However, many people do not know the following two astonishing facts. Mother's milk contains a higher percentage of cholesterol than almost any other food. More than 50% of the calories in mother’s milk are fats, and much of these fats are saturated fats. Both cholesterol and saturated fat are essential for growth in babies and children, especially the development of the brain and nervous system.
The main ingredient of saturated fat in human breast milk is lauric acid. Lauric plays an important role in nourishing and protecting babies. Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA), which has the additional beneficial function of being transformed into a substance called "monolaurin" in the human body.
Monolaurin is an antibacterial, antiviral and antiprotozoal substance used by the human body to destroy lipid-coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. This is why lauric acid is the fundamental building block of our bodies immune system and the most effective anti-pathogenic of all MCFAs.
Many companies now market dietary supplements containing monolaurin due to its amazing health benefits. Clinics have started using monolaurin supplements to actively treat patients with considerable success. HIV-infected patients using these supplements have seen massive improvement in their health. Healthy people also use such supplements. Top athletes take monolaurin supplements to manage their weight and improve their sporting performance.
The best and richest natural sources of lauric acid are coconuts and coconut oil. Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Currently, researchers are experimenting with way to increase the amount of lauric acid available in our foods. However, you can improve your health right away. By simply changing your cooking oil to coconut oil, you can enjoy the benefits of lauric acid without the hassle of swallowing pills.
Lauric acid can kill various lipid-coated viruses such as HIV, measles, herpes, influenza and Hepatitis C etc. It also kills various lipid-coated bacteria. Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that causes digestive illnesses like gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, is no match for lauric acid. While lauric acid kills lipid-coated bacteria, it leaves the friendly intestinal bacteria alone. Lauric acid also kills candida and other fungi in the intestinal tract. Therefore, lauric acid is truly effective in supporting a healthy intestinal environment.
Mother’s milk was designed to supply all the nutrients a baby needs for the first year of life. It contains vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats for optimal growth and development. The important component in mother’s milk is medium chain fatty acids, principally lauric acid. Adults can get the benefits of mother’s milk by taking coconut oil which is rich in lauric acid.
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Colds and flu are a common disease that can be inflicted to anyone who has a weak immune system. Weak immune system is probably caused by too much stress or other illnesses or through poor diet. Colds and flu are triggered by some allergens such as dust and pollutants and viruses. Colds are characterized by sneezing, blocked-up nose, runny nose, coughs and headache whereas flu shows additional symptoms of rapidly rising fever, chills, and body and muscle aches.
Colds and flu are communicable and therefore can be passed from one person to another. The viruses are transmitted by droplets from coughs or sneezes. These droplets are inhaled directly when they are floated in the air. They can also transmit through hand contact. The viruses, which can last for a few hours, are introduced to the nasal passages when the hand touches the nose or eyes.
Sufferers of colds and flu develop immunity to the virus encountered. However, this immunity offers limited protection as there are large number of different colds and flu viruses. The best way to prevent inflicted by someone with colds and flu is avoid getting contact with the existing sufferers. Wash hand regularly and thoroughly with anti-bacteria soap and avoid touching the face with hands.
Perhaps by avoiding the source of viruses, you could protect yourselves from being infected. However if in any cases you catch a colds and flu, you need a strong immune system to fight off the virus. Consuming plenty of leafy greens, sweet potatoes, Brazil nuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, tuna and broccoli can strengthen your immune system.
Vitamin C and Zinc can prevent colds and flu. The duration and severity of colds and flu may be lessened by increasing intake of vitamin C up to 500mg daily for as long as the cold last. It will be easier to take supplement tablets than to consume 500mg of vitamin from food daily. However, too much vitamin C can cause stomach upsets, diarrhea, kidney stones and other problems.
Water and other citrus-based drinks will help in decongesting phlegm and mucus formations and hence minimizing the effect of colds. Drop few drops of thyme oil and eucalyptus oil in boiling water and inhale the stream. This can also have the same effect.
Ginger and chilies are good stimulant spices that help to fight off viruses. You can use them fresh in your cooking. You can also include plenty of fresh garlic in your diet as garlic is a natural anti-bacterial. Avoid eating foods rich in saturated fats such as chocolates and other dairy products as they tend to form more mucus that may develop into sinusitis. Low-nutrient foods, alcohol and smoking should also be avoided.
Colds and flu sufferers should get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquid. However, it is necessary to take medications to relief symptoms such as fever or muscle ache associated with the colds and flu. So, it is crucial that you see your physician for proper treatment.
Both John Goh Goh & Casey Yew are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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