When you enter search queries like ‘organic milk in Delhi’ or ‘buy desi milk,’ a suggestion for A2 milk invariably pops up in search results. So, what is this A2 milk? Is it really more beneficial as compared to A1 milk or it is just a hoax? Well! Let us find out.

So, long story cut short, A2 milk is different from A1 milk because of just one type of protein called beta-casein. In fact, A1 and A2 are two types of the beta-casein present in milk. When A1protein gets digested in the small intestine, it produces a peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7). According to medical experts, once BCM-7 gets absorbed in the bloodstream, it may lead to a number of health issues such as indigestion, diabetes, heart disease, allergies, etc. 

As mentioned in a paper published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2012, “BCM7 is suggested to be associated as a risk factor for human health hazards as it can potentially affect numerous opioid receptors in the nervous, endocrine and immune system. It is also known to be an oxidant of low dietary lipoproteins (LDL) and oxidation of LDL is believed to be important in the formation of arterial plaque. Epidemiological evidence claim that consumption of beta-casein A1 milk is associated as a risk factor for type-1 diabetes, coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, sudden infant death syndrome, autism, schizophrenia, etc. A broad range of studies from American and European investigations has shown a reduction in autistic and schizophrenic symptoms with a decrease in A1 milk intake. Further, animal trials have also supported the linking of type-1 diabetes to milk exposure in general and A1 beta-casein in particular.”

With so many studies underlining the potentially harmful effects of A1 milk, emphasis on switching to A2 milk is certainly not marketing ploy. But, that’s not all. There’s one more reason why A2 milk is better—because of higher casein content. Casein is considered one of the best proteins that should be consumed for better health. It is a slow-digesting protein that comprises all the essential amino acids human body needs. Several studies have underlined the benefits of the Big C among proteins; some of these are listed below.

Casein is anti-catabolic i.e. it helps cells synthesize muscles and prevents the body from breaking its own muscles down when you eat sporadically or after a long time.

Casein helps you lose weight faster. A study published in 2000 showed that casein intake led to faster weight loss as compared to the results of taking whey protein. “This significant difference in body composition and strength is likely due to improved nitrogen retention and overall anti-catabolic effects caused by the peptide components of the casein hydrolysate,” says the study.