The debate between the consumption and nutritional value of A1 and A2 milk is still on. Experts are divided over the purported harmful effects of A1 milk and the benefits of A2 milk. So, here’s a piece of information on whether you should switch to A2milk or it is just a fad to shoot sales up.
What is A2 Milk?
To begin with, it is important to understand what A2 milk is. All animal-derived varieties of milk have a protein called casein. Cow milk has ten times casein as compared to other types of animal milk and makes up 80% of the total protein content in milk. Among the 13 different types, two types of casein are mainly present in milk. These are A1 beta-casein and A2 beta-casein.What’s the Difference?
Well! Both the types of beta-casein contain 209 amino acids, the building blocks of protein. In this chain, the change occurs in the 67th amino acid wherein A1 had histidine and A2 has proline. When histidine amino acid in A1 breaks down, it produces a peptide called BCM-7, which is said to affect human health adversely. For the uninitiated, peptides are biological molecules which play a role in functions related to the DNA, immune system, blood pressure etc.
What is the controversy?
As explained in a 2018-study published in the International Journal of Livestock Research, “Several researchers have reported BCM-7 interacts with the human gastrointestinal tract, internal organs and brainstem. BCM7 adversely affects the immune response and is also considered as a risk factor for type 1diabetes. A2 milk is considered safe for human consumption. However, several other studies have found no relationship between A1 milk and the etiology of these diseases. Hence the present picture on A1vs A2 milk in concern to their health impacts is still unclear.”
Should you consume A1 milk anymore?
While the sales of A2 milk in Delhi and other cities have gone up. The reasons behind it are not clear; whether it is a result of actual awareness about the A1 vs A2 controversy or because of other health reasons. For example, some people feel that A2 milk causes less bloating. So, whether you should consume A1 or A2 milk decides on how well can your digestive system absorb either of these. Coming to the safety of A1 milk, its harmful effects have been both highlighted and negated in several different studies. As stated in a report published by the Hindu Business Line on April 19, 2018, “There have been reports implicating A1 protein/BCM-7 in negative health effects like Ischaemic heart disease, Type 1 diabetes, autism, inflammatory response and digestive discomfort etc, but the scientific community believes the evidence is insufficient and inconclusive.”So, amidst so many mixed opinions on the adverse effects of A1 milk and the benefits of A2 milk, the ideal decision is to be on the safer side. Buying A2 milk may be a bit costly, but it will keep you assured about your health and that of your loved ones; that means one thing less to worry about.
Do not forget that you should choose only reliable vendors to buy organic milk in Delhi and other cities.
