I have always been a huge supporter of breastfeeding, as breast milk provides your infant with all the nutrients they need. Now, research is showing that breast milk contains proteins that may be linked to reducing the risk of obesity.
Findings on the fight-fighting proteins:
- Adiponectin, a protein that affects how the body processes sugars and fatty substances in the blood, are secreted by fat cells.
- Low levels of adiponectin have been linked to chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease.
- Higher levels of this protein has shown reduced cases of the above diseases.
- Leptin, another protein found in breast milk, has shown the ability to regualte body fat.
Experts also stated that breastfeeding helps the immune system. This is not a new finding, as I posted an article in a past newsletter on how breastfeeding helps brain function and verbal performance in children. Breast milk is far more superior to formula and I would encourage all women who are able to do so, to breastfeed their children, for it is the single most important thing you can do for your child. I realize in some situations that breastfeeding isn't an option for some women because of physical reasons. In these cases, it's important to recognize that ALL soy formula is worse than worthless for human infants and is nearly guaranteed to cause problems down the road. Fortunately, you can use raw milk to produce a terrific infant formula, but, again, remember that breast milk is ALWAYS best.
Science News May 2, 2004