In recent years, the term "Desi Cow Ghee" has gained traction, especially in health-conscious circles. But what exactly does it entail? Desi Cow Ghee refers to ghee made from the milk of indigenous Indian cow breeds, commonly known as Desi cows. This traditional method of ghee production has garnered attention globally, often referred to in the English-speaking world as "A2 Cow Ghee." It's essential to distinguish between ghee labeled as "Desi Ghee" and ghee produced from the milk of Desi cows. While many products may boast the label "Desi Ghee," they might not necessarily utilize milk from Desi cows.
Indian (Desi) Cow Ghee is gaining prominence worldwide, and having discussed the taxonomy, we shall now delve into the merits and demerits of Desi Cow Ghee.
Merits of Desi Cow Ghee:
Nutritional Richness: Desi cow ghee boasts a rich nutritional profile, packed with healthy fats, fat-soluble vitamins, and antioxidants. Its composition makes it not just a culinary delight but also a potential health booster. Ayurvedic doctors recommend ladies to feed Desi Cow Ghee ka halwa to their daughters in the first year of their periods, as it will give them enough strength for the whole life. That is the power Ayurveda attributes to Desi Cow ghee.
Improves Digestive Health:Among its many benefits, Desi cow ghee is celebrated for its positive impact on digestive health. Its consumption is believed to support the gut microbiome and aid in the absorption of essential nutrients, promoting overall digestive well-being. Khichdi is a famous Marwari dish taken with (as much as you can eat) lots of ghee and it is very easy to digest. Butyric Acid in the ghee has been documented to have a positive impact on gut-microbes.
For Healthier Heart:Emerging research suggests that moderate consumption of Desi cow ghee may contribute to heart health. Studies indicate potential improvements in cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease associated with its intake. Take a 120 day trial – do a base lipid profile today. Shift completely to Sahaj Desi (A2) cow ghee for 120 days (its good even if you eat more ghee than before) and do a lipid profile again. Doctors recommend 6-8 months minimum of healthy diet to improve lipid profile.
Immunity Boosting Properties: Desi cow ghee is also lauded for its immune-boosting properties, attributed to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Incorporating it into the diet may help fortify the body's defense mechanisms.
Skincare and Haircare: Beyond its culinary uses, Desi cow ghee finds applications in skincare and haircare. Its moisturizing and nourishing properties make it a popular choice for promoting healthy skin and hair. Many ayurvedic ointments derive their potency from original Old Desi Cow Ghee. There is another old saying in hindi “TAAZA GHEE KHAANE KA, PURANA GHEE LAGANE KA”. It says fresh ghee is good to eat and old ghee is a great ointment.
Culinary Versatility: One cannot overlook the culinary versatility of Desi cow ghee. From enhancing the flavor of dishes to increasing their nutritional value, it is a prized ingredient in traditional Indian cuisine and beyond. There is a quote in Marwari implying “ghee made the food tasty, and everybody is showering praises on the cook”. Add a spoonful of ghee to piping hot dal, and share the culinary experience as a comment on our site thesahajshop.com.
Demerits of Desi Cow Ghee:
While Desi cow ghee boasts numerous merits, it's essential to dispel certain misconceptions regarding its potential drawbacks:
Caloric Density: Despite being calorie-dense, Desi cow ghee is often misunderstood in its relation to weight gain. Contrary to popular belief, the unique composition of Desi cow ghee's milk fat is believed to enable better metabolism and weight reduction. This means that instead of being stored as fat, it is readily utilized by the body for energy, potentially aiding in weight management when consumed in moderation.
Saturated Fat Content: While Desi cow ghee does contain saturated fats, recent research challenges the notion that all saturated fats are detrimental to health. In fact, the saturated fats present in Desi cow ghee, such as butyric acid, have been shown to have positive effects on lipid profiles. Regular consumption of Desi cow ghee has been associated with improvements in lipid profiles, particularly in individuals with heart conditions. These findings suggest that the saturated fats in Desi cow ghee may not pose the same risks as those from other sources.
Ethical Concerns: Despite its potential health benefits, the production of Desi cow ghee raises ethical and environmental considerations. However, it's essential to note that Desi cows are often maintained by farmers who still believe in their cultural and intrinsic value. These cows are cared for with reverence and tend to receive better care than crossbreed cows prevalent in India. While the yield of milk from Desi cows may be lower compared to crossbreeds, their importance in Indian culture and agriculture cannot be overstated. Sustainable and ethical practices in cow rearing and ghee production are crucial to ensure the well-being of both the cows and the environment. We at Sahaj constantly encourage & promote good cow care for our Milk farmers.
References:
- Gupta, M., & Kumar, R. (2017). Traditional Indian Ghee: A Boon or Bane. Indian Journal of Dairy Science.
- Shinde, P., & Banerjee, P. S. (2019). Comparative Assessment of Nutritional and Sensory Quality of Indigenous and Crossbred Cow Ghee. Journal of Food Science and Technology.
- Gupta, S., & Choudhary, A. (2019). Ghee: A Functional and Medicinal Perspective. International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases.
- Mathur, S., & Mathur, K. (2019). Role of Ghee (Clarified Butter) in Healthy Diet and Prevention of Diseases. International Journal ofPharmaceutical Sciences and Research.
- Goudar, S. S., & Shete, G. (2018). Desi Cow Ghee and Cardiovascular Health: A Review. International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences.
- Bhawani, S. A., & Kumar, K. (2019). Effect of Desi Ghee (Clarified Butter) on Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Wistar Albino Rats. International Journal of Chemical Studies.
- Patel, P., & Patel, K. (2017). Immunomodulatory Activity of Ghee. International Journal of Science, Environment and Technology.
- Ranade, S. A., & Mane, V. B. (2016). Traditional Uses, Nutritional and Medicinal Values of Cow Ghee: A Review. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda & Pharmacy.
- Priyadarshini, D., & Das, S. (2018). Role of Ghee in Skin Care: A Review. International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Rishi, P., & Vinay, K. (2019). Ghee: A Unique Source of Nutrition for Hair. International Journal of Chemical Studies.