Indian cow and A2 beta-casein – A scientific perspective on health benefits

The cow has a special place in Hinduism since time immemorial due to the diverse health benefits of its products called Panchagavya. Ayurveda has well-described the medicinal benefits of cow milk, curd, ghee, dung and urine in indigestion, microbial infections, hormonal imbalance and neurological disorders. Indian cows are well-known for producing A2 beta-casein proteincontaining milk which is useful in hormonal disorders including diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. On the other hand, milk containing A1 genotype of beta-casein has been considered to be harmful to health. Cow milk is proven to be a most nutritious food with the bio-protective effect which contains carotenes, vitamin A, vitamin B complex and vitamin C together with flavones, sterols and phenols. The present manuscript describes a general comparison between A1 and A2 variants of beta-casein based on scientific evidence. In view of the health benefits, the present work mainly emphasizes the conservation and propagation of indigenous Indian cow.