What Is Colostrum And Why It’s The Next Gen Super Food?

There are numerous superfoods which we are aware of because it’s commercialized, but there are still many that are yet to hit the limelight. One of them is – Colostrum. Colostrum is a powerhouse of nutrients and antibodies, that is beneficial for both newborn and the adults. The surprising fact? We all have consumed colostrum yet we are not aware of it. Wondering what is it? Keep reading to know the amazing benefits of this magic liquid.

What is Colostrum?

Colostrum is a milk- like fluid formed by all the mammals before they get into their lactation period during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Colostrum is caused by a hormone called Prolactin which is responsible for lactation during pregnancy. The protein content is higher during the initial lactation period which rapidly decreases with the change of compounds, hence differentiating colostrum from milk. Colostrum contains 10 times more Vitamin A and 3 times more Vitamin D than milk. It also contains a very high quantity of Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Chloride, and Magnesium. Bovine (cattle) and human colostrum is yellowish and has a thick consistency. Now, that human colostrum is accessible only from a mother to her infant, bovine colostrum is what you can have for its amazing benefits. Bovine colostrum is pretty similar to human colostrum when it comes to the nutrient value and it is available in a pasteurized form as both, pill and powder.

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Benefits of Colostrum to the body:

Boost immunity:

Bovine colostrum contains a great concentration of antibodies like IgA and IgG that fights bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing bacteria that harm the immune system. Several studies prove that even athletes consume  Bovine Colostrum to boost their immunity and athletic performance. In infants, colostrum helps prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms thereby keeping their immune health supercharged.

Prevents allergies and infections:

Colostrum operates throughout the intestinal tract which helps prevent infections in gastrointestinal tracts. It contains lgG that binds with the pathogens and allergens inside the system thereby neutralizing the infection and inflammation. The colostrum compounds present in the saliva also help cut down the bacterial growth in the lymph glands reducing the chances of sore throat, common cold, and fever.

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Reduces inflammation:

Inflammation is triggered by an autoimmune response, and colostrum contains high proline-rich polypeptides which help to restore balance and cellular functions. Proline-rich polypeptides (PRP) also relieves swelling and acuteness of inflammatory diseases like arthritis and fibromyalgia. The lactoferrin (antioxidant) present in Colostrum also helps to detoxify the body that soothes the lymphatic system.

Reduces the risk of cancer:

Being a powerhouse of antioxidants, Bovine Colostrum strengthens the immune system, reduces inflammation and fights the growth of bacteria. It boosts the production of GcMAF, a Vitamin-D binding protein that helps to fight the cancer cells and preventing it from multiplying in the body. GcMAF is a body’s natural shield to protect against cancer.

Boost metabolism:

Low metabolism can be a cause of numerous health issues, the most common being the resistance to insulin, glucose intolerance, fatigue, and other hormonal diseases. Colostrum helps to improve the liver enzymes and tolerance to glucose while maintaining the metabolism rate to a standard level which does not cause harm to the body.

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Strengthens the gut:

Bovine colostrum contains antibodies and lactoferrin that helps in strengthening and healing the gastrointestinal lining. It also prevents a condition called leaky gut syndrome in which undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria leak through the damaged lining of small intestines and pollute the bloodstream. Lactoferrin is also considered as a great probiotic which helps in the growth of good bacteria.

Wondering how you can involve colostrum in your diet? Here’s one easy recipe by Nutritionist Sujetha Shetty.

GINNU OR KHARVAS RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 250 ml  Colostrum cow’s milk
• 1/4 cup Whole milk
• 1/4 cup Gudh / Jaggery
• 10~12 Saffron strands
• A pinch of cardamom powder

Method

• Take colostrum into a bowl and add whole milk, jaggery in it.
• You can use sugar instead of jaggery.
• Mix well until  jaggery is dissolved. Add cardamom powder mix well.
• Add some saffron strands for garnishing. You can pound the saffron and then add it.
• Pour out the mixture into a pot.You can use cooker pot or any steel container with lid too.
• Heat up water in the steamer and put the pot in it.
• Cover the pot with a lid.
• You can use idli  cooker or pressure cooker or any pan instead of steamer.
• Heat up the water and put the kharavas pot in it.
• If you are using a pressure  cooker then do not forget to remove the whistle.
• Close the steamer and steam on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Take the pot out and insert a toothpick or knife at the centre.
• If it comes out clean then the kharavas is steamed well.
• Let the kharavas cool down completely.
• Loosen the sides of the kharavas and cut it into any shape you want.
• Kharavas is ready.