A2 Desi Cow Ghee, Bilona Churned

Ghee has been a part of our diet for the longest time. Whether sweet or savory, most of our foods have the delicious, lingering taste and aroma of ghee that almost evokes nostalgia.

Ghee is also a nutrient-dense source of food, and it has medicinal properties, too, which make it an important ingredient in several Ayurvedic therapies.

In fact, the role of ghee in Ayurveda is surprisingly important. It is considered as a Rasayana due to its rejuvenating properties, Snehana, for its lubricating properties, and Medhya, due to its ability to enhance mental function.

And, there are different types of ghee you can choose from—A1 (regular) ghee and A2 ghee. What sets them apart is their nutritional value and the health benefits they offer.

Let’s begin with learning what ghee is and what differentiates the two types of ghee under consideration.

Ghee — An Overview

Ghee, simply put, is clarified butter derived from milk. It consists of key fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and active compounds that give it its unique taste, texture, and aroma.
The milk chosen to extract ghee dictates the type of ghee you’d get. Below is a brief overview.

A2 Cow Ghee

A2 cow ghee is made from the milk of desi or indigenous cows that naturally produce A2 beta-casein. These cows are pure breed cows, such as Gir cow, and the ghee, therefore, is known as Gir Cow Ghee or A2 Desi Cow Ghee. This ghee is made using a slow, tedious method, called the Bilona method, which helps retain its nutritional value, makes it easy to digest and gives it a sweet taste and velvety texture.

A1 Cow Ghee

A1 or regular ghee is made using milk sources from hybrid cows, such as Holstein and Jersey, which are known for their high yield and are therefore chosen to meet high customer demand for ghee. The milk from these cows generally has some nutritive value; however, the ghee is difficult to digest compared to A2 cow ghee.

How is A2 Ghee Made?

As stated above, JIVA A2 ghee is A2 cultured ghee, made using the bilona churning or the Vedic bilona churning technique using a wooden beater called “bilona”. It is, therefore, also called bilona cow ghee. Though a slow process, a wonderful thing about using this technique is that it retains maximum nutrients in the ghee.

Here is a step-by-step process for making Ayurvedic ghee:

1. Desi cow milk sourced from indigenous or desi cows is boiled to make it safe for consumption.
2. This milk is then curdled by adding some curd to it and left overnight.
3. The next day, this curd is churned with a traditional wooden beater, called bilona, till it forms fermented butter, which floats on the top.
4. This butter is removed and heated at medium temperature till a golden liquid (ghee) is separated from the milk solids.
5. This ghee is then filtered using a strainer, cooled, and packed in jars.

Nutritional Value of A2 Ghee

One would think all types of ghee contain the same nutrient value, but that is not the case. Pure bilona A2 ghee, despite having the same nutrients, is nutrient-dense compared to A1 ghee.

Here’s what it provides.

1. Saturated Fats – The ghee contains 62-65% of saturated fats (butyric acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid).
2. Monounsaturated Fats – About 28%; including omega-9 fatty acids or oleic acid.
3. Polyunsaturated Fats – Around 3-5% of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
4. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) – CLA is a potent antioxidant that is great for reducing the effects of free radicals.
5. Fat-Soluble Vitamins – Vitamin A, C, E, D, and K
6. Minerals — Calcium, Phosphorous, Magnesium, and Zinc

Health Benefits of A2 Ghee

Now that you know the nutrient value of A2 ghee, check out these health benefits of ghee in Ayurveda:

1. Good Source of Beneficial Nutrients

A2 ghee is an excellent source of OMEGA 3, OMEGA 6, healthy amino acids, Vitamins B2, B12, B6, C, E and K. It also has healthy saturated fats and amino acids. These nutrients are beneficial to strengthen your immunity, bones, mental health, etc. Looking for a natural immunity booster? A2 ghee is your answer.

2. Enhances Brain Function

Although studies on improvement in brain function upon consuming A2 ghee are limited, Ayurveda suggests that the nutrients in A2 ghee enhance cognitive performance. Regular consumption of A2 ghee in moderate or prescribed amounts may bring about an improvement in your nervous system, memory, and focus. In certain cases, it may also help manage cognitive degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s; however, extensive research is yet to be carried out on the same.

3. Boosts Digestion and Gut Health

A2 ghee contains beta-casein protein, which is the same primary protein found in human milk. Thus, it is easily absorbed and digested by the human body compared to A1 ghee. The butyrate in it also aids metabolism as the ghee can help improve digestion and overall gut health.

4. Strengthens Immunity

Packed with antioxidants, butyric acid, and fat-soluble vitamins, desi cow ghee helps boost immunity and improve strength and stamina. Its digestive properties promote optimal nutrient absorption, and support and strengthen immunity.

5. Improves Vision

Ghee boosts the intake of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, which is important for maintaining the health of your eyes. Its antioxidant properties also support eye tissue generation and prevent issues like dry eyes, blurry vision, and eye issues due to aging, such as cataracts, and in certain cases, may also help prevent night blindness. If included in your regular diet, A2 ghee can help ensure the overall health of your vision.

6. Good for Heart Health

Contrary to common belief, A2 Gir cow bilona ghee, with its rich omega-3 fatty acids content, may improve good cholesterol, help manage weight, decrease inflammation, and protect against heart diseases. But remember, that you must consume pure Gir cow ghee also in moderation. Thus, we advise you to consult your physician or dietician to confirm the quantity for your unique health situation.

7. Aids in Weight Loss

Pure A2 cow ghee promotes fat metabolism and satiety. It also supports detoxification, consequently helping you maintain your digestive health. A2 ghee also has qualities that help regulate hormones, support healthy fat loss, and improve insulin sensitivity, which also aids healthy weight management.

8. Improves Skin and Hair Health

Desi ghee is rich in healthy fats and is a good source of Vitamins A, C, and E, which moisturize, nourish and strengthen hair and skin. Ghee for skin and hair topical application works best when you also include it in your diet and nourish your skin and hair inside-out. A2 organic ghee is a great Ayurvedic remedy for glowing skin and strong hair. Moisturization is not the only benefit of applying ghee on face and lips; you will healing your skin and lips with its antioxidant properties, minimizing the effects of aging and exterior factors, such as pollution.

9. Ghee Massage for Newborn

Due to its healing and therapeutic properties, ghee can be a good carrier oil to massage newborn babies as well as adults. The saturated fats in A2 ghee, and its velvety and creamy texture ease massages, and of course, it hydrates and soothes the skin and hair, too.

10. Toxin-Free

Fats and oils must have a high smoke point, especially for Indian cooking techniques, so that they do not break down into unhealthy compounds or produce harmful free radicals. Organic A2 ghee has a smoke point of 450°F or 232°C, which is higher than other refined cooking oils and olive oil. It does not break down into unhealthy compounds and is, therefore, safe for all those delicious dishes you enjoy but requires high-temperature cooking practices, such as frying, sauteing, tempering, stir-frying, etc.

A2 Ghee vs Regular Ghee: Which One to Choose

Although we’ve stated the key differences between A2 cow ghee and regular cow ghee above, here are some more factors that can help you identify A2 ghee better.

Buy A2 Ghee

Embrace the power of pure bilona ghee with JIVA A2 cow ghee.
Available in 300 ml, 500 ml, and 1000 ml jars, JIVA pure cow ghee is a
powerhouse of nutrients you must add to your diet right away. Order now!