A2 Milk: A Better Option for Diabetics

What is Diabetes?
Before we understand how A2 milk helps keep diabetics under check, let us understand what exactly diabetes is:
Diabetes is a condition that is caused due to sugar buildup in the blood. This happens when the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin to convert sugar into glucose that acts as fuel for the body cells. This requires diabetics to take medications that can aid the pancreas in producing insulin or simply take insulin injections to maintain blood sugar levels in the body. With more than 400 million diabetics, it is one of the leading chronic diseases worldwide.

This makes it necessary to take measures to bring changes in our daily nutrition which can reduce the risk of suffering from diabetes.

Why A1 milk might not be a good option:
While milk is one of the most nutrient-rich foods, it mainly contains two types of proteins – casein and whey. While casein contributes to 80 percent of milk proteins, its two variants, A1 and A2 are what make all the nutritional difference. A1 milk protein is digested in the small intestine, which produces BCM-7 peptides when disintegrated. Doctors suggest that these peptides not only cause stomach discomfort and inflammation, but it may also increase the risk of suffering from type 1 diabetes.

A2 milk: A better option for your daily dose of dairy
On the other hand, A2 protein has a similar genetic structure to that of human breast milk. Thus, being closely similar to human breast milk enables our gut to digest and break down A2 proteins. Some studies have shown that A2 milk might be good for diabetics. This is because A2 milk is lighter on the intestines as opposed to A1 milk as it suppresses excessive hunger, a risk factor of diabetes.

Here’s the catch
Cows genetically produced A2 milk in the past. However, due to a cellular mutation, most cows started producing more milk containing both A1 and A2 protein, thus making it profitable for dairy farmers. Soon, this type of milk capitalized on the world dairy market. However, the mutation came with its own set of side effects which were highlighted by health experts. It is during these recent times that the importance of A2 milk came into the limelight.

Apart from some European cow breeds, cows bred in our country continue to produce A2 milk. Desi cow breeds such as Gir, Sahiwal, and Tharparkar cows genetically produce A2 milk which can be great for diabetics. The good news is, A2 cow milk is being recommended by doctors, nutritionists, and health experts due to its health benefits.

Conclusion
Looking at the comparison between A1 and A2 proteins and the health benefits of A2milk, it is highly recommended to switch to desi cow milk. Sahiwal or Gir cow milk can assist in better digestion and hence help in efficiently controlling blood sugar levels, thereby keep diabetes at bay. However, it is advised to consult your own nutritionist or doctor to discuss the benefits involved with switching to A2 milk.