Sunday, November 4, 2007

Anti-aging nutrition with breast feeding

Anti-aging nutrition is not just for the elderly. It is more important for the young - to maintain youth and prevent premature aging. Anti-aging nutrition should be started on day one of life, the moment little baby craws out screaming for the rich anti-oxidant natural food - breast milk.

Do not listen to the formula milk people, no matter what they claim of how close and similar powdered milk is to human milk.

Breast milk is a complete natural food with the right amount and type of protein, fats and carbohydrates. The protein is in a form easily digestible and absorbed by the baby. Much of the protein in formula milk is cow protein and cannot be utilised by human babies. The fats in breast milk contain natural omega acids such as DHA and AHA, both of which develope the baby's brain and vision.

Most important is breast milk contains immunologic antibodies, from the mother, that protect the baby against infections. Formula milk-fed babies have more diarrhoea, urine infection, ear and lung infection. In fact there are many dozens of vitamins and minerals and other ingredients in breast milk (not found in formula milk) that are necessary for the baby's deveolpment.

Breast feeding bonds baby to mother. The closeness between baby and mother provides emotional security and also enhances the baby's mental development. The maternal instinct also finds fulfilment in breast feeding. Besides, the mother burns more calories, reduces her weight and breast feeding is known to reduce breast and ovarian cancer.

It is critical that for a baby to grow well physically, emotionally and mentally, he/she should be breast fed exclusively for six months and longer. This lays a foundation for future healthy development.

All young would-be mothers should be prepared to breast feed their babies. It is one care that is worth sacrificing. There is no excuse not to, unless she has not enough breast....sorry...not enough milk.

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