A1 Vs A2 Milk? Which Milk is Better for Your Health? | Desi Cow vs Jersey Cow Milk?
Spoiler Alert: That black and white cow we commonly call “Jersey” in India? It’s actually Holstein Friesian (HF), not Jersey! And the real debate isn’t just between foreign vs native cow breeds, it’s about A1 vs A2 milk.
The debate is not new, I’ve been following this since years. So let’s see which milk is better for your health, A1 or A2 milk.
What Is A1 Vs A2 Milk?
Milk is a rich source of protein, and one of the key proteins in cow milk is casein (about 80% of the total protein). Within casein, a type called beta-casein (β-casein) has two main variants, A1 and A2.
Originally, all cows produced only A2 milk. But over centuries, due to genetic mutations in European breeds, a new variant, A1 β-casein-emerged.
So when people say A1 or A2 milk, they are referring to the type of β-casein protein in the milk. Here’s how the genetics work:
- A1A1 allele = Pure A1 milk
- A2A2 allele = Pure A2 milk
- A1A2 allele = Mixed A1 + A2 milk
Is Desi Cow Milk A2 Type?
Yes. Desi cows (Zebu, Bos, Indicus, and all the humped cows) mostly carry the A2A2 gene and produce predominantly A2 milk.
Desi cow breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Tharparkar, and Red Sindhi are native to India and naturally A2 milk producers. These cows are not just healthy for us, but also better adapted to Indian climate and farming practices.
Also, buffalo milk and human breast milk are 100% A2. Goat milk too, is predominantly A2.
Is Jersey or HF Cow Milk A1 Type?
Mostly, yes. Foreign breeds like Holstein Friesian (HF), Jersey, and Ayrshire cows are known to produce milk with A1 β-casein due to their genetic makeup.
However, not every foreign cow gives 100% A1 milk. Many hybrids carry both A1 and A2 genes. That’s why the term “predominantly A1” is more accurate.
Though there are 100s of varieties of milk cattle around the world, only a few are bred more and more due to their high milk yielding capacity. Out of those the top 4 ones (Friesian, Holstein, Ayershire, and British Shorthorn) are predominantly A1 milk producers and bottom 4 ones produce of predominantly A2 (Jersey, Guernsey, Charolais, and Limousin) kind of milk!
Why am I using the word predominantly repeatedly? Because no variety produces 100% A1 or A2 milk, not even Desi Cow!
What’s the Problem with A1 Milk?
When A1 milk is digested, it releases a bio-active compound called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7). Some studies claim that BCM-7 may be linked to:
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Autism
- Schizophrenia
- Coronary Heart Disease
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Digestive problems
- LDL cholesterol
- Increases the risk of arteriosclerosis
- Suppresses immune system
Now remember all these are claims. Let us look at the evidence behind each of them. But before we do that let me let you on a rather not so complicated scientific way of proving claims.
Step 1: Someone (say scientist X) observes a phenomenon and comes up with a hypothesis (assumption).
Step 2: Now to prove that assumption correct he needs to gather supporting evidence from past studies.
Step 3: Conduct animal trial (if human trials are ethically wrong!)
Step 4: Have the results of the animal studies reproduced/repeated (because 1 experiment could be a fluke!). And get it reviewed by peers.
Step 5: Ultimately if possible, have clinical human trials and again get the results reproduced and peer reviewed!
Scientific community has come up with this unspoken protocol to prevent any half-baked assumptions from becoming accepted as mainstream facts! That way just few observational studies (looking at demographic data and making correlations) or animal studies or any such isolated incidents could not be taken to form any radical opinions.
I know, the whole process is long and takes years and years. And science always evolves (like dietary cholesterol was bad yesterday and today it is being exempted of all the bad rep!), but always take a minute and do some research before making any radical shift!
Health Risk of A1 Milk Based on What Does Research Say?
- Type 1 Diabetes – 3 observational studies show a possible link. But 3 animal studies show anti-diabetic properties of BCM-7.
Verdict: Not conclusive - Heart Disease – 2 observational + 1 animal study show some link. But 2 human trials found no significant risk.
Verdict: Weak evidence - Autism – 1 study shows high BCM-7 in autistic infants. But many human trials found no solid connection.
Verdict: Conflicting results - Digestive Issues – 1 human + 2 animal studies show digestive discomfort. Delayed digestion, inflammation, softer stools
Verdict: Reasonable evidence
So yes, A1 milk may cause digestive issues in some people. But it’s not a confirmed villain just yet.
Should You Avoid A1 Milk?
Not necessarily. Unless you’re sensitive to A1 milk or experience gut-related issues, there’s no need to panic. But if you prefer to play it safe, switch to:
- Desi Cow Milk (A2)
- Buffalo Milk (100% A2)
- Goat Milk (mostly A2)
Tip: To reduce fat in buffalo milk, boil and refrigerate overnight. Skim off the top layer of cream the next day. Easy!
Why People Prefer Desi Cow Milk?
So to answer your question, is Desi Cow’s milk better than Holstein’s? I would say yes due to it’s high A2 beta-casein content!
- Naturally rich in A2 beta-casein.
- Easier to digest for many people.
- High in nutrients like calcium, omega-3, and CLA.
- Lower allergy risk in sensitive individuals.
- Ethically and environmentally more sustainable in India.
Wrapping Up
If you can get Desi cow milk, go for it! If not, buffalo or goat milk is a safe A2 alternative. Can’t find any? Don’t skip milk entirely. Any milk is better than no milk!
| Category | Desi Cow Milk (A2) | HF/Jersey Cow Milk (A1) |
|---|---|---|
| Digestibility | Easier for most people | May cause gut discomfort |
| Health Impact | No negative link reported | Conflicting research |
| Availability | Limited, costlier | Widely available |
| Nutritional Value | Slightly higher in CLA | Depends on feed & breed |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. Which cow gives 100% A2 milk?
No breed gives 100% A2 milk, but Desi cows (like Gir, Sahiwal) predominantly produce A2 milk.
Q. Is buffalo milk better than cow milk?
Buffalo milk is heavier and contains more fat, but it is 100% A2 and good for health when skimmed properly.
Q. Is A2 milk scientifically proven to be superior?
A2 milk It shows some benefits, especially for digestion, but more research is needed.
Q. What is this A1 and A2 milk controversy?
After one major epidemiological study and series of animal experiments, back in the 1992, Dr. Elliot and his team of scientists from New Zealand made a starking discovery that there was a positive correlation between consumption of milk containing A1 beta -asein and Type I diabetes. The group also found correlation between A1 type milk and heart disease, arthritis etc.
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