In the quest for health and wellness, it is important to understand the nuances of the foods you consume. You must know their characteristics and benefits to make informed dietary choices for your health and well-being.
If you often find yourself wondering if a certain food is better than the other or if a variant of the food is healthier than the other, you are on the right track and making progress toward a healthy life.
One of the concerns baffling consumers nowadays is if A2 ghee is better than A1 ghee. It has been trending lately since the festive season is almost here and everyone is prepping to make delicious Diwali sweets and snacks.
To decide which is better, you must first know the difference between them both. Let’s dive into it without much ado!
What are A1 and A2 Ghee?
Ghee or clarified butter is one of the most essential ingredients in Indian cuisine and Ayurveda. Our recipes are never complete without a dash of ghee. In fact, its popularity has crossed boundaries, and it is being adopted as a superfood in several parts of the world.
Ghee is mostly made from cow or buffalo milk, and among the two, cow ghee is often the first choice due to its taste and Ayurvedic benefits. However, there are two types of cow milk/ghee—A1 and A2, which are distinguished by the type of beta-casein they contain.
A1 Ghee comes from cows that produce A1 beta-casein and is primarily found in Holstein and other European breeds, whereas A2 Cow Ghee is sourced predominantly from indigenous breeds, like Desi Gir cow, that produce A2 beta-casein.
The quality and health benefits of A2 ghee are majorly influenced by its method of production—the Bilona technique.
What is the Bilona Ghee-making technique?
Traditional Bilona ghee is made using an ancient technique that enhances its taste and quality.
To make this ghee, one must:
1. First, make curd by fermenting fresh A2 cow milk.
2. Then, churn the curd with a wooden churner, which is also called a “mathani” to separate the butter from the buttermilk.
3. Slowly heat the extracted butter to clarify it. This stage helps separate milk solids from the fat while preserving the nutrients to get rich, aromatic ghee.
4. And lastly, cool and store the clarified butter in airtight containers to maintain its freshness.
Now, let’s take a look at the nutrients and health benefits of ghee extracted using this method.
Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits of A2 Ghee
The Bilona technique essentially preserves the ghee’s natural goodness. It retains beneficial compounds, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with essential fatty acids, and offers the following health benefits:
1. Ayurvedic Benefits of A2 Ghee
The nutritional advantages of A2 ghee have given it a revered position in Ayurveda. It has tridoshic properties and can help balance the three Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It is rich in antioxidants, possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and can be consumed as well as used topically for holistic healing. A2 ghee is also considered a rasayana or a rejuvenating substance that promotes vitality and longevity.
2. Improves Digestive Health and Metabolism
The A2 beta-casein in A2 ghee makes the ghee easier to digest. It is, therefore, great for those suffering from lactose intolerance. It also contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Butyrate improves gut lining, thus reducing bloating and discomfort. It helps strengthen and maintain the protective barrier of your gut. Butyrate and the healthy fats in A2 ghee together enhance overall nutrient absorption in the digestive system and support your metabolism.
3. Enhances Cognitive Function
Do you recall your grandparents and parents feeding you a spoonful of ghee daily when you were a child? Whether they added it to a warm glass of milk or drizzled a generous amount over your dal chawal and rotis, ghee was always a part of your diet. There is a reason they did that. The younger you needed the essential fats and nutrients in A2 ghee for your cognitive development as much as you needed them for your physical growth during your childhood. But guess what! Your body needs the same essential fats even today.
Ghee, with its composition of healthy fats, anti-inflammatory properties, and choline content supports neurotransmitter function in your brain. This function is important for developing and enhancing learning and memory. It also helps maintain a healthy gut-brain axis by supporting a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in regulating your mood and response to stress and maintaining focus and mental clarity.
If you or your loved ones often lose your train of thought, experience mental blocks, or space out, you need to add A2 ghee to your diet immediately.
4. Helps Manage Weight
Yes, some fats can help you manage a healthy weight. A2 ghee is one of them. Unlike other fats, the fatty acids in A2 ghee can promote fat loss while providing sustained energy. The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and healthy fats in this ghee together help increase feelings of fullness. This means, you can feel satiated in moderate amounts of food and prevent overeating, which is the primary cause of obesity.
Here are some tips to add ghee to your diet. The best way to do that is to replace your refined oil with A2 ghee. Since ghee also has a high smoke point, it is best for tempering. You can also add a spoonful to your warm beverages, lentils, rice, porridge, stews, soups, roasted vegetables, spread it on your rotis and parathas, or have it directly. Just stick to the basics and consume it in moderation to enjoy its benefits.
With the best A2 cow ghee in India, particularly desi Gir cow ghee, you can ensure that you are consuming something that aligns with your modern needs and traditional wisdom. Buy A2 Gir cow ghee today to experience its remarkable health benefits.
