Ghee is one of the most popular ingredients you will find in almost all homes in India. Used to make various Indian cuisines, the addition of ghee makes any dish more flavorful. Besides its rich taste and aroma, ghee is also known to have good fat, making it one of the healthiest dairy products. Earlier, the Indian markets used to sell only two types of ghee, buffalo and cow ghee. However, with people becoming more health conscious, another kind of ghee has been introduced, which is considered healthier than its industrial counterpart – A2 Ghee. 

A2 ghee has become a favorite topic of discussion among nutritionists and fitness enthusiasts in the country. Rich in good fats and other essential nutrients, this ghee is touted as a superfood of the current times. 

This article draws a comparison between A1 (regular) and A2 ghee. Read it till the end to find out which is better. 

A1 and A2 Ghee – The Scientific Difference 

Ghee is the bi-product of milk comprising two types of protein namely, whey and casein. The difference between A1 and A2 ghee is characterized by this second type of protein. 

To put it scientifically, the difference between these types of ghee is the difference in the 67th amino acid chain. A2 is rich in proline amino, while its A1 counterpart comprises histidine. A1 ghee comes from A1 milk, and A2 ghee comes from A2 milk. Both contain beta-casein; however, A2 is superior to the former. The native cows in India, such as Gir, Sahiwal, and more have beta-casein protein A2. 

What is A1 Ghee? 

A1 cow ghee is derived from the A1 cows that produce A1 beta-casein protein in their milk. The said protein variant is common in cows of European descent. When digested, this protein releases a peptide known as beta-casomorphin-7 or BCM-7. Unfortunately, not all body types respond well to this type of peptide, making A1 ghee unsuitable for some people. 

• Individuals who are lactose intolerant may experience digestive discomfort after consuming A1 ghee. They might as well suffer from bloating. 
• As per a few studies, the presence of BCM-7 in A1 ghee may trigger low-grade inflammation in some individuals, contributing to potential health issues. 
• A1 ghee consists of more fatty acids than its A2 counterpart, the presence of which may affect blood pressure and contribute to the risk of heart attacks in people with heart conditions. 
• As per other studies, there is a link between A1 beta-casein and increased risk of kidney-related issues. However, more research is required to establish this claim. 

What is A2 Ghee? 

A2 is produced from the cow that primarily has A2 beta-casein protein in their milk. This protein variant is present in indigenous cow breeds, such as Gir, Sahiwal, and Desi cows. The products produced from this milk, including ghee, remain in their purest form, carrying more health benefits than their industrial versions. 

• If you are lactose intolerant but still want to incorporate ghee into your daily diet, A2 ghee is the best option for you. As per Ayurveda, this ghee is easily digestible. Even if you have other digestive sensitivity besides lactose intolerance, you can savor this ghee without guilt. 
• A2 ghee is a rich source of essential nutrients, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with healthy fats that promote overall health in the body. 
• As per some studies, A2 ghee has anti-inflammatory properties. For someone who suffers from acid reflux now and then, this ghee makes the right choice. 
• Ayurveda has frequently highlighted the use of A2 ghee for the treatment of seasonal ailments such as flu, cough and cold. 
• A2 ghee is also rich in antioxidants, making it a perfect ingredient for skin care products. 

A1 Ghee vs. A2 Ghee – Which one is Better? 

The above-listed comparison between A1 and A2 clearly establishes the supremacy of A2 ghee in terms of its health benefits. There may be a few cons of consuming this ghee for people with certain underlying conditions. However, overall, A2 makes a healthy choice for people who want to lead a healthy lifestyle by consuming natural, organic, and high-quality products. 

A2 ghee will offer you all the health benefits, along with filling up your requirements for flavors. The nutrients, such as iron, protein, Omega 3, Omega 6, and more, make this ghee a healthy alternative to not only its industrial counterparts but cooking oils as well. 

How Should I Use A2 Ghee in Regular Meals? 

Now that you have known the many benefits of A2 ghee, it’s time to incorporate it into your daily diet. Here are the quick ways A2 can become a part of your daily routine. 

• You can use A2 ghee in the tempering or tadka of various curries or lentils. It makes the food aromatic and flavorful. 
• Put a spoonful of A2 ghee in your rice to make it more flavorful. 
• You can add a dollop of A2 ghee to the rotis and parathas and make them more savory. 
• You can also use this ghee in various Indian desserts, such as halwa, laddoos, and more. 
• If you are a coffee person, you can add A2 ghee to your bullet coffee and have it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. It helps accelerate metabolism.

Final Words 

Owing to the rising popularity of A2 ghee countrywide, many brands have participated in the selling spree of this product. We advise you to always buy products from a reliable brand and source. After all, it should be a priority to eat healthy, organic, and unadulterated food. Shop now.