Milk is a part of human diet, and it is rich in vitamins and minerals. We consume milk in a variety of forms. Butter, cheese, yogurt, and curd are some examples. Ghee is one such milk derivative that has an important place in the Indian household.
What is Organic A2 Ghee, anyway?
Ghee is a kind of clarified butter. We say “kind of” since the process of making ghee differs slightly from that of making clarified butter.
Yes, the milk solids are removed from both. But ghee is left to simmer for a certain length of time. This period of simmering allows the milk solids to caramelize and give the ghee a nutty flavor.
Ghee has a higher smoke point of 450F. This high smoke point makes ghee an excellent choice to use in high-heat cooking, and ghee can replace butter and oil in plenty of recipes. To top it all, ghee has an extraordinary shelf life of up to one year.
Are there different kinds of ghee?
We are glad you asked. There indeed are a lot of varieties, and the properties of ghee differ with the kind of milk used in making it. You will also find spiced ghee in the market.
Ghee takes on the properties of any spices you add to it. So spices are added to it to enhance its flavor.
Let’s talk about the milk used in making ghee, shall we?
There are two significant kinds of cow’s milk currently in use worldwide. They are A1 milk and A2 milk, and the two varieties differ in their beta-casein content.
Cow milk is up to 85% of water and lactose. Fat, protein, minerals, etc., account for the remaining 15%. Around 30% of cow milk’s protein is beta-casein.
There are two forms of beta-casein, A1 and A2, which give the varieties their names. Currently, numerous studies are debating the nutritional value of the two varieties. One study has shown that consuming A2 milk has a positive effect on health. Another study published in Diabetologia links A1 beta-casein consumption to increased incidence of diabetes mellitus.
Adverse Claims about A1 Milk
Most research link the adverse effects of A1 beta-casein to its tendency to produce beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) on digestion. An article in Medical News Today states that doctors link BCM-7 to stomach discomfort and other lactose intolerance-like symptoms.
A study conducted in 2016 compared the effects of A1 and A2 milk on inflammation, digestive discomfort, etc., in people who reported lactose intolerance. The study concluded that consumption of A1 milk was associated with increased gastrointestinal inflammation. It also found that A1 milk worsened the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease Type 3.
Two studies on the relationship between A1 milk and heart disease concluded that consumption of A1 milk correlated with an increased risk of heart disease.
A study conducted among Chinese adults discovered that A2 milk led to minor digestive discomfort compared to A1 milk. Another study established a direct link between the consumption of A1 milk and issues like abdominal pain.
Now, let us dive into A2 milk’s benefits.
Benefits of A2 milk
- A2 milk does not produce BCM-7 opioid peptides during digestion. BCM-7 is inflammatory and creates various gut issues.
- A2 milk is rich in minerals like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium.
- A2 milk is also a rich source of vitamin D and various B vitamins, including B12.
- Compared to consumers of A1 milk, people who drink A2 milk are at a lower risk of heart diseases and type 1 diabetes.
- A2 milk contains omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are known to lower triglyceride levels and reduce the risk of heart diseases.
- Triglyceride and cholesterol levels are directly proportional to blood pressure numbers.
- The vitamin D in A2 milk can help elevate one’s mood and reduce the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
- A2 milk’s vitamin A content can help strengthen the immune system, prevent cataracts, and keep your eyesight sharp.
Let’s talk about A2 ghee now.
A2 ghee provides you with the usual benefits of ghee as well as the added benefits of using A2 milk for its production. In addition, we at Shive produce organic A2 ghee from the best native cattle (desi cows). Our cattle receive the best nutrition so as to pass on the benefits to the end-user through 100% pure, nutrient-rich milk and other dairy products. We produce one of the best desi ghee varieties in India.
We also produce various herbs to use in our line of herb-infused ghee. Herb-infused ghee can provide the benefits of both ingredients.
You can buy our line of organic ghee products in India through our website. We also export ghee, making international purchases possible.