Is A2 Milk Better? 3 Reasons You Should Switch Now

If you’re a fan of milk, you’ve likely come across A2 milk and its potential health benefits. However, with numerous milk options available, you may wonder: Why should I switch to A2 milk?

In this blog, we’ll explore three solid reasons why A2 milk might be the game-changer for your health and why it’s worth considering over regular milk. So, let’s explore whether A2 milk should be your next go-to choice.

What is A2 Milk?

Before we jump into the reasons to switch, let’s clarify what A2 milk is.

The traditional Indian cow breeds produce A2 milk (1, 2). Whereas, the exotic breeds used for producing more milk, produce A1 milk. Most milk that we drink today is A1 milk, which comes from cows that have a genetic variant producing mostly A1 beta-casein protein (3). They have 75 percent A1 and 25 percent A2 protein (4).

However, A2 milk comes from cows that make a different type of protein called A2 beta-casein. This is associated with its potential health benefits.

Top 3 Health Benefits of A2 Milk:

1. Easier to Digest

One of the main reasons people are switching to A2 milk is that it’s easier on the stomach. You may have heard some people complain about feeling bloated, gassy, or uncomfortable after drinking regular milk. That’s often because A1 milk contains a protein (A1 beta-casein) that can be harder to digest.

Several animal and human studies demonstrate that the A1 protein takes longer to move through the intestine. This increases inflammation in the intestine and affects gut health, as observed in other studies (9).

A2 milk, on the other hand, doesn’t have this problematic protein. In fact, several studies suggest that A2 milk is less likely to cause digestive issues, especially for people who experience discomfort from regular milk. It can reduce symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, or indigestion (5, 6 ,7, 8). These are indicators of poor gut health. In simple terms, A2 milk is gentler on your digestive system.

Women with hormonal imbalances like estrogen dominance, endometriosis or PCOS can also benefit from using a2 milk.

So, if you’ve been avoiding milk due to digestive issues, A2 milk might be worth a try!

Key Takeaway:

If you experience bloating or digestive discomfort after drinking regular milk, A2 milk could help improve digestion and reduce uncomfortable symptoms.

2. Healthier for Your Heart

What about A2 milk's effects on heart health? Well, A2 milk might have an edge over regular milk in this area, too.

A key study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2017) suggested that A1 beta-casein could contribute to increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, both of which are linked to cardiovascular disease (12). On the other hand, A2 milk showed lower markers of inflammation, which supports heart health.

Some animal studies show that A1 milk can increase fatty deposits in arteries, known as atherosclerosis (10). However, this was not proven in human studies (11). It could be due to the difference in the way we process fats or just the genes.

Another research in New Zealand looked into the correlation between ischemic heart disease and A1 milk in 20 countries. It found that ischemic heart disease was correlated to drinking A1 milk. But that does not mean that drinking A1 milk can cause heart disease.

When it comes to research, the data is unclear to say that A1 milk is harmful to heart health.

Key Takeaway:

A2 milk may reduce the risk of inflammation-related heart conditions and is considered a heart-healthier option compared to A1 milk. We need more research to confirm this.

3. Fewer Allergic Reactions

Do you ever feel like your body doesn’t agree with milk? You’re not alone! Many people suffer from milk allergies or lactose intolerance, and they often avoid milk because it causes allergic reactions like rashes, eczema, or breathing difficulties.

Interestingly, studies suggest that A2 milk may cause fewer allergic reactions compared to A1 milk. The primary reason for this is the A1 beta-casein protein found in regular milk, which can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

In a study conducted by the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), A2 milk was found to be a better option for individuals who are sensitive to milk proteins, showing fewer allergic responses than A1 milk. Similarly, a paper published in the Journal of Nutrition (2016) found that A2 milk produced fewer IgE responses, which are typically responsible for allergic reactions.

A study published in Nutrients in 2020 concluded that drinking A2 milk reduced abdominal pain but not other symptoms, such as bloating and diarrhea, in comparison to Jersey milk. But there are also studies which show A2 milk can increase bloating. Therefore, if you have lactose intolerance, use A2 milk with caution and in lower quantities.

Key Takeaway:

A2 milk can be a safer alternative for people with milk protein sensitivities and allergic reactions to A1 milk.

A1 Milk and Diabetes: The Potential Impact of A1 Beta-Casein on Insulin Sensitivity and Blood Sugar Regulation

Diabetes is a condition where the body struggles to manage blood sugar levels. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can both be affected by factors like diet and genetics. Studies have suggested that A1 beta-casein could increase the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes in people who are genetically predisposed.

Researchers believe that when A1 beta-casein breaks down to BCM-7, it may trigger inflammation. This inflammation could interfere with how insulin works, leading to blood sugar problems.

However, research on this topic is still ongoing, and results have been mixed. Some studies show a connection between A1 milk and diabetes risk, while others don’t (13, 14, 15, 16). Therefore, more research is needed to understand the true relationship between A1 beta-casein and blood sugar regulation.

A1 Milk and Autism: Exploring the Connection Between A1 Beta-Casein and Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how a person communicates, learns, and interacts with the world. While scientists are still figuring out what causes autism, diet is an area of ongoing research. One area that has caught attention is the possible link between A1 milk and autism symptoms.

Some studies suggest that BCM-7 might affect brain function, which could lead to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms like communication difficulties and social challenges (17, 18, 19, 20, 21). However, this theory is still controversial, and more research is needed to determine if A1 milk directly impacts autism.

Interestingly, some children with autism have shown improvements in behavior and digestive health when switching from A1 to A2 milk. Since A2 milk might lead to fewer digestive problems and calmer behavior. However, this is not true for everyone with autism, and the scientific evidence on the connection between A1 milk and autism is not conclusive.

Here’s Why A2 Milk Could Be Right for You

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the switch, here are a few more practical reasons to consider:

1. Fewer Digestive Issues: If you often feel bloated or gassy after drinking milk, A2 milk could be a gentler option for you.

2. Better Taste: Many people say that A2 milk tastes sweeter and creamier than regular milk. If you’re a milk enthusiast, the taste alone might make the switch worthwhile.

3. A Healthier Choice: With potential benefits for heart health and fewer allergens, A2 milk could be the better choice for your overall well-being.

4. Supports Local Farmers: In India, many dairy farmers are shifting to A2 milk production, and purchasing it helps support these sustainable, local farming practices.

   
   

How to Make the Switch to A2 Milk

Switching to A2 milk is easy. Most major grocery stores now carry A2 milk as an option, and many local dairies are starting to produce it, too. You can also find it in online marketplaces. When shopping, make sure the label clearly says “A2 milk,” as it’s sometimes sold alongside regular milk, and the packaging can be very similar.

Start by replacing your regular milk with A2 milk and see how your body reacts. You might notice improvements in digestion, fewer bloating issues, or even better skin if you were allergic to the proteins in A1 milk.

Ready to Make the Switch?

If you’re thinking about switching to A2 milk, don’t wait! Give it a try today and see how it works for you. Head over to your local store or check out online retailers to find A2 milk in your area. Read our other blog posts on Pragmatic Nutrition for health and wellness tips.

Have you already tried A2 milk? Let me know in the comments about your experience.