A2 Ghee is back: Why this old school superfood is trending again

Desi ghee has a way of taking care of your gut. It's packed with short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate, that are known to soothe the inner lining of your intestines and calm down inflammation (Image: Pexels)

If you’ve grown up in an Indian household, chances are your day started with the smell of warm ghee on chapatis or dal. That isn’t just flavour, it’s called nourishment. And while modern diets once pushed it aside, desi ghee (especially A2 ghee made from native cow milk) is having a real comeback. Not just in Ayurveda, but in homes where wellness is no longer just a trend, it’s a return to roots.

Desi ghee has a way of taking care of your gut. It's packed with short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate, that are known to soothe the inner lining of your intestines and calm down inflammation. A review published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (JAIMS) suggests that these natural fats can ease digestion, reduce that heavy, bloated feeling, and keep gut function moving smoothly. It's no wonder ghee has long been trusted as a gentle remedy for sensitive stomachsEases digestion: Ghee does what antacids and pills often fail to, it settles the stomach without numbing it. Butyrate, one of its core fatty acids, has been shown to support gut lining and reduce irritation. For those with sensitive stomachs, ghee is a healer.

Keeps gut healthy: Ask anyone over 60 in India, and they’ll swear by this, ghee in warm milk at night. It’s a trick that has worked for generations. Ghee gently coats the intestines, helping waste pass without strain.

Nurtures gut bacteria: Your gut’s ecosystem, or microbiome, feeds off good fats. Ghee happens to be one of them. Eating ghee helps feed the good bacteria that keep your digestion smooth, your skin clear, and also your mood in check. A happy gut really does mean a happier you.

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Slows sugar spikes: That drizzle of ghee on your roti or mixed in rice jas both flavour and healthy benefits. It slows down the sugar release from carbs, helping your energy last longer without the crash. Especially helpful for those watching their sugar levels, without turning meals into maths.

Stokes your inner fire: In Ayurveda, digestion is seen as agni, your internal fire. If it is too weak, you may feel heavy. Too strong, and you feel acidic. Ghee keeps that fire steady, burning slow and strong. It supports the digestive process without overdoing it, especially after oily or heavy meals.

Helps you detox: In ancient Ayurvedic cleansing therapies like Panchakarma, ghee is used not just as nourishment, but to pull toxins out from deep within tissues. It’s a slow, deliberate cleanse.

Boosts brain health: There’s an old belief that ghee sharpens the mind. Infused ghee blends like Brahmi Ghrita were made for memory and clarity. And now, even scientific studies hint that the fats in ghee may help reduce inflammation in the brain and support cognitive functions. It’s known as food that feeds your focus.

Improves vitamin absorption: You could eat all the greens and herbs in the world, but if you’re not absorbing fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K, you’re missing the real benefits. Ghee helps your body pull in and retain these nutrients. Without the fat, the goodness just slips through.

Supports immunity: Ghee carries conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is known to support the immune response and reduce inflammation. It’s no surprise that in many homes, the first thing offered after fever or fatigue is a little ghee; mild, comforting, and full of strength.

Blends with herbs: There’s a reason Ayurveda calls ghee a yogavahi, a substance that carries herbs deeper into the body. Whether it’s turmeric for healing, ginger for warmth, or ashwagandha for calm, ghee helps the body soak up their benefits with more ease. These aren’t just hacks, they’re habits passed down for a reason.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.