A2 milk is for everyone

 

Many regard staying fit and healthy as the best defense against the dreaded coronavirus. But apart from hitting the running track or the gym, boosting immunity is a more proactive stance to ward off the disease and the right choice of nutritious food is crucial to this. One such immune-booster is A2-type milk.

Compared to A1 milk, A2 milk has A2 B-casein protein that helps ease digestion. It also strengthens the body with regular intake as nutrients and minerals are better absorbed. This is why A2 milk is regarded as a healthier choice. And it is good to know that the buffalo is a good source of pure A2 milk.

The study entitled “Screening for Genetic Polymorphism of B-Casein Gene in Different Breeds of Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in the Philippines” determined that four breeds of buffaloes carry only A2 alleles.

Said breeds are Bulgarian Murrah Buffalo, Brazilian Murrah Buffalo, Italian Murrah Buffalo, and Philippine Native Swamp.

Due to the absence of A1 allele in buffaloes, production of A1 milk with beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) is also prevented. The BCM-7 increases risk of diabetes, neurological disorder, and ischemic heart disease. 

“Investigation of the gene causing the variance in B-casein gives us information if the native buffaloes and other breeds in the Philippines have the mutation for BCM-7 gene. In this manner, selecting the favorable allele in the population can be conducted,” said by Paulene Pineda, one of the members of the research team that conducted the study.

Pineda worked alongside Jonalyn Delos Santos and Dr. Ester Flores at the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC). 

Meanwhile, A2 milk can be identified through “A2 choice”, a DA-PCC technology. It is a “genotyping test for A1 and A2 beta casein variants in bovine and bubaline species that determine cattle and carabao’s milk type through the beta casein gene”.

A2 choice helps set apart A2 milk in the market which is saturated with cow’s (cattle’s) milk, which has A1 or combination of A1 and A2 B-casein.

“Classification of A2 milk from A1 milk is important because the price for A2 milk could increase your income with up to 55%,” Pineda shared. She added, the test can now be availed at Php700 per animal. The result is released within two to four weeks.

Author

0 Response