informed about what is a2 ghee and its characteristics, let’s understand the nutritional figures.
1 Tablespoon of A2 Cow Ghee Contains:
| Total Fat | 14 g |
| Sodium | 0 g |
| Protein | 0.04 g |
| Vitamin A | 438 IU |
| Vitamin D | 15 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin K | 1.2 mcg |
| Choline | 2.7 mg |
| Omega 3 | 45 mg |
A2 Cow Ghee Benefits
Here are the A2 Ghee benefits you should be aware of:
1. Great source of Antioxidants, Vitamins, & Minerals
It is one of the strongest natural antioxidants and a rich source of vitamin B2, B3, that helps build up immunity and lowers serum cholesterol. It is high in Omega 3 and 9 as well.
2. Helps in Digestion
A2 milk ghee can be digested very easily, which is why it is an ideal choice for all age groups. It helps in proper digestion and prevents constipation. This ghee is known to be having natural detoxifying properties as it contains butyric acid, which helps in nourishment.
3. It can Boost Immunity
A2 ghee consists of several vital vitamins like Vit A, E, K, and D; all these essential nutrients help in building immunity. These vitamins also help in the proper functioning of the brain and heart. A2 Ghee is beneficial for developing bone density as well.
4. Reduces Inflammation
This ghee is rich in conjugated linoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
5. It can Help Treat Dry and Burnt Skin
A2 ghee, when applied on dry or even burnt skin, renders a soothing effect and can cure different skin ailments.
6. It has a Higher Smoke Point
This implies that A2 ghee does not release any toxic fumes when cooked at a high temperature. Whereas ordinary oils generate toxic fumes when heated at a high temperature.
7. It can Help Treat Other Health Issues
A2 cow ghee has proved to be great in preventing and treating several health issues like heart blockages, improving bone health, curing gastric issues, treating asthma, and curing stomach ailments.
A2 Cow Ghee v/s Butter & Oil
Speculations about which one is better, ghee or butter, has been going around for decades. However, several studies and researches have proved that ghee is a much safer and healthier alternative to butter or vegetable oil. More nutrients than homemade ghee or a normal container of butter or oil are available in the purest form of ghee produced from the milk of A2 cows. Besides, here are some facts that support these studies meticulously:
| Parameters | A2 Cow Ghee | Butter/Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke Point | 450 degree F | 350 degree F |
| Flavour | Rich, Nutty, and Grainy | Creamy and Smooth |
| Shelf Life | 1 Year | 1 to 2 months |
| Digestion | Easy to digest. It contains no lactose or Casein | Comparatively hard to digest. Contains lactose and Casein |
| Good Fat (in 1 tbsp) | 14 mg | 12mg |
| Omega 3 (in 1 tbsp) | 45 mg | 44.3 mg |
| Vitamin A (in 1 tbsp) | 438 IU | 350 IU |
| Vitamin D (in 1 tbsp) | 15 mcg | 0.19 mcg |
According to the facts given above, Cow ghee comes out to be better and healthier than butter or oil. A2 ghee contains more nutrients than regular butter or oil. The smoke point is also higher in Ghee, which means it does not generate any toxic fumes which cooking at a high temperature.
Is A2 Ghee Healthier than Regular Ghee?
Regular ghee may contain additives and artificial colourings, which can be harmful to the body. Also, regular ghee does not contain as many nutrients as that of A2 cow ghee. It can also deteriorate health by increasing cholesterol and fats. Henceforth, it is evident that A2 ghee is better than regular ghee. Besides, it is thicker inconsistency, and more ghee is made. Ghee is superior in flavour, healthier, and good for digestion, obtained from A2 milk. A2 cow ghee is grainy in texture and is made by heating butter on low flame for a long time.