Many people do not know that children, teens, adults and seniors (for its significant anti-aging properties) can benefit from colostrum (the thin yellowish fluid produced during the first few milkings of a mammal after she has given birth). Most people do know that this “liquid gold” is crucial for an infant’s first few days, but did you know that cow colostrum is just as beneficial? Colostrum contains growth factors, lipidic and glucidic factors, oligosaccharides, antimicrobials, cytokines and nucleoside. Basically, it contains immunoglobulins which are certain types of protein involved in power boosting the immune system and fights off foreign bacteria and germs.
Yes, you read correct. People can consume bovine colostrum in capsule form, which is identical in molecular structure to the colostrum of humans (this is why breastfeeding is so important!)
Natural News reports that many human health benefits have been attributed to bovine colostrum including: increased energy levels, lower risks of upper respiratory illnesses, reduced risk of intestinal damage from anti-inflammatory drugs, increased ability of the body to burn fat and increase muscle, acceleration of injury healing, and increased vitality and stamina..
Below are just a few of the hundreds of scientific research studies completed on the benefits of bovine colostrum in humans:
The October 2007 edition of New Microbiology found that bovine colostrum could represent an inexpensive therapeutic tool in prevention and treatment of several human microbial infections, including influenza.
The Journal of Sports Medicine issue September 2006, reports that bovine colostrum helped male distance cyclists retain more energy following a bout of intensive training. These cyclists who used bovine colostrums performed at a higher level with fewer signs of fatigue during tests taken after their five days of intensive training.
Also, bovine colostrum may provide a novel approach to the prevention of NSAID induced gastrointestinal damage in humans in June, 2001 edition of Clinical Science.
No known significant side effects from supplementation with bovine colostrum have yet been reported in the literature or studies. Colostrum contains lactose, although a small amount. Depending on the degree of lactose intolerance and the amount of colostrum ingested in a person, will adverse symptoms possibly appear.
If you know of a trusted and organic local dairy farmer, that will be your best source. But if there are no current calves being born, there are other ways to get this liquid gold. As a side but important note, just like breast milk, the fresh colostrum collected needs to be refrigerated and consumed within a reasonably short time. Raw colostrum differs from processed colostrum because its immune factors come from just one cow. Processed colostrum comes from a pool of hundreds or thousands of cows and provides a broad spectrum of immune factors.
Also, choose colostrum from pasture-fed cows. Natural News suggests that colostrum should come from animals that are pesticide, antibiotic and rBST free, and is processed with very low heat. The compression used to create tablets will cause the colostrum to be exposed to excessive heat, so buy colostrum only in powdered form or in capsules.
It is important (just like probiotics), that the colostrum reaches the small intestine intact, without damage from saliva and stomach acids. Taken on an empty stomach with a good amount of water should do the trick. Colostrum should be collected during the first 24 hours after birth, while it has its peak concentrations of immune and growth factors as well as digestive inhibitors.
✤ Strengthen the immune system
✤ Improve muscle mass to body fat ratio
✤ Kill fungi, bacteria, viruses, candida cleanse
✤ Combat depression and enhance mood
✤ Reduce allergic reactions
✤ Balance blood sugar
✤ Rejuvenate skin and muscle tissue
✤ Support healthy joint and cartilage function
✤ Promote healthy intestinal flora
✤ Accelerate healing of injury or trauma
✤ Increase endurance and workload capacity
I suggest for people to take regular doses of colostrum for optimal functioning and health. When feeling tattered and worn, or if a cold has you knocked down, increase the dosage to three times a day on an empty stomach between meals, and with lots of clean, alkaline water.
(Source: Natural News, muscle mass.com, livestrong.com)
