Why is Breast-feeding Necessary & Beneficial?

Breast feeding is essential for the mental and physical development of a new born baby. Mother’s milk is the most natural and complete food for the baby. Breast feeding generates integration between the baby and mother creating a life long attachment. The posture of feeding, patience and affectionate touch of the mother makes the child relaxed, comfortable and secure.

The first milk called colostrums is a yellowish, thick and sticky liquid rich in antibodies, minerals and proteins. The baby may be unable to suck initially
but soon gets adapted to it. Great care and patience is required from the part of the mother during this stage. Sucking stimulates the milk glands, enhancing milk production. The baby will start chewing the nipples after four to five months of breast feeding. The is a natural indication showing the need of solid foods, but it is better to seek the advise of a pediatrician. The child may have problems to digest solid food fully so weaning foods can be given at this stage.

Mother’s milk alone may not be sufficient enough to supply all the nutrients required for a growing child. Inclusion of cereals and fiber rich food in the diet can improve the muscular functions. But breast feeding should not be stopped in this stage because it provides all the necessary nutrients to keep the baby healthy.

Breast feeding is useful to both baby and mother and should be deliberately promoted if the mother does not suffer from any illness. Mother’s infected by tuberculosis or HIV and those addicted to alcohol or drugs should avoid breast feeding. Breast feeding consumes a fare amount of energy and reduces weight gained during pregnancy. It helps to regain the uterus size and to stop bleeding. Lactating in mothers can reduce the risk for ovarian and breast cancer. The possibility of pelvic fractures and osteoporosis are seemed to lessen in breast feeding women.

Baby can be fed either directly from mother’s breast or feeding bottle. Mother’s milk is the natural and balanced source of protein, fat, sugar and water required for the infant. The difficulties in the preparation, mixing and measuring of artificial feeds can be avoided. Moreover improper sterilization of bottles can result in infection.
Breast milk is available at any time with the right temperature and taste. Breast feeding can enhance teeth growth and speech development. It can reduce sleeplessness in both child and mother.

Mother’s milk has several preventive aspects and such infants have a less possibility towards Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other diseases. Premature babies who are breast fed will be healthier than those artificially fed. Breast fed babies will be mentally stronger and have better I.Q. It also raises the self-confidence and relationship between the child and mother. Breast feeding is that what makes a mother sacred above everyone in the world.

Honey, it’s all about honey!

Honey has been used from ancient times by human beings as natural food, sweetener, medicine, cosmetics and preservatives. Honey is a natural carbohydrate compound that has many medicinal values. It is a low calorie food which is capable of releasing large amount of energy. Proteins in honey are found to be very effective to regenerate lost tissues. It also helps in the formation of enzymes and biological ferments that act as a catalyst in the process of oxidation. Honey is one of the most valuable foods and its daily consumption can keep you away from many diseases.

Honey is a liquid edible substance with golden color, extracted by bees from the nectar of flowers. Artificially made honey is now available and is not effective like natural honey. Glucose, starch, and cane sugar used in artificial honey can add more calories to you body. Natural honey can be distinguished by the presence of pollen grains. This can be verified under the microscope. The condition of flower blossom is the main factor that determines the quality of honey. Honey gets its sweetness from glucose and fructose. Honey contains 20% water and about 79% sugar. The sugar part in honey is further divided into; glucose 25- 37%, fructose 34- 43%, sucrose 0.5- 3% and maltose 5-12%. The calorie level is 319 kilo calories per 100gms of honey.

Honey gets granulated when kept unused for long time however heating regains its liquid form.
People have a great affiliation towards sweetness especially children. Sweeteners are needed and not harmful for the body to an extent. But using sweeteners without control can result in weight gain and other health problems. Honey is a better option than other sweeteners since it contains less calories and carbohydrates. It is better for your health since it contains minerals and vitamins.

Honey contains two inverted sugars called laevulose and dextrose. Inversion is a process that takes place during digestion, which converts normal sugars to fruit sugars. In the case of honey this process is already done by bees. So consumption of honey saves the digestive system from this process. Person having digestive problems due to the deficiency of enzymes like invertase and amylase need not depend on monosaccharide if they use honey. More over proteins in honey can build and replace tissues. Honey has germicidal effects and is free of bacteria unlike milk.

Medicinal Uses of Honey

• Honey mixed with the carrot juice improves eyesight

• Honey and ginger juice mixed equally gives quick relief to cold, cough and sore throat.

• Honey mixed with black pepper powder and ginger juice helps to cure asthma.

• One teaspoon of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoon honey taken twice a day can reduce blood pressure.

• One glass of warm water mixed with 2 teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of lemon juice taken on empty stomach helps to purify blood, reduce fat and to clean the intestines. It is good for obesity and is an effective drink for fasting.

• One teaspoon of anise powder mixed with two teaspoon of honey strengthens the heart muscles and improves its functions.

• One drop of honey in each eye once a week cleans the eyes.