“As long as you live, live happily, and even if you have to take a loan, ensure that you can drink ghee” ー these are the golden words of Maharishi Charvaka, a famous Ayurveda guru, for ghee or as some would call it, "golden nectar." Ghee is so versatile that if you know the miraculous benefits it provides, you will be like, OMGhee!
Whether it be rituals, cooking, applying to the skin, or hair, ghee participates everywhere. There are many things to check, like the type of cow, method of extraction, ingredients, and more before buying. The only thing that you need to do is to buy the right kind. We have prepared a detailed buying guide and selected the brands providing the best cow ghee brand and have collaborated with an expert, nutritionist Ruchi Wadhwa, so to hear some authentic advice, keep scrolling!
Ruchi Wadhwa is a certified Nutritionist with a keen interest in Ayurvedic science. She has a wholesome, holistic, and sustainable approach to nutrition.
mybest editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in India in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Table of Contents
You need to consider many things before hunting on that one bottle of best ghee in India. From the milk source to the ingredients, we have played our part in researching, reviewing, and gathering all the necessary information you need to know. Nutritionist Ruchi Wadhwa has thoroughly reviewed the article, so she will also give you some insights based on her professional background.
Cow milk is more famous than buffalo milk because it is suitable for everyone - from children to the older generation. Cow ghee is rich in minerals, vitamins, protein, and calcium. It is easy to digest because it is lower in fats and has fewer calories. Some findings say cow ghee also helps in weight loss.
Buffalo ghee, on the other hand is rich in magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous. Buffalo milk has more fat and calories than cow's milk, hence, it is difficult to digest. Buffalo ghee is usually used by those who are engaged in heavy physical activities like kushti, wrestling, and other kinds of sports.
Despite being lower in terms of calories, vitamin A, and CLA content, cow's ghee usually gets preferred over buffalo's ghee as it is richer in nutrients like vitamin B12, D & K, and has significant amounts of antioxidants such as vitamin E, Beta-Carotene and more which are known for their anti-cancer properties.
Whey and casein are the two major types of milk proteins. Further, casein is divided into two categories that are A and B casein. Today, A1 and A2 milk types are famous terms used to describe the quality, nonetheless, they are the sub-types of B casein. Originally, cows produce the A2 type but these days A1 are now also available.
Some researches claim that American cows like Jersey and Holstein Friesian contain A1 type of milk. This type produces a compound called B casomorphin 7 (BCM7) which can increase the risk of arteriosclerosis, it is a process which restricts the blood flow to one's organs and tissues, and can suppress the immune system.
On the other hand, most Indian cows produce only A2 type of milk that is safe for consumption. To give you a reference, human milk also has an A2 type of B casein. You may select desi cows like Tharparkar, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, and Rathi as they are highly recommended because they are known to have a high level of Omega 3 that cleans the cholesterol deposits of the blood vessel.
In recent times, a lot of research has been done on A1 and A2 milk types. The current evidence does suggest some relationship between A1 protein and NCD's such as Type-1 diabetes, heart diseases, SIDS, autism, and digestive disorders. Therefore, at present, the potential health benefits of one over the other are still debatable and need more evidence to make a conclusive statement.
There are many methods to prepare ghee. However, according to Ayurveda, the Bilona method is the only traditional method to extract pure ghee because the churning done during the process is bidirectional. Milk is heated in earthen pots and wooden vessels are used to extract the butter.
This traditional ghee is used as a medicine in Ayurveda and it helps improve eyesight, cures dryness, boasts anti-aging effects, regulates digestive system, and many more. In addition, ghee from the Bilona method has a longer shelf life. It can last for years if stored properly in a tight glass jar.
To meet the rapid demand, companies these days use machines that churn hundreds of kilograms of ghee in a few minutes. Whereas the Bilona method is a tedious process since 30 kilograms of curd is used to obtain 1-kilogram pure ghee. Unlike the Bilona method, machine-produced ghee has a shorter shelf-life and is hard to digest.
Ceramics have always been an eminent part of our traditional Indian kitchens, and cooking in earthen pots enhances both the flavor and nutritional value of food. Therefore, the ghee prepared by the Bilona method is 100% pure, nutritious and flavorsome.
There are a few ingredients that you should strictly avoid. Vanaspati, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and palm oil are some of them. Still, in India, palm oil is commonly used because it is cheap and has the same smell, taste, color, and texture as desi ghee. Trans-fats found in the palm oil badly affects cholesterol as it increases the bad cholesterol and decreases the good cholesterol.
Since cooking in India is usually done at a higher temperature of about 180 degrees, vanaspati ghee is not really suitable for it because it has a lower smoke point and it breaks down after 110-120 degrees.
Anything cooked beyond the smoke point can produce free radicals that can cause many health problems such as cardiovascular and inflammatory disease, cataract, and more. So, it is better to look back at the ingredients list before buying the ghee.
It is very easy to confuse vegetable ghee for desi ghee as both have similar grainy texture and color. So, you need to read the label while buying, and if you find any vegetable oil like cotton seed oil, palm oil, etc., as a part of the ingredients list, it's better not to buy.
Before buying that best ghee in India, you should look for the packaging as well. If you're a lazy ghee eater, then you can choose a glass container with a tight screw-on lid as it can prevent moisture and will increase the shelf life and quality of the ghee.
However, the plastic ones are common in the market today because it reduces the production cost. Be wary that those that come in a plastic container have a shorter shelf life! So, if you're a frequent ghee-eater, then you have the option to buy the plastic one but be ready to lose its authenticity.
Ghee is naturally stable as it is almost 100% fat, mostly from saturated fatty acids, which do not oxidize quickly. Moreover, the moisture content of ghee is significantly less, which further adds to its stability. Ghee should be stored in air-tight, colored glass containers, away from sunlight, to retain its flavor and further enhance its shelf life.
₹500.00
From the brand Vanalaya, this product has been hand made traditionally by using the Bilona method and desi cow Gir which is native to India and found in Gujarat. The cows used are free from cross-breeding. Gir cow ghee is easy to digest and is safe for people who are sensitive to lactose or casein.
This product is very versatile as it is suitable for all people, especially, children and pregnant ladies. It contains Vitamin A2, E, and D with omega 3 that helps in digestion, cholesterol control, slows down aging, boosts immunity, and many more.
₹699.00
Sahiwal cow breed originated from central Punjab in Pakistan and it is one of the most famous breeds in India because of its high production levels and heat tolerance. This product is rich in anti-oxidants which means it will protect your cells from free radicals.
You can apply this ghee on your skin and hair as well, it helps the skin glow and strengthens the hair. The company also claims that it is easy to digest and manages body weight. Reviewers have left praises about the aroma and texture of this product.
₹1,800.00
Hand churned, Bilona, Medicinal, Vedic, Ahimsa, Grassfed, Ayurvedic, are some of the positive words used in the process of extracting this ghee.
The specialty of this product is that it contains medicinal properties like Ashwagandha, Shankpushpi, Shatavari, and more. These properties help in reducing stress, anxiety, mental fatigue, augments skin health, increases fertility in men, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and many more.
The company also claims that if this ghee is poured in the fire, it can purify the air. This product is suitable for all and especially a healthy option for pregnant ladies.
₹549.00
This ghee is loaded with DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid that is beneficial for the body as it lowers the risk of heart diseases, fights inflammation, prevents or slows Alzheimer's, recovers muscles after exercise, and many more.
This ghee is produced using the Bilona method and it comes in a glass container so you can ensure long shelf life and quality for this product. Some of the reviewers loved the goldish color of the ghee, while others complained about the light smell. Those who love the color of ghee but want to avoid the smell can go for this product.
₹1,800.00
This cow ghee is made from Gir cow's milk following the traditional Bilona method and no machines were used for extraction. The product comes in a glass air-tight container and has a shelf life of 12 months.
All those who struggle to finish that one bottle of ghee before its expiration can buy this product because then, you wouldn't have to worry about the storage.
₹5,000.00
This company has taken the traditional approach to a heightened level. Alongside the Bilona method, they are also following the traditional Vedic Dohan practice. It is a practice where the calf is allowed to feed on two Anchals up to the satisfactory levels while milk from the others is stored for human consumption.
In this case, calves are healthier and provide milk for longer periods. Many reviewers have lauded the quality of the ghee, however, they have complained about the high price. Those who want to consume ghee that is ethically produced and the cows are valued as gau mata then they can go for this product.
₹1,200.00
This ghee is made from Tharparkar cow also called White Sindhi and Thari. This cow is known for both its milking and drought potential. According to Ayurveda, Tharparkar's milk or ghee helps in beating body heat tissues like piles and bleeding.
Aside from cooking, you can also use this to relieve body pains or skin burns because it is made from fine A2 milk. The company claims that this ghee is keto and paleo diet-friendly and is beneficial for children and adults as well.
₹699.00
Go Naturel, as the name says, is a natural product without any usage of added flavors or artificial colors. The company claims that this ghee helps improve heart health, immune system, cholesterol, memory power, skin glow, and boosts energy. It is also recommended for slowing down aging.
This ghee is rich in Omega 3 and 9 and contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, so it will be a good choice for growing age children. Many customers believe that this ghee has a different taste, aroma, and texture, and it looks more organic and natural than all the products available in the market.
₹899.00
Kankrej cow is from the Kutch region of Gujarat, and ghee from this cow is considered one of the best immunity boosters in society. In this Covid period where everyone is looking to boost their immunity, this cow ghee will be apt. The company claims that its product is free of any contamination and adulteration,
This ghee is also recommended for people who are intolerant to lactose. It's a grandmother-approved product, and many customers loved the rich flavor of this ghee. People also call it a great deal for skin redness, face rash, or massage.
₹689.00
This company, with its traditional Vedic bilona method, makes this ghee in a keto-friendly way, add no preservatives, additives, and color. It is rich in vitamins and acids that increase bone density, strengthens hair quality, improves vision, and many more things.
Users of this product say that it has a very light smell, with a nutty flavor that looks similar to home-made ghee. It controls cholesterol and BP as well, so adults can also consume this product in moderation.
Other than cow ghee brands you can also look for other healthy oils! Check out the links below to help yourself.
If you can afford to buy the ghee, it is better to have a quality one. Although quality products can be expensive, the apt approach would be to eat less rather than eating unhealthy. Here we conclude our article on the best cow ghee brands in India, hope our thoroughly reviewed guide helped you make a decision.
Author: Nikhil Deora
Article reviewed by - Chahat Goyal, Makeup Artist
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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