Nowadays milk, ghee and butter are being sold in Indian markets with A1 and A2 labeling. Especially ‘A2’ ghee is being marketed in such a way that it is healthier than normal Desi ghee. If normal Desi ghee is being sold for Rs. 1000 per kg in the market, then ‘A2’ ghee is being sold for up to Rs. 3000 per kg. Companies selling dairy products claim that A2 ghee is made from the milk of Desi cows. Therefore, it is more beneficial. They claim that A2 beta-casein protein is naturally found in it. This protein is easier to digest than the A1 protein found in normal milk and reduces internal inflammation in the body. It has also been claimed that this ghee is rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and vitamins A, D, E and K.
It has also been claimed about A2 ghee that it strengthens the digestive system. It increases immunity and improves skin complexion. It has also been said to be good for heart diseases. Dairy companies also claim that wounds also heal quickly by consuming this ghee. Dairy product companies are selling it as a new superfood.
The ‘Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’ (FSSAI) had forbidden companies to sell milk, ghee and butter with such labeling. It said that selling ghee with the A2 label is misleading. Last year, FSSAI had issued a circular saying that companies selling milk or dairy products with A1 or A2 labeling is not only misleading but also a violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the rules made under it. FSSI had asked companies to phase out their existing products with A1 and A2 labels within six months.
However, FSSAI had withdrawn its advisory within a week. Now the question is whether dairy products with A1 and A2 labels are really more beneficial for health. Is A2 ghee more beneficial for the body than ordinary ghee and does it have more medicinal properties?
The difference between A1 and A2 is based on the beta-casein protein, which is a major protein found in milk. This difference mainly depends on the breed of the cow. A research paper by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) states that beta-casein is one of the major proteins found in milk.
95 percent of the total protein in cow’s milk is made up of casein and whey proteins. Beta-casein has a very good balance of amino acids. There are two types of beta-casein. A1 beta casein which is found more in the milk of European breed cows and A2 beta casein which is naturally found in the milk of Indian native cows. A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins differ at the amino acid level. This affects the process of protein digestion. Some studies suggest that A2 milk may be easier to digest and may have a positive effect on health, but more research is needed on this. Due to insufficient research, it has not been proved that it has a good effect on health.
We wanted to know from the experts whether A2 ghee is really more beneficial than normal ghee or are exaggerated claims being made about it. In response to this question of ours, former MD of Amul and now President of Indian Dairy Association RS Sodhi said, “I am watching this marketing spectacle. Especially on the online market place. Where well-known cooperatives and companies are selling their best ghee for Rs 600 to Rs 1000 per kg. At the same time, similar ghee is being sold for Rs 2 to 3 thousand per kg by labeling it as A2. It is being promoted in different ways. Some are selling it as Bilona Ghee, while others are selling it as healthy ghee made from the milk of Indian cows.”
He says, ”First of all, let me make it clear that A1 and A2 are a type of protein which is connected to fatty acid chains. Now there is a debate going on which one is better, so let me tell you that there is no scientific evidence as to which of these is better. This is not a matter of debate at all. But A2 is being described as better, which is wrong. These are two types of beta-casein protein, the difference between which is due to the change in the 67th amino acid of this protein chain.”
R S Sodhi says that exaggerated claims are being made about the nutritional value and so-called medicinal properties of A2 ghee. He says, ”But it should be remembered that ghee is nothing but fat. It contains 99.5 percent fat. The rest is other things. It does not contain protein but how can you claim that my ghee contains A2 protein and is very beneficial for the body.”
In his view, this is nothing but fooling people. People are being duped by its marketing. However, he also says that many brands selling A2 ghee have come and gone. It is difficult for them to survive in the market. Because these companies spend a lot on marketing and because of this they go out of the market.
Health experts are also raising questions on the claim of ghee sold in the name of A2 ghee being more beneficial than normal ghee. Dr. Vibhuti Rastogi, Senior Dietician of the Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences in Delhi, told BBC Hindi, ”Until the claim of ghee sold in the name of A2 ghee being more beneficial than normal ghee is scientifically proven, how can it be said that this ghee is better. ”
“The second thing is that if you claim that this type of ghee is not extracted by machine. Then the question is how is A2 protein being extracted from milk. It is not possible to do so. The real thing is that until it is scientifically proven that A2 ghee is more beneficial than normal ghee, it will be called a marketing gimmick. There is no evidence yet that A2 protein is better.”
Dr. Rastogi also says that ghee is not eaten for protein. Whereas ghee is being sold in the name of protein by the name A2. The protein in ghee is negligible. She says that companies are claiming that according to Ayurveda, A2 ghee is more beneficial. Whereas Ayurveda does not make any such claim that eating the so-called A2 ghee is better for health.
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