The story behind the toxi-fication of milk in India dates back to the 1970’s. Operation Flood, also called white revolution of India, was started by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1970s to increase milk production, boost rural production and offer fair prices to consumers. India became the largest producer of Milk and Milk Products.

During this revolution, there was extensive cross-breeding of Desi Indian cows with European ones and also import of foreign hybrid breeds to facilitate higher milk production  and cheaper prices. Soon, proportion of crossbred cows increased while that of indigenous cows declined in India

A2 versus A1 protein in milk:

A2 is the name of a milk protein that was originally in all dairy herds. But, a natural mutation in European herd thousands of years ago led to formation of A1 proteins. Milk from goats, sheep, camels, buffalo, yaks, donkeys is either mostly or completely A2.  Experts suggest that up to 65% of the Jersey and Guernsey cows produced A2 milk but still need to be tested for presence of A1 proteins to be sure while the black-and -white Holstein contain only A1 protein

Why is A1 milk toxic ?

BCM 7 (beta-casomorphin7 ) is a peptide released during digestion of proteins in A1 milk

• Passes on from mother to babies during lactation leading to delayed psycho-motor (brain-to-muscle) development
• Is associated as a risk factor for type 1 diabetes and heart disease
• Causes mental disorders like autism and schizophrenia because it may enter your brain through blood

Limited but well-validated research shows that A1 beta casein may be associated with serious health conditions such as

• Heart disease
• Diabetes type 1
• Autism
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Parkinson’s and Schizophrenia

It is better to completely avoid the toxic A1 milk, especially in the more vulnerable groups such as infants, children and elderly. It is worthwhile to now investigate whether the  growing incidence of milk intolerance is attributable to its lactose content or the casein protein present.

Watch this space for source and benefits of A2 milk

References:

http://www.fedup.com.au/factsheets/additive-and-natural-chemical-factsheets/a2-milk

http://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/a1-versus-a2-milk-does-it-matter-1414225