A2 Ghee: Is A2 Ghee healthier than normal Desi Ghee? Why is it being called a superfood?

There is a huge demand for A2 ghee and A2-labeled dairy products in the Indian markets these days. Let us tell you whether this is really beneficial or is it's just a marketing ploy.

There is a huge demand for A2 ghee and A2 labeled dairy products in the Indian markets these days. Especially on online platforms, it is being promoted as a superfood. Companies claim that A2 ghee is made from the milk of desi cows, which is rich in A2 beta-casein protein. They say that this protein is easier to digest than A1 protein and reduces inflammation in the body.

 

Companies also claim that A2 ghee contains omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), vitamins A, D, E and K, which are beneficial for the heart, improve digestion, boost immunity, and bring skin glow. Not only this, it is also said to be helpful in healing wounds. But are all these claims true?

 

 

What is the difference between A1 and A2 proteins?

A major protein found in milk is beta-casein. There are two types of it:-

• A1 beta-casein, which is found mainly in the milk of European breed cows.
• A2 beta-casein, which is found naturally in the milk of Indian desi cows.

Companies claim that A2 milk or ghee is better for health. However, according to research by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), there is no concrete scientific evidence to support this claim. Some studies have shown that A2 milk is easier to digest, but there has been no large-scale research to prove that A2 ghee is actually healthier than regular ghee.

What do the experts say?

Former MD of Amul and President of Indian Dairy Association R.S. Sodhi says, "I consider this to be just a marketing spectacle. Today, well-known cooperatives and companies are selling good Desi Ghee at Rs 600 to Rs 1000 per kg, while the same ghee is being sold at Rs 2000 to Rs 3000 per kg with an A2 label. Actually, A1 and A2 are two types of beta-casein protein. The difference between them is only of one amino acid. There is no scientific evidence that this has a major impact on health."

 

He further says , "Ghee contains 99.5 percent fat. There is not even a trace of protein. In such a situation, saying that my ghee has A2 protein and it is more beneficial is wrong. This is just a way to confuse people."

Dr. Vibhuti Rastogi, Senior Dietician, Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences, Delhi says, "The claim that A2 ghee is healthier than regular ghee cannot be considered true unless it is scientifically proven. Ghee is not a source of protein. If a company claims that it has A2 protein and it will give you protein, it is misleading."

 

She also says that there is no specific mention of A2 ghee in Ayurveda. She says that companies are taking advantage by saying that the ghee is not machine-extracted or made in the traditional way, but they do not have any solid basis to prove this.

 

FSSAI warning

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had also forbidden companies from labeling A1 and A2. FSSAI said that this labeling is misleading and violates the Food Safety Act, 2006. Although this advisory was later withdrawn, the question still remains the same. Is A2 ghee healthier or is it just a branding game that makes it more expensive?

 

What is the reality?

Health experts believe that ghee in any form, be it A1 or A2, is a source of fat. It provides energy to the body and is a source of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). But eating ghee in large quantities can increase the risk of obesity, cholesterol and heart disease.