At first glance, A2 milk looks just like regular milk with the same creamy texture and familiar taste. But under the surface, there's a key difference that could potentially influence how your body processes it. For some people, it could make all the difference when it comes to digestion.
Ahead, food and nutrition experts break down exactly what A2 milk is, how it compares nutritionally to regular dairy milk, and whether it's worth the higher price tag.
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• How is A2 milk different from regular milk? • Is A2 milk easier to digest? • Is A2 milk lactose-free? • How does A2 milk compare nutritionallY.?
• Pros and Cons of A2 Milk • Who should t[Y. A2 milk? • The bottom line • Why trust Good Housekeeping7.
How is A2 milk different from regular milk?
While milk contains several proteins, it is most abundant in casein. Within that, there are two types of beta-casein: A1 and A2.
"A2 milk refers to cow's milk that contains only the A2 type of beta-casein protein, rather than a mix of A1 and A2 proteins that are usually found in regular milk," explains food scientist Veronigue LagrangD, MS, PhD, director of the California Dai[Y. Innovation Center. She adds that the difference comes down to the genetics of the cow. "Certain breeds like Guernsey and Jersey naturally produce more A2 protein, while Holstein and Friesian cows (common in the U.S.) tend to produce more A1 protein." Registered dietitian Frances Largeman-Roth, RON, New York Times best selling author and nationally recognized health expert, adds that A2 milk is made by selectively breeding cows that produce only the A2 protein. Farmers test cows through hair, blood or tissue samples to determine which proteins they produce, and then gradually build herds that only produce A2 milk. "Over time, you can create entire herds this way," Largeman-Roth says.
Is A2 milk easier to digest?
Some people report that A2 milk causes less bloating, gas or digestive discomfort than regular milk. That may be because of how the A1 protein behaves during digestion. According to Largeman-Roth, when A2 beta-casein is broken down in the body, it can
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