Have you noticed the appearance of A2 milk on the shelf at some grocery stores? This is because more people are seeking out A2 milk and A2 Gir cow ghee after learning about its effect on digestion and overall health compared to conventional A1 milk (and A1 ghee).
A1 or A2: Why Milk Protein Matters
B-casein is the primary protein in milk, and can be classified as A1 or A2. The difference between A1 and A2 protein is significant because A1 and A2 amino acid structures vary from one another.
A2 milk and the ghee made from it are generally much easier to digest compared to A1. Furthermore, as Ayurveda teaches, optimal digestion is the root of health. Disturbed digestion can lead to all kinds of trouble both immediately and down the road. For many people, milk and ghee made from milk with A1 protein is more difficult to digest. This can lead to greater inflammation. Tummy troubles and inflammation…no thanks!
Unfortunately, most conventional milk (and ghee) come from cow varieties such as Jersey, Holstein Friesian, Ayrshire, and British Short Horn, which produce milk with primarily A1 protein. For those who are sensitive to dairy products, this distinction is meaningful.
Anecdotally, there are reports of people moving from India to the United States and experiencing a much harder time digesting the dairy here. This is because the native breeds of Indian cows are A2. This is also true of Indian buffalo. Have you ever visited India and enjoyed a local chai masala made with milk? If so, you may have tasted that special something that you just can’t get in the United States. Of course, part of it is methodology passed down through the generations. Yet, I have known more than a few tourists who hypothesize that the difference in the milk is a big part of it!
How To Buy A2 Gir Cow Ghee
If you are looking for A2 Gir cow ghee, PIOR Living ghruta is made using the milk of A2 Indian Gir cows. Our cattle are free-range and grass-fed so not only do you get a more easily digested product, but milk and ghee from free-range cattle are also more nutritious and sattvic. In addition, on an ethical and subtle level, the cattle that our ghruta comes from are treated as sacred. This is reflected by the fact that they are milked only at their own free will. This, sadly, is vastly different from most conventional dairy farms in the United States.
Balancing your digestion and reducing inflammation are two major ways in which you can set the stage for optimal health. Choosing A2 Gir cow ghee over conventional ghee products may be an important factor in supporting your digestion and overall wellness.
