What Is A2 Ghee And Why Are People Calling It A Superfood
Its rise is not driven by hype alone. It is backed by nutritional science, traditional preparation methods, and a growing interest in going back to basics. But what makes A2 Ghee different from regular ghee or clarified butter? And why is it being praised not just in India but increasingly across global health circles? Let us break it down.
What Is A2 Ghee and How Is It Different From Regular Ghee?
The core difference between A2 Ghee and regular ghee lies in the type of milk used to make it. A2 Ghee comes from the milk of indigenous Indian cows like Gir, Sahiwal, and Rathi, whose milk contains only the A2 beta-casein protein. In contrast, most commercially available milk (and ghee) in India and abroad comes from hybrid or Western breeds such as Jersey or Holstein, which contain A1 beta-casein, a protein some researchers have linked to inflammatory and autoimmune issues.
Also Read: Cooking Parantha In Ghee? Stop Making This Mistake That Harms Your Health
Some studies have associated A1 beta-casein with:
Type 1 diabetes
Coronary heart disease
Arteriosclerosis
Autism and schizophrenia
Sudden infant death syndrome
A2 Ghee, being free of this protein, is considered easier on the stomach and safer for long-term health.
The Bilona Method: Why Traditional Preparation Makes All the Difference
The process matters. A2 Ghee, made using the Bilona method, is not just ghee; it is a labour of care and tradition. This 5,000-year-old method involves:
Boiling A2 cow milk
Cooling and adding curd to ferment it overnight
Hand-churning the set curd using a wooden churner (bilona) to separate butter
Simmering the butter to extract ghee
Each step preserves vital nutrients, boosts digestibility, and produces ghee with a beautiful golden hue, a nutty aroma, and that signature grainy texture that indicates purity.
Nutritional Profile: What Makes A2 Ghee a Superfood
A2 Ghee is not just fat. It is a nutritional powerhouse that supports multiple systems in the body. Here is what it contains:
Vitamin A: Essential for vision, skin, and immunity
Vitamin D: Aids calcium absorption and bone health
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that fights free radicals
Vitamin K2: Supports heart health and bone mineralisation
Omega-3 & Omega-9 fatty acids: Known for improving heart and brain function
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Helps in fat metabolism and may reduce inflammation
It is especially beneficial for children, pregnant women, athletes, and people recovering from illness, thanks to its easy digestibility and nutrient density.
High Smoke Point: Is A2 Ghee Better Than Oil for Cooking?
Yes, and this is one of the reasons chefs and nutritionists swear by it. A2 Ghee has a smoke point of around 250°C, making it ideal for:
Deep frying
Stir frying
Baking
High-heat roasting
Unlike many refined oils that break down into harmful free radicals when overheated, A2 Ghee remains stable, protecting the integrity of your food and your health.
Is A2 Ghee Good for Gut Health and Digestion?
Absolutely. The probiotic-rich fermentation process of the Bilona method, combined with the absence of the A1 protein, makes A2 Ghee easier on the digestive system. It also helps:
Support a healthy gut microbiome
Soothe inflammation in the digestive tract
Improve absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
Balance the body's doshas, according to Ayurveda
Many people who cannot tolerate milk or paneer often report no issues when consuming A2 Ghee.
Does A2 Ghee Help With Immunity, Skin, Hair and Cholesterol?
Yes, and not just anecdotally. The nutrient-rich composition of A2 Ghee contributes to overall wellness in many ways:
Strengthens the immune system
Nourishes skin and promotes a natural glow
Improves hair texture and reduces hair fall
Contains healthy cholesterol that supports heart health when consumed in moderation
A2 Ghee stands out as a remarkable embodiment of age-old knowledge. It offers a comprehensive perspective on nutrition, earning acclaim not just as a mere ingredient but as a genuine modern superfood.
How to Spot Fake or Low-Quality A2 Ghee
The popularity of A2 Ghee has led to many subpar products entering the market. Here is what to check:
Cow breed: Make sure it is sourced from Indian desi breeds like Gir, not crossbreeds
Bilona method: Cold-pressed or machine-made versions often skip key steps
Grainy texture: Authentic A2 Ghee solidifies with a grainy look, not like wax
Smell and taste: Good A2 Ghee has a nutty aroma and deep flavour, not bland or burnt
Transparency: Brands should list the breed, method, and farm source clearly
Should You Replace All Oils With A2 Ghee?
Not necessarily. A2 Ghee is excellent, but balance is still key. You can:
Use A2 Ghee for high-heat cooking
Add it to rice, dals, roti or khichdi for flavour and satiety
Use other cold-pressed oils (like mustard or groundnut) in rotation
Ayurveda also recommends ghee as a carrier (anupana) for herbs and medicines, making it multifunctional.
Is A2 Ghee Worth the Price?
A2 Ghee is often significantly more expensive than regular ghee or refined oils-but for good reason:
Indigenous cows produce less milk
Bilona preparation is manual and time-intensive
No additives or shortcuts are used
If you view food as medicine and value quality, A2 Ghee is a long-term investment in your health.
Also Read: Beyond Kitchen: 7 Surprising Ways How Ghee Can Be A Part Of Your Daily Routine
Final Thoughts: A Superfood Rooted in Culture and Science
A2 Ghee is not a fad-it is a nutritional comeback story grounded in traditional wisdom and modern needs. From gut health to brain function, and from high-heat cooking to boosting immunity, A2 Ghee ticks multiple boxes. It is one of the few ingredients that connects cultural heritage, scientific validity, and day-to-day usefulness.
In a world full of dietary confusion, A2 Ghee is simple, time-tested, and remarkably versatile. It is no longer just grandma's favourite-it is what future-forward food looks like.
About the Author: Arvind Patel is the Managing Director of Bharat Vedica, a Patel venture rooted in tradition and driven by innovation
(Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)
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