Health Benefits of Different Types of Milk

Health Benefits of Different Types of Milk

1. Coconut milk:
Coconut milk is a common ingredient in South Indian cooking that makes the curry rich and delicious.

What are the health benefits of coconut milk?
Coconuts provide vitamins, minerals and fibers that prevent diseases like gallbladder stones and liver diseases, inflammation and skin diseases, to name a few. If you want proteins, coconut milk is a good source. It also provides iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, vitamins: C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6. Surprisingly coconut milk is far richer in calcium than regular milk. Rest assured that coconut milk also supports the immune system, helps in weight loss and is great for digestion.

2. Almond milk:
Almonds are a great snack if you are fasting or if you simply want a potent healthy snack to keep you full for longer. Some dishes also use almonds as garnish and it is an excellent medium in desserts.

What are the health benefits of almond milk?
Almond milk, just like coconut milk, is a great alternative for vegans. Almond milk is a good source for proteins; it is also low in calories unlike cow's milk. This milk contains vitamin E, magnesium, monounsaturated fats, manganese, copper and riboflavin. Boost your energy and lower heart diseases with almond milk.

3. Cow's milk:
This is the most commonly used milk in India. Cow's milk is also used to make enticing Indian sweets.

What are the health benefits of cow's milk?
This milk contains fats, minerals and vitamins like vitamin D, proteins, vitamin B, potassium, iodine and it is a good substitute to Omega 3. Cow's milk is not fattening but it should be complimented with a healthy diet. Besides strengthening the bones with calcium, cow's milk is known to control blood pressure as it contains potassium, iodine promote thyroid function and prevents gout.

4. Goat's milk:
Most Indians may not use goat's milk, but high up in the hilly regions of northern Indian, goat's milk is widely used. But the buck does not stop there, globalization and India's love for Italian food has seen an increase in the import of goat cheese.

What are the health benefits of goat's milk?
According to researchers, goat's milk helps prevent softening of bone and anemia. It also aids digestion and 'metabolic utilization of minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium'. The secret lies in the high presence of iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Apparently goat's milk has less fat, builds your immune system, and reduces anti-inflammation of the bowel.

5. Raw milk:
Consuming raw milk is a trend that promotes the importance of organic food. But is it a wise choice?

What are the health benefits of raw milk?
The debate still continues on the health benefits of raw milk over pasteurised milk. Raw milk contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, but scientists do not believe the claims of health benefits of raw milk. There are healthy bacteria in raw milk; some say that pasteurised milk kills these microbes, but scientists believe it's all for a good cause.

You need to know:
- Pasteurization DOES NOT reduce milk's nutritional value.
- Pasteurization DOES kill harmful bacteria.
- Pasteurization DOES save lives.

6. Soy milk:
This is a common substitute for those who are lactose intolerant or vegetarian. Soy milk also comes under probiotic food choice.

What are the health benefits of soy milk?
Soy milk contains fatty acids, proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the smooth functioning of our body. You can count on soy milk to improve good cholesterol and help in weight loss; the omega 3 and 6 in soy milk strengthens the blood vessels, claims to prevent prostrate cancer, osteoporosis and postmenopausal syndrome.

7. Cardamom or eliachi milk:
May not be a common ingredient in milk, but flavoured milk is always refreshing on a hot day. Cardamom milk is healthier than having flavoured milk like chocolate and strawberry.

What are the health benefits of cardamom milk?
Cardamom contains potassium, calcium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-C and magnesium. It is also used as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. These are the traditional uses of cardamom.

Dental Health 101: Ten Tips for Parents of Kids with Smiles

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month - a time for parents to focus on healthful habits and practices to ensure that their children enjoy a lifetime of beautiful smiles and healthy well-being.

“Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases, and can cause problems that continue into later life,” says veteran San Antonio cosmetic dentist Dr. Edward Camacho, DDS. “The dental health of a child should be a top priority for parents, starting even before a baby is born.”

Dr. Camacho offers these ten tips for parents:

1) Get the true picture – Everyone understands that you should take care of your teeth to avoid toothaches, maintain your looks and keep dental bills at bay. Many people, however, don’t understand how crucial oral health is to our total health picture. Tooth problems can lead to diabetes, heart disease, systemic infections, an inability to eat or speak properly and other maladies – some life-threatening. Crooked or crowded teeth can contribute to gum disease that can eventually lead to tooth loss. Straight teeth are no longer just for looks.

2) Dental health starts in the womb – By the second trimester of pregnancy, a baby’s teeth are forming. To make sure development is normal, mom should consume generous amounts of foods containing calcium, including dairy, products, whole grains and leafy greens.

3) Avoid baby bottle tooth decay – Don’t use the nursing bottle as a pacifier, or let the baby fall asleep with a bottle containing any form of carbohydrates. Even human breast milk can lead to tooth decay if it remains in a baby’s unrinsed mouth. A better option is to give the child a bottle of water. Never dip a pacifier in sugar, honey or anything sweet. Mothers can also transmit the bacteria that cause tooth decay to their infants through kissing, sharing cups or utensils. It is recommended that new mothers chew gum, consume mints or candy with xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar. Xylitol reduces the amount of a specific type of bacteria (strep mutans) that causes tooth decay. Spry makes xylitol sweetened gum, mint and candy.

4) Protect the baby teeth - Although they’re only with the child for a few years, baby teeth serve an important role in the development of the mouth, serving as space-savers and guides for permanent teeth. Loss of baby teeth can lead to crowded or crooked permanent teeth. Baby teeth are also important to the normal appearance of the face, proper nutrition and speech. And, of course, cavities and infection can affect the child’s overall health.

5) Tooth brushing – Even before a child’s teeth begin coming in, you should develop the habit of cleaning your baby’s gums after feeding, using a damp cloth or gauze. When the first tooth arrives, usually between the ages of 6 and 10 months, you should switch to a small soft-bristle brush. Take care to brush behind the teeth and around the gum line, using just water without toothpaste. From ages 2 to 6, add a small amount of toothpaste – no more than the size of a pea (Spry makes an infant tooth gel with xylitol which reduces bacteria that cause decay). Until about age 7, parents should handle the tooth-brushing, or at least personally supervise. Make sure the kids learn proper brushing techniques, using a circular stroke to reach all surfaces.

6) Flossing – As soon as your child has two teeth touching, you should begin flossing between the teeth. It’s as necessary as flossing for adults, and introducing the practice early will teach the child the proper habits of tooth care.

7) Tooth-friendly diet -- Parents should train their children early toward a healthy diet that has limited candy, soft drinks and other sweets that can fuel the development of cavities. Cheese is an especially healthy snack, because it adds calcium, stimulates saliva production and counteracts chemicals that can eat away at tooth enamel.

8) Prevent decay with xylitol-New research suggests that products containing xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar, can prevent tooth decay and even Otis Media (ear infections). Oral bacteria do not use Xylitol therefore no acid is produced to eat away at enamel. Xylitol also reduces the quantity of caries causing bacteria creating additional protection between meals as well as inhibiting the bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Look for products that only use xylitol as the sweetener. (Young children should avoid non-liquid products such as gum, mints or lozenges until they can effectively chew or suck long enough to gain a benefit without swallowing or choking.)

9) Visit the dentist regularly – Parents should take their children to the dentist by their first birthday, and then continue twice a year. This is also a strategy session to work out a plan for lasting dental health. Ask about dental sealants that can protect teeth against decay. Make the trips fun, so that the kids learn that the dental office isn’t a place to be afraid of.

10) Don’t let small problems become big ones – A toothache is a sign that a cavity has reached an advanced stage. It might also indicate a more serious problem, such as a cracked tooth, an infection, jaw problems, etc. Parents should inspect their kids’ teeth regularly, paying attention to anything unusual, and encourage children to be aware of the first twinge of pain or any changes in their mouths.

“Poor dental health can affect everything from overall physical wellbeing to appearance, self-confidence and emotional health,” Dr. Camacho said. “It’s critical that parents understand the importance of the life skill they are passing along to their children.”

Source http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/02/prweb5071474.htm