Health Benefits and Nutrititive Value of Cow’s Milk: Milk and Diabetes

In a 25 year long cohort study conducted on 5700 Scottish men, it was observed that the rate of death due to coronary artery disease and heart related disorders was lower among men who consumed two-thirds of cup of milk each day. Further, the study also observed a lower rate of cancer related deaths and stroke among individuals consuming milk regularly. The study found that the components of milk had a protective action against life style related disorders. However, the use of cow’s milk especially during infancy and early childhood may be associated with certain adverse effects on health including development of type 1 diabetes

Cow's Milk has several

Health Benefits

Cow’s Milk and Nutrition: Milk Fats and Vitamins

Cow’s milk comprises of 87.4% of water and 12.6% of milk solids. In whole milk, the solids portion comprises of 3.7 percent of fats, 3.4 percent of proteins and 4.8 percent of lactose. In addition about 0.8% of the milk solids comprises of essential vitamins and minerals.

A single serving of 100 ml of whole milk supplies approximately 60 calories of energy which comprise of 3.3 grams of proteins, 3.25 grams of fats and about 4.9 grams of carbohydrates. Fat free milk contains nominal quantities of fat and average calorie intake of one serving of milk is approximately 34 calories.

Milk fats comprise of 98% of triglycerides and 2% of phospholipids, cholesterol, free fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins including Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. Milk contains more than 400 different fatty acids and fatty acid derivates and contains high proportion of short chain and medium chain fatty acids.

Milk is also a great source of conjugated linolenic acid which has several potential health benefits including having protective action against the development of breast cancer. Milk is a great source of Vitamin B complex and the only source of Vitamin B12 for vegetarians.

Health Benefits of Cow’s Milk: Protects the Heart, Prevents Cancer and Aids in Weight Loss

Cow's Milk is protective

against Atherosclerosis

Regular consumption of milk has several health benefits. These health benefits include,

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  Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) found in milk is known to prevent the formation of plaques and has a protective action against atherosclerosis. In addition CLA is also known to enhance immunity and lower the risk of development of cancer. In a study conducted on 360 women it was observed that in females with higher concentration of CLA in breast tissue were at 74% lower risk of developing breast cancer. 

  
  
  
  


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  Myristic Acid in milk is an important fatty acid which plays a crucial role in the stabilization of proteins; especially those used by the immune system and thereby enhance the ability of the body to fight chronic conditions including cancer. Similarly Sphingomyelin is known to have anti cancer properties. 

  
  
  
  


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  Caseinophosphopeptides (CPPs) bind with calcium and increase their absorption and play a beneficial role in the prevention of osteoporosis and joint disorders. 

  
  
  
  


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  Antihypertensive Milk peptides block angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE) and play a pivotal role in regulating blood pressure. 

  
  
  
  


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  Glycomarcopeptide is responsible for delaying gastric emptying which in turn helps in suppressing appetite and aids in weight management. Furthermore, CLA has also been known to promote lean body mass and thereby plays a crucial role in fighting obesity and assisting in the process of losing weight.

  
  
  
  

Cow’s Milk and the Type I Diabetes: Importance of Breast Milk among Infants

Population based studies have reiterated the role and importance of breast feeding, especially during the first few months of infancy. Breast milk provides considerable protection against infection and considered to play a vital part in the early development and growth of the infant.

Case control studies have shown that individuals who developed type I diabetes were more likely to have been breast feed for less than three months compared to others.

It is hypothesized that bovine insulin present in cows milk can trigger an autoimmune response in the body, which may result in self destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas.

In addition, another adverse reaction of cow’s milk especially among children is the higher rate of constipation associated with increased consumption of cow’s milk.

Cure Diabetes Naturally: Home Remedies and Life Style Tips to Manage Diabetes

Diabetes is categorized in to type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 1 or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus occurs in children. This type of diabetes develops when there is absolute damage to the beta islets cells of the pancreas. People suffering from type 1 diabetes will need life long insulin to control the blood sugar level. Type 2 or non insulin diabetes mellitus occurs in adults after 40 years. These individuals demonstrate reduced sensitivity to insulin by the cells of the body. Following a healthy diet, exercising regularly and incorporating certain foods in the daily diet can help manage both type 1 as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus. These food prescriptions will help keep the serum glucose level in check and will stave off complications associated with the disorder.

Diabetes can affect several

organs of the body

Diabetes Natural Treatment: Life Style Tips for Management of Diabetes

Dietary modification is fundamental to the successful treatment of diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2.   

• Eliminate simple, processed and concentrated carbohydrates from the diet.
• Include only foods that have a low glycemic index: barley, rice bran, apples, apricots, cherries, orange, prunes, oats, whole wheat, lima beans, peas, soy, haricot beans, low fat skimmed milk, carrots, asparagus, kale, aubergine, bell peppers, broccoli, celery, lettuce, spinach and tomatoes.
• Steer clear of saturated fats and trans fats (cookies, biscuits, cakes, butter, cheese, margarine and crisps).
• Eat small, frequent meals through the whole day; never have a large, heavy meal.
• Avoid red meat, organ meat and egg yolk. You may have boiled / roasted chicken, egg white and fish. However, reduce consumption of food of animal origin; increase your intake of plant based foods.

 Natural Cures For Diabetes: Home Remedies for Diabetic Management  

Bitter Gourd to treat

Diabetes

• Cinnamon: cinnamon has been proved to be extremely helpful in managing diabetes. In fact, cinnamon has the potential to act like insulin in type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can lower serum glucose levels and also diminish the level of cholesterol, thus warding off the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, which are relatively common in diabetics. Dose: take about 1 gram per day, i.e. ¼ teaspoon.
• String beans: research says, string beans have a component that mimics the action of insulin in the body. It helps reduce the level of sugar in the blood effectively. Dose: take about 5 string beans, chop them and boil in a glass of water for 15 minutes. Consume this daily.
• Bitter gourd: bitter gourd is another very effective home remedy for diabetes. It has been used as an anti diabetic since ages. It is a natural hypoglycemic or sugar lowering agent. Dose: 2 ounces of freshly expressed juice of bitter melon has shown excellent results in patients with diabetes. Avoid taking more than 2 ounces, it can cause diarrhea in some individuals.

Diet for Management of Diabetes: Natural Cures to Diabetes

If you incorporate these foods in to your daily diet, you can easily achieve normal sugar levels within a period of one month. In fact, it is possible to discontinue conventional hypoglycemic drugs, if you combine this diet with homoeopathy medicines.

Natural Remedies for Diabetes: Treating Diabetes Naturally with Home Remedies

A large section of the population today, suffers from diabetes. A metabolic disorder, diabetes can be quite debilitating and is also fraught with innumerable grave complications. Herbs and supplements complement conventional medicine and most importantly prevent the occurrence of any complications, associated with diabetes

What are the Signs of Diabetes?: Diabetes Symptoms

Type II Diabetes

is age related

A person, who is diagnosed with diabetes, does not produce adequate amounts of the hormone insulin, or the body fails to use it effectively. Consequently the blood sugar level rises producing a host of symptoms.

 Characteristic features of diabetes mellitus are: 

• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination, more so, at night
• Increased appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Slow healing of wounds / cuts
• Recurring infections
• Tingling numbness of the feet

Diabetes Natural Cures: Tips for Management of Diabetes

Supplements and herbs can be used along side conventional drugs and homeopathy medicines. The dosage of these remedies needs to be altered from time to time and thus your doctor’s supervision is necessary.

Importantly, it is crucial that you watch your diet. Eliminate unhealthy fats, trans fats, refined foods, processed and denatured foods, carbonated drinks, organ meat and alcohol from the diet. Eat frequent, small meals through the day. Never stay hungry for long intervals of time and never consume a heavy meal.

Exercise regularly. It helps maintain ideal body weight and battles stress (an important trigger for diabetes) effectively.

Diabetes Natural Healing With Supplements: Home Remedies for Diabetes

Vitamin Supplements can
be useful in management of

Diabetes

• Vitamin B complex: vitamin B is the most important vitamin group for a diabetic. The B vitamins help synthesize enzymes which convert sugar to energy, and prevent diabetic nerve damage. Vitamin B supplement checks tingling numbness of the hands and feet, fight fatigue and reduce stress. Choose a supplement that has all the vitamins of B complex.
• Vitamin C: research says, diabetics are severely deficient in anti oxidants. Vitamin C is a potent anti oxidant that protects your body from free radical damage. A vitamin supplement ought to be taken daily; it helps battle stress and staves off the development of complications.
• Vitamin E: vitamin E is another powerful anti oxidant that tends to get depleted in a diabetic. Vitamin E prevents damage to the nerves, eyes and the heart. Vitamin E blocks the build up of plaque and thus checks cardiovascular disorders which are frequently seen in diabetics.
• Chromium: chromium plays an important role in glucose regulation. This mineral improves glucose tolerance, helps lower blood sugar levels significantly and decreases the level of cholesterol in the blood as well. Chromium levels in the body are a major determining factor for insulin sensitivity. Thus, if the chromium levels in the body are low, blood sugar levels remain high due to lack of sensitivity to insulin.
• Essential fatty acids: supplementing your food with essential fatty acids is a must. It keeps your arteries supple, maintains healthy levels of cholesterol and protects against nerve damage. Fish oils, primrose oil and flax seed oil are excellent essential fatty acid supplements.