A2 Milk: Benefits & Nutritional value (Gir Cow Milk)
We all know that milk is nutritious and rich in calcium. But somehow a lot of people find it difficult to digest milk. They have symptoms of stomach discomfort, bloated stomach, gas or diarrhea after consuming milk. This is due to the intolerance of lactose. But some researchers believe that it is BCM-7 and not lactose that impacts our digestive system leading to lactose intolerance.
Benefits & Nutrition – A2 Milk is one of the richest food sources of calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and healthy teeth.
Milk consumption has increased over the past couple of decades but a lot of people have shifted to plant-based, dairy-free alternatives. But, with the introduction of A2 milk, people are finding relief from symptoms of discomfort. It is a type of cow’s milk with only A2 beta-casein proteins, which is easier to digest.
Consumers of A2 milk believe that people who experience digestive issues after drinking milk like bloating, flatulence and diarrhea might find it difficult to digest A1 milk.
Let’s first understand what is A2 milk?
A2 is natural cow’s milk and it isn’t non-dairy milk alternative like soy or oat or almond. The primary protein in cow’s milk is casein, and it’s found in cow’s milk in varied forms. These forms are alpha casein, kappa casein, and beta-casein.
Mostly milk has casein which is 80% of total protein. Beta casein is found in two forms: A1 and A2.
Globally A2 milk was consumed since early 2000. But in India, it has emerged a few years back and it is being promoted largely due to its health benefits.
What is the difference between A1 and A2 milk?
We will try to help you out with the difference between A1 and A2 milk so that you can make a healthy decision.
A1 milk is abundantly available and it is the most commonly consumed milk. A1 milk comes from cows with Western origin like Holstein Friesian, Jersey, etc., which yields large quantities of milk.
While A2 milk comes from cows of Indian origin like Sahiwal or Gir and they may give relatively lesser milk. Although both types of milk come from cows, there is a difference in their chemical compositions. The difference is in the ratio of lactose- carbohydrate component and fatty acids – fat component in both kinds of milk.
But what differentiates them is the protein component. A1 has an A1 type of protein – casein and A2 milk have an A2 type of protein – casein. When milk gets broken down and is metabolized in the system it is different. Of course, A1 is widely available so it’s cheaper and easier to source as compared to A2 Milk benefits.
But recently there is a growing preference for A2 milk due to its health benefits. There is BCM-7 present in A1 milk – Beta-casomorphine-7 but it isn’t present in A2 milk. It causes undesirable health consequences.
Let’s look at the difference in the effect A1 and A2 milk benefits have on our health:
Our body breaks down casein in A1 milk, a chemical component called BCM – 7 is released. This chemical has a morphine-like effect on the Central Nervous System. It causes addiction. Neuro disorders like cognitive disorders affecting learning ability and symptoms of autism emerge due to this compound.
Morphine like effect also causes constipation so children consuming A1 milk are constipated.
Kids also develop allergic dermatitis, allergic cold or asthma and allergic rhinitis due to Histidine. Lipid and carbohydrate metabolism get affected in children consuming A1 milk. It puts them at risk of obesity and diabetes. Lacoste intolerance is high too. Fat and carbohydrates in A1 milk lead to the growth of unhealthy bacteria in the intestine adversely affecting our immunity levels.
A2 milk benefits :
A2 Milk leads to better immunity. Milk consumed with A2 beta-casein produces amino acid known as proline, which prevents the formation of BCM-7. This results in better digestion. It also tastes good and has Omega 2 fatty acids, Vitamin A which is good for eyesight. Regular consumption of A2 milk increases HDL that is good cholesterol.
A2 Milk Nutrients:
Milk is one of the richest food sources of calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and healthy teeth. One cup of milk provides between a half to a third of calcium’s recommended daily intake for a child (aged between 1-11 years) and around one third to a quarter of that for an adult. As calcium is present only in very small amounts in most common foods, it may be difficult for individuals who are restricted in their intake of milk and milk products to obtain the recommended amount. For more information on the importance of calcium in the diet. Milk is also naturally packed full of other essential vitamins and minerals, like A, B2, B3, B6, B12, D, E, K, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and selenium.
A2 Milk Proteins:
The two main types of milk proteins are the casein and whey proteins. These make up to 80% and 20% of the protein content of cows’ milk respectively. Other proteins present at low levels in milk include antibodies and iron carrying proteins.
Beta-casein makes up about one-third of the total protein content in milk. All cows make beta-casein but it is the type of beta-casein that matters. There are two types of beta-casein: A1 and A2. They differ by only one amino acid. Such small differences in the amino acid composition of proteins can result in the different protein forms having different properties.
Human milk contains A2 milk benefits beta-casein thus, it is considered nutritious, healthy and best for the newborn babies’ immunity system.
Navmi serves you with natural food products with no element of chemicals or fertilizers. Visit our site https://www.navmi.co.in/ to know more and stay tuned for some interesting facts from the world of nutrition and health on our Navmi blog.
Read More similar Article:
What is the difference between regular desi ghee and gir cow ghee?