In a sudden or intermittent rush, I started to see the things the changing around me. His dusty hands cautiously swept across his sunburnt skin, pale and sweat banded that this last piece of food item which I had duly handed over to him and him who had taken it as graciously as I had given, saw it as the last attempt to fulfil his wishes something of what he couldn't be deprived of. Even after living his share of life as a construction worker and above all a fanatic blasphemer who wouldn't forget to cast his usual imprecations.
I saw him when he had slid the two piece of laddu carefully wrapped and deposited in his pockets just before when he was splashing the mortar with his trowel over the courses of brick joints.
Beneath him I could sense the hint of smile his face had started to reveal upon, but I had better not ask something I knew too much about through talks or his regular pleadings to let go off when he was aware that he had given the word and as a father had made it a rule to follow more as a moral duty than a physiological burden.
The next moment he had stacked the two soft grained sweets neatly stacking them one over the other and under the weight of the overlying inverted curvature sweet the two had crumbled to pieces falling over the piece of cemented earth.
When I looked at him, he didn't say a word against it not even mumbled or went on giving his imprecations that were so natural and habitual with his internal growth as a man who would follow him everywhere and anywhere. He just wiped off the remains and carried on laying the next course of the bricks.
There are millions like him who you can see working at factories rails roadways, mobile homes and trailer park, there are a few problems in this world which you can address and ask solutions for, but there are some for which you can only pass a big sigh, some may call it a physiological response from the others but for me it's the product of their bad the inability of a father to fulfil the promises given to his daughter of what they want.
These things have changed the way I have begun to look at these people; somehow I now look at then with a feeling of pity and kindness they are clearly the less fortunate men perhaps the dear God has made them in such a way that they are a million times stronger than us both mentally and physically and that is what I would like to say to the others about them they must be treated like humans.
By Swapnil Upadhyay
Why Stories of TCU Minority Students Should Invoke Change
I came to Texas Christian University from a relatively small town between San Antonio and Austin called Seguin, Texas. The majority of Seguin's population is Hispanic or Latino, as was the high school that I attended, and most of my friends back home are Hispanic. Now contrast that with our student body at TCU, which is approximately 75% Caucasian- it would be an understatement to say that was a bit of a culture shock to me. In fact, I clearly remember touring the campus for the first time and saying to my dad, "Man, this place is really white."
Now, I am by no means implying that there is anything inherently wrong with a student body that is primarily white, just as I had no problem living in a hometown that was mostly Hispanic/Latino. But think about it this way: I am white, and I went through a bit of a culture shock when I arrived at TCU. I am not part of any minority, but rather part of the overwhelming majority, and the transition was still strange for me. So if it was difficult for me, then for many of the students of color here on campus, dealing with this setting must be infinitely more difficult.
The recent email sent out by our chancellor and the subsequent articles posted by TCU360 discuss potential steps the administration is considering to make TCU a better place to live and work for students of color. These steps have garnered criticism from other students who think that they're unnecessary. Here's my problem with that- the implication in disagreeing with the steps specified by the chancellor is that you think everything is fine, and that we should just leave things the way they are. I've heard things like, "If they [they being students of color at TCU] aren't happy with the way things are, they should just leave." Hearing a quote like this should a blatantly obvious warning sign that everything is not, in fact, fine.
If you dig into the hashtag #BeingMinorityatTCU, which was trending the night after all this information came out, you will quickly realize that we have deep-rooted problems here on campus that need attention. The fact that students of color are being questioned by others who can't believe they got accepted here solely on their academics? That's a problem. The fact that students of color have cried or fallen into depression because they feel like they scare or intimidate those around them? That's a problem. The fact that any time students of color complain or protest against these injustices, they're told to stop acting like victims and appreciate their very presence here? That's a problem. All of the stories coming out as a result of this hashtag, and more, illustrate the need for action on our campus; yet there is serious pushback from students who either don't support making life better for students of color or don't believe doing so is necessary.
I think the negative reactions surrounding our chancellor's attempts to hear the opinions of students of color and to make life better for them goes back to a fundamental misunderstanding that has been illustrated on a broader scale by opponents of the Black Lives Matter movement. This is by no means implying that I am equating Black Lives Matter and their actions to what students of color at TCU are trying to accomplish, but there are some obvious parallels in the negative responses both groups have received. Opponents of BLM argue that all lives matter, and that we should focus on making life better for everyone. However, this argument is based on a fundamental untruth- that the lives of minorities are equally as good as the lives of the majority, or more specifically to Black Lives Matter, that African-Americans are already treated the same as Caucasians. But are they? If Terence Crutcher or Tamir Rice were still alive today, I feel confident that they would disagree. If Michael Brown or Keith Lamont Scott were still with us, I doubt they would think they received fair treatment. And on the TCU campus, I doubt any of the students of color being vocal about the injustices and judgement they've suffered feel they're given an equal footing.
And that's really all the students who met with the chancellor about these issues are trying to accomplish- fair and equal treatment for themselves and any other students of color that live, work or study on campus. I don't see anything that leads me to believe they want to vault themselves ahead of the majority of the campus, or use their status as a crutch to get what they want. They simply want to be treated the same as I am, and I think that's something that we should all strive to achieve. I support every effort aimed at promoting equality both at Texas Christian University and worldwide, and I think that is something that we all have a moral and ethical obligation to do.
Nicholas P. Stephens
TCU Class of 2019
Now, I am by no means implying that there is anything inherently wrong with a student body that is primarily white, just as I had no problem living in a hometown that was mostly Hispanic/Latino. But think about it this way: I am white, and I went through a bit of a culture shock when I arrived at TCU. I am not part of any minority, but rather part of the overwhelming majority, and the transition was still strange for me. So if it was difficult for me, then for many of the students of color here on campus, dealing with this setting must be infinitely more difficult.
The recent email sent out by our chancellor and the subsequent articles posted by TCU360 discuss potential steps the administration is considering to make TCU a better place to live and work for students of color. These steps have garnered criticism from other students who think that they're unnecessary. Here's my problem with that- the implication in disagreeing with the steps specified by the chancellor is that you think everything is fine, and that we should just leave things the way they are. I've heard things like, "If they [they being students of color at TCU] aren't happy with the way things are, they should just leave." Hearing a quote like this should a blatantly obvious warning sign that everything is not, in fact, fine.
If you dig into the hashtag #BeingMinorityatTCU, which was trending the night after all this information came out, you will quickly realize that we have deep-rooted problems here on campus that need attention. The fact that students of color are being questioned by others who can't believe they got accepted here solely on their academics? That's a problem. The fact that students of color have cried or fallen into depression because they feel like they scare or intimidate those around them? That's a problem. The fact that any time students of color complain or protest against these injustices, they're told to stop acting like victims and appreciate their very presence here? That's a problem. All of the stories coming out as a result of this hashtag, and more, illustrate the need for action on our campus; yet there is serious pushback from students who either don't support making life better for students of color or don't believe doing so is necessary.
I think the negative reactions surrounding our chancellor's attempts to hear the opinions of students of color and to make life better for them goes back to a fundamental misunderstanding that has been illustrated on a broader scale by opponents of the Black Lives Matter movement. This is by no means implying that I am equating Black Lives Matter and their actions to what students of color at TCU are trying to accomplish, but there are some obvious parallels in the negative responses both groups have received. Opponents of BLM argue that all lives matter, and that we should focus on making life better for everyone. However, this argument is based on a fundamental untruth- that the lives of minorities are equally as good as the lives of the majority, or more specifically to Black Lives Matter, that African-Americans are already treated the same as Caucasians. But are they? If Terence Crutcher or Tamir Rice were still alive today, I feel confident that they would disagree. If Michael Brown or Keith Lamont Scott were still with us, I doubt they would think they received fair treatment. And on the TCU campus, I doubt any of the students of color being vocal about the injustices and judgement they've suffered feel they're given an equal footing.
And that's really all the students who met with the chancellor about these issues are trying to accomplish- fair and equal treatment for themselves and any other students of color that live, work or study on campus. I don't see anything that leads me to believe they want to vault themselves ahead of the majority of the campus, or use their status as a crutch to get what they want. They simply want to be treated the same as I am, and I think that's something that we should all strive to achieve. I support every effort aimed at promoting equality both at Texas Christian University and worldwide, and I think that is something that we all have a moral and ethical obligation to do.
Nicholas P. Stephens
TCU Class of 2019
Food Awareness For A Healthy Life
As the old age goes' you are what you eat', eating healthy defines our health and wellness to a large extent. Unfortunately, for many of us eating healthy and maintaining body weight is a never ending struggle. Many people choose to follow crash diets that are potentially dangerous to our health. Others try to focus more on exercise routines than their diet. Both the approaches are not beneficial for losing weight or gaining muscle. What is needed is a healthy diet that can balance the nutritional needs of our body and support our exercise routines to provide optimum results.
Though people have an idea of what comprises a healthy diet the lure of junk food is hard to resist. As per a recent research results, approximately $190 billion is spent on fast food alone annually in the United States. Another survey conducted on trends of obesity in America by University of Oxford and University of Columbia reveals that by 2030 half of the America will be obese and by 2048 obesity could be the most common disease in the country.
We cannot follow diet plans that worked for others because what works for them may not help us. For weight loss or weight gain programs, diet plans must be individualized. For instance, for losing weight successfully, one can cut down on the calories with a balanced diet plan along with an effective exercise routine. Alternatively for weight gain one can resort to healthy carbs-diet with weight training routine.
The diet plans should be discussed with your physician, nutritionist and fitness trainer to tailor the diet plan for specific and individual needs.
Diet plans for weight loss
Diet plans for weight gain
Whether you are trying to lose weight or gain few pounds following healthy options for daily diet can be very beneficial for long-term results:
Food awareness is extremely essential to improve and safeguard our health. Though healthy diet is not easy to follow it is achievable and we need to know what we are consuming and how much we consume so that our weight loss or weight gain programs can be successful and we manage a healthy weight and thus a healthy lifestyle.
Though people have an idea of what comprises a healthy diet the lure of junk food is hard to resist. As per a recent research results, approximately $190 billion is spent on fast food alone annually in the United States. Another survey conducted on trends of obesity in America by University of Oxford and University of Columbia reveals that by 2030 half of the America will be obese and by 2048 obesity could be the most common disease in the country.
We cannot follow diet plans that worked for others because what works for them may not help us. For weight loss or weight gain programs, diet plans must be individualized. For instance, for losing weight successfully, one can cut down on the calories with a balanced diet plan along with an effective exercise routine. Alternatively for weight gain one can resort to healthy carbs-diet with weight training routine.
The diet plans should be discussed with your physician, nutritionist and fitness trainer to tailor the diet plan for specific and individual needs.
Diet plans for weight loss
- High-Protein Diet
- Crash-Diets
- Low-Carb Diet
- Fruit and Vegetable Diet
- Weight loss supplements
Diet plans for weight gain
- Healthy Carbs
- Protein rich diet
Whether you are trying to lose weight or gain few pounds following healthy options for daily diet can be very beneficial for long-term results:
- A healthy diet should have fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains.
- It is better to cut down on dairy and consume fat-free food.
- The intake of sodium and sugar should be restricted and for a healthy diet trans fats can be eliminated from the everyday diet.
- It is always good to eat at intervals in small portions to check appetite.
- Eat slowly and avoid binging
- Enjoy and relish the food
- Avoid watching TV or using your phone while eating
- Eat when you are hungry
Food awareness is extremely essential to improve and safeguard our health. Though healthy diet is not easy to follow it is achievable and we need to know what we are consuming and how much we consume so that our weight loss or weight gain programs can be successful and we manage a healthy weight and thus a healthy lifestyle.
Why Is Dairy Inflammatory?
If you've read about dairy at all on the internet, no doubt you will read in countless blogs and articles about how dairy is one of the top 10 inflammatory foods. It's ALWAYS on the list. But why is that? What is it inherently about dairy that makes it so inflammatory. The particular proteins? The processing? The cows themselves? I would imagine many of you have no definitive answer, and yet we believe the inflammatory food lists without even thinking. If you are curious, let's investigate.
Civilizations began drinking the milk of animals between 9000 and 3000 BC, once they were less nomadic and began to farm and raise animals in one location. Mainly it was given to children because, interestingly enough, during those times most adults lacked the enzyme, lactase, to break down milk lactose. Eventually people started making cheeses and curds which reduced the lactose sufficiently for adults to consume. In more recent times a mutation occurred which allows lactase production into adulthood, allowing many adults to consume milk on a regular basis.
Milk production and consumption was quite fortunate, actually, as for many civilizations milk (and fermented beverages like wine) was safer than the questionable water sources. At least this source was non-alcoholic! It also provided a ready source of calories if for any reason food should become scarce.
This milk was, of course, raw and fresh. I am sure there were occasionally issues with hygiene and foodborne illness as there is with any fresh animal product but for the most part, as mentioned previously, it was considered safer than the drinking water. Apart from the occasional illness, however, there does not seem to be the same links between dairy and inflammation that we see today. What changed?
Processing: Pasteurization and Homogenization
One of the first ways we treated milk in modern times for safety reasons was with pasteurization. This was meant as a way to prevent illness and death given the often unsanitary methods of collection, storage and distribution that started to occur in modern times. It wasn't until 1860's that pasteurization was first utilized and it became standard practice in the 1890's.
There are currently several approved methods of pasteurization. The original method was to heat milk to 145 degrees F for 30 minutes. Newer methods use much higher heats for a shorter duration of time. The high-temp, short time method (HTST) sees the milk heated to 161 F for 15 seconds, and the ultra high heat method gets the milk up to 280 F for just a couple of seconds. There are other variations of heat and time as well, but the main point is that the milk is heat treated to kill pathogens. Presumably this is a good thing as no doubt it has prevented deaths from contaminated milk, but we will see that this has some unfortunate consequences as well.
Just like breast milk from humans, the milk from animals is "alive." What do I mean by that? There are delicate proteins, enzymes, immunoglobulins, vitamins and minerals all present in fresh, raw milk. Heat can damage or denature these elements, rendering them inactive or potentially harmful. Every parent knows you cannot heat breast milk or you take away its nourishing properties. When we do this to animal milk, we dramatically reduce its ability to work with our body. It is not the intact fluid it once was. While it still can provide helpful nutrients and protein, it may also be harming our body at the same time.
In an article Dr. Mercola wrote on the very same topic, he noted that first of all heat kills the Vitamin C naturally present in raw milk. It also converts the lactose into another form, called beta lactose, which is more rapidly absorbed and may adversely raise blood glucose levels. Pasteurization also destroys some of the naturally occurring iodine as well as alters the Calcium (the very thing we typically drink it for) into a form that is hard to absorb. Many of the natural enzymes are denatured as well, potentially making it harder to digest. While pasteurization may help keep us from falling ill, it seems to produce a product that is nutritionally inferior. Pros and cons, I guess.
The next way we treat milk is with homogenization. This is not for safety concerns but merely for desired consistency. In its natural state, milk is composed of fat and water. When left to sit, this fat will rise to the top. Once milk became commercialized, this was undesirable, and so manufacturers sought a way to prevent this from occurring. Homogenization was born. There are various mechanical methods to do this, but the end goal is to break up the fat globules and prevent them from clumping together. This practice appears to be harmless, however some have noted that during this process some of the proteins (whey and casein) become reassembled with the fats. It believed that these now protein-heavy fat globules may decrease absorption and increase risk for allergies, however there are few studies to back this up. For now it seems homogenization may be the least of your worries when it comes to milk consumption.
Nutrient Profile
The nutrient profile of milk has also changed over the years. Obviously when humans first began consuming milk, all of the cows were grass fed and raised on open pastures. Nowadays, as we all know, most cows are kept in close confines and fed a varied diet, usually consisting of a mixture of grains, dried grass, and random leftovers such as canola meal, almond husks and citrus pulp. This has an effect on the fats, vitamins and minerals that can be found in the milk we end up consuming.
Grass-fed cows, for example, produce milk that is higher in anti-inflammatory Omega 3's, Vitamin E, beta carotene, phytochemicals/antioxidants and conjugated linoleic acid. Cows that are fed more varied diets produce milk with higher levels of inflammatory fats and lower levels of vitamins and antioxidants. Remember, we are what we eat, and this same saying applies to the cow as well. Now, while grass-fed milk might seem more healthy after saying all of that, remember if its pasteurized, many of these beneficial properties may be neutralized as we discussed previously. Just something to ponder given the plethora of organic and grass-fed milks on the store shelves these days.
Apart from diet, the type of cow can also have a significant impact on the nutrients in the milk. Most dairy cows in the US are of the Holstein variety. This variety in particular tends to produce larger amounts of milk than their cousins and hence has been the cow of choice. However, this brings up the A1 vs A2 debate. The A-what? Apparently all cows originally produced A2 protein in their milk, a type of beta-casein that makes up about 30% of the protein in milk. Several thousand years ago a mutation occurred that changed the beta-casein slightly, which we then dubbed A1. Most of the European dairy cows, including Holstein, predominantly produce A1 proteins. It has been purported by several researchers that A1 milk is harder to digest and has been linked to increases in heart disease, Type 1 Diabetes, and leaky gut syndrome. Whether this is indeed true or not is yet to be proved, but it may be another reason why some people have a harder time with milk products than others.
If you want to look for A2 milk, you are in luck. The Jersey, Guernsey and Normande cows produce mostly A2 milk. Some stores carry these varieties and some milks in other countries are even starting to be labeled as "A2." Personally I have Guernsey cow milk and yogurt in my fridge right now. For someone such as myself with a history of dairy issues, it seems to be, at least for now, more digestible.
Hormones
We likely have all heard about the issues with hormones in cow's milk. But where are those hormones coming from? First, there are natural hormones that pass into the milk from pregnant cows. The later in pregnancy the cow is, the more hormones she passes. One researcher noted that 60-80% of the natural estrogens we consume are from dairy. This can have implications when it comes to cancer. Also, the higher the fat content of the diary product, the higher the amount of estrogens.
In 1993, the FDA approved the use of genetically engineered recombinant growth hormone (rBST) to increase milk yield. Many studies and reviews have shown rBST to be safe, mainly in that it cannot be absorbed by humans via milk consumption. Despite those studies many countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and all of the EU have banned it. The main reasons for this involve animal welfare, namely referring to increased illness and infections amongst animals injected with rBST. More antibiotics are then needed, increasing the risk for antibiotic resistance, and these antibiotics may pass into the milk as well. Yet one more thing to consider.
Conclusions? Maybe you, like me, are just as confused as before. The government tells me milk is healthy and beneficial, but health websites are telling me that milk is inflammatory and best avoided... What is one to do?
First, I think it's safe to say that raw milk from grass-fed Guernsey or Jersey cows would be the ideal choice. Of course, there are risks to unpasteurized milk that need to be taken into account. Also there is the problem of finding those types of milk on a regular basis, not to mention the cost. The presence of hormones would also still be a concern. Additionally, even if you find the most perfect milk on the planet, the proteins may still set off your immune system and cause inflammation. Any food can be inflammatory if your immune system chooses to react against it.
The next best choice would be pasteurized milk from organic, grass-fed cows, however again there is potentially an availability issue for some and also cost concerns. Also the allergy issue remains and may even be more of a problem as the milk has lost some of the elements that improves and supports digestion.
The least favored choice would be non-organic, ultra high heat pasteurized milk that is treated with rBST from very pregnant cows (but how would you know this!). Unfortunately, this is the most common milk on the shelf and therefore what most Americans are consuming. This IS inflammatory for all of the reasons described and I would highly recommend to avoid. If this is your calcium source, there are far better ways to get this mineral than milk. Do a quick Google search and you can easily find great lists of non-dairy foods rich in calcium. If you drink milk simply because you like it, try one of the better options discussed above. You may want to drink less of it due to cost, but at least you will be consuming a healthier beverage.
We all have been taught that milk does a body good, but now we know this might not be the case. Do what is right for YOUR body and make your choices regarding dairy accordingly.
Danielle VenHuizen, MS, RD, CLT is a Registered Dietitian who helps her clients achieve health and vitality through food, not pharmaceuticals. She specializes in working with food sensitivities, Diabetes, Cardiovascular health, Digestive Disorders, and healthy pregnancies. For more expert health advice visit her blog at http://www.FoodSense.net.
Civilizations began drinking the milk of animals between 9000 and 3000 BC, once they were less nomadic and began to farm and raise animals in one location. Mainly it was given to children because, interestingly enough, during those times most adults lacked the enzyme, lactase, to break down milk lactose. Eventually people started making cheeses and curds which reduced the lactose sufficiently for adults to consume. In more recent times a mutation occurred which allows lactase production into adulthood, allowing many adults to consume milk on a regular basis.
Milk production and consumption was quite fortunate, actually, as for many civilizations milk (and fermented beverages like wine) was safer than the questionable water sources. At least this source was non-alcoholic! It also provided a ready source of calories if for any reason food should become scarce.
This milk was, of course, raw and fresh. I am sure there were occasionally issues with hygiene and foodborne illness as there is with any fresh animal product but for the most part, as mentioned previously, it was considered safer than the drinking water. Apart from the occasional illness, however, there does not seem to be the same links between dairy and inflammation that we see today. What changed?
Processing: Pasteurization and Homogenization
One of the first ways we treated milk in modern times for safety reasons was with pasteurization. This was meant as a way to prevent illness and death given the often unsanitary methods of collection, storage and distribution that started to occur in modern times. It wasn't until 1860's that pasteurization was first utilized and it became standard practice in the 1890's.
There are currently several approved methods of pasteurization. The original method was to heat milk to 145 degrees F for 30 minutes. Newer methods use much higher heats for a shorter duration of time. The high-temp, short time method (HTST) sees the milk heated to 161 F for 15 seconds, and the ultra high heat method gets the milk up to 280 F for just a couple of seconds. There are other variations of heat and time as well, but the main point is that the milk is heat treated to kill pathogens. Presumably this is a good thing as no doubt it has prevented deaths from contaminated milk, but we will see that this has some unfortunate consequences as well.
Just like breast milk from humans, the milk from animals is "alive." What do I mean by that? There are delicate proteins, enzymes, immunoglobulins, vitamins and minerals all present in fresh, raw milk. Heat can damage or denature these elements, rendering them inactive or potentially harmful. Every parent knows you cannot heat breast milk or you take away its nourishing properties. When we do this to animal milk, we dramatically reduce its ability to work with our body. It is not the intact fluid it once was. While it still can provide helpful nutrients and protein, it may also be harming our body at the same time.
In an article Dr. Mercola wrote on the very same topic, he noted that first of all heat kills the Vitamin C naturally present in raw milk. It also converts the lactose into another form, called beta lactose, which is more rapidly absorbed and may adversely raise blood glucose levels. Pasteurization also destroys some of the naturally occurring iodine as well as alters the Calcium (the very thing we typically drink it for) into a form that is hard to absorb. Many of the natural enzymes are denatured as well, potentially making it harder to digest. While pasteurization may help keep us from falling ill, it seems to produce a product that is nutritionally inferior. Pros and cons, I guess.
The next way we treat milk is with homogenization. This is not for safety concerns but merely for desired consistency. In its natural state, milk is composed of fat and water. When left to sit, this fat will rise to the top. Once milk became commercialized, this was undesirable, and so manufacturers sought a way to prevent this from occurring. Homogenization was born. There are various mechanical methods to do this, but the end goal is to break up the fat globules and prevent them from clumping together. This practice appears to be harmless, however some have noted that during this process some of the proteins (whey and casein) become reassembled with the fats. It believed that these now protein-heavy fat globules may decrease absorption and increase risk for allergies, however there are few studies to back this up. For now it seems homogenization may be the least of your worries when it comes to milk consumption.
Nutrient Profile
The nutrient profile of milk has also changed over the years. Obviously when humans first began consuming milk, all of the cows were grass fed and raised on open pastures. Nowadays, as we all know, most cows are kept in close confines and fed a varied diet, usually consisting of a mixture of grains, dried grass, and random leftovers such as canola meal, almond husks and citrus pulp. This has an effect on the fats, vitamins and minerals that can be found in the milk we end up consuming.
Grass-fed cows, for example, produce milk that is higher in anti-inflammatory Omega 3's, Vitamin E, beta carotene, phytochemicals/antioxidants and conjugated linoleic acid. Cows that are fed more varied diets produce milk with higher levels of inflammatory fats and lower levels of vitamins and antioxidants. Remember, we are what we eat, and this same saying applies to the cow as well. Now, while grass-fed milk might seem more healthy after saying all of that, remember if its pasteurized, many of these beneficial properties may be neutralized as we discussed previously. Just something to ponder given the plethora of organic and grass-fed milks on the store shelves these days.
Apart from diet, the type of cow can also have a significant impact on the nutrients in the milk. Most dairy cows in the US are of the Holstein variety. This variety in particular tends to produce larger amounts of milk than their cousins and hence has been the cow of choice. However, this brings up the A1 vs A2 debate. The A-what? Apparently all cows originally produced A2 protein in their milk, a type of beta-casein that makes up about 30% of the protein in milk. Several thousand years ago a mutation occurred that changed the beta-casein slightly, which we then dubbed A1. Most of the European dairy cows, including Holstein, predominantly produce A1 proteins. It has been purported by several researchers that A1 milk is harder to digest and has been linked to increases in heart disease, Type 1 Diabetes, and leaky gut syndrome. Whether this is indeed true or not is yet to be proved, but it may be another reason why some people have a harder time with milk products than others.
If you want to look for A2 milk, you are in luck. The Jersey, Guernsey and Normande cows produce mostly A2 milk. Some stores carry these varieties and some milks in other countries are even starting to be labeled as "A2." Personally I have Guernsey cow milk and yogurt in my fridge right now. For someone such as myself with a history of dairy issues, it seems to be, at least for now, more digestible.
Hormones
We likely have all heard about the issues with hormones in cow's milk. But where are those hormones coming from? First, there are natural hormones that pass into the milk from pregnant cows. The later in pregnancy the cow is, the more hormones she passes. One researcher noted that 60-80% of the natural estrogens we consume are from dairy. This can have implications when it comes to cancer. Also, the higher the fat content of the diary product, the higher the amount of estrogens.
In 1993, the FDA approved the use of genetically engineered recombinant growth hormone (rBST) to increase milk yield. Many studies and reviews have shown rBST to be safe, mainly in that it cannot be absorbed by humans via milk consumption. Despite those studies many countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and all of the EU have banned it. The main reasons for this involve animal welfare, namely referring to increased illness and infections amongst animals injected with rBST. More antibiotics are then needed, increasing the risk for antibiotic resistance, and these antibiotics may pass into the milk as well. Yet one more thing to consider.
Conclusions? Maybe you, like me, are just as confused as before. The government tells me milk is healthy and beneficial, but health websites are telling me that milk is inflammatory and best avoided... What is one to do?
First, I think it's safe to say that raw milk from grass-fed Guernsey or Jersey cows would be the ideal choice. Of course, there are risks to unpasteurized milk that need to be taken into account. Also there is the problem of finding those types of milk on a regular basis, not to mention the cost. The presence of hormones would also still be a concern. Additionally, even if you find the most perfect milk on the planet, the proteins may still set off your immune system and cause inflammation. Any food can be inflammatory if your immune system chooses to react against it.
The next best choice would be pasteurized milk from organic, grass-fed cows, however again there is potentially an availability issue for some and also cost concerns. Also the allergy issue remains and may even be more of a problem as the milk has lost some of the elements that improves and supports digestion.
The least favored choice would be non-organic, ultra high heat pasteurized milk that is treated with rBST from very pregnant cows (but how would you know this!). Unfortunately, this is the most common milk on the shelf and therefore what most Americans are consuming. This IS inflammatory for all of the reasons described and I would highly recommend to avoid. If this is your calcium source, there are far better ways to get this mineral than milk. Do a quick Google search and you can easily find great lists of non-dairy foods rich in calcium. If you drink milk simply because you like it, try one of the better options discussed above. You may want to drink less of it due to cost, but at least you will be consuming a healthier beverage.
We all have been taught that milk does a body good, but now we know this might not be the case. Do what is right for YOUR body and make your choices regarding dairy accordingly.
Danielle VenHuizen, MS, RD, CLT is a Registered Dietitian who helps her clients achieve health and vitality through food, not pharmaceuticals. She specializes in working with food sensitivities, Diabetes, Cardiovascular health, Digestive Disorders, and healthy pregnancies. For more expert health advice visit her blog at http://www.FoodSense.net.
The Role of Technology in Education
In the current age we live in, technology has become an important component. Every day there is some new gadget or software that makes lives easier and improves on the technology and software that already exists. Making lives easier is not, however, the only role technology plays in our lives.
Technology is playing an increasing role in education. As technology advances, it is used to benefit students of all ages in the learning process.
Technology used in the classroom helps students adsorb the material. For example, since some people are visual learners, projection screens linked to computers can allow students to see their notes instead of simply listening to a teacher deliver a lecture.
Software can be used to supplement class curriculum. The programs provide study questions, activities, and even tests and quizzes for a class that can help students continue learning outside the classroom.
Technology has also become part of many curriculums, even outside of computer and technology classes. Students use computers to create presentations and use the Internet to research topics for papers and essays.
Students also learn to use the technology available to them in computer and tech classes. This ensures that after graduation they will be able to use the technology in a work setting, which may put them ahead of someone who didn't have access to a particular technology or software in their own school setting.
As technology advances, students have better access to educational opportunities like these. When something new and "better" is revealed, the "older" technology becomes more affordable, allowing it to be used in educational settings, even when schools are on a tight budget.
Technology has also advanced to help children even before they've started school. Educational video games and systems for young children helps them prepare for school and in some cases get a head start on their education.
There are people who may say children are "spoiled" by technology. Instead of being able to add a long column of numbers in their heads, for example, they turn to a calculator. Regardless of these arguments, technology is an important part of today's society. By incorporating it into the classroom, students will be better equipped to transition from the classroom to the work place.
For more information about technology, software, and gadgets, be sure to visit www.techno-blogger.com [http://www.techno-blogger.com] for the latest products, videos, and information.
Technology is playing an increasing role in education. As technology advances, it is used to benefit students of all ages in the learning process.
Technology used in the classroom helps students adsorb the material. For example, since some people are visual learners, projection screens linked to computers can allow students to see their notes instead of simply listening to a teacher deliver a lecture.
Software can be used to supplement class curriculum. The programs provide study questions, activities, and even tests and quizzes for a class that can help students continue learning outside the classroom.
Technology has also become part of many curriculums, even outside of computer and technology classes. Students use computers to create presentations and use the Internet to research topics for papers and essays.
Students also learn to use the technology available to them in computer and tech classes. This ensures that after graduation they will be able to use the technology in a work setting, which may put them ahead of someone who didn't have access to a particular technology or software in their own school setting.
As technology advances, students have better access to educational opportunities like these. When something new and "better" is revealed, the "older" technology becomes more affordable, allowing it to be used in educational settings, even when schools are on a tight budget.
Technology has also advanced to help children even before they've started school. Educational video games and systems for young children helps them prepare for school and in some cases get a head start on their education.
There are people who may say children are "spoiled" by technology. Instead of being able to add a long column of numbers in their heads, for example, they turn to a calculator. Regardless of these arguments, technology is an important part of today's society. By incorporating it into the classroom, students will be better equipped to transition from the classroom to the work place.
For more information about technology, software, and gadgets, be sure to visit www.techno-blogger.com [http://www.techno-blogger.com] for the latest products, videos, and information.
Why is Education So Important in Today's Society?
Education is very important. It helps us gain knowledge, information and interpret things correctly. Education teaches us how to lead our lives by mingling in the society and turning out to be good citizens. It makes us capable of interpreting rightly the things perceived. Education teaches us right behavior and makes us civilized people. It forms as a support system to excel in life, to continuously learn and build confidence, to reason everything till every question meets its answer. The conversion of information to knowledge is possible because of education and we also gain intelligence. Higher education influences the economic development of a nation as per the economists.
A person is always judged by good manners he/she has. Education is important as it teaches us to differentiate between good and bad manners and choose the right behavior that cultivates good manners. Good manners are important for kids to develop at a very young age. Kids must learn to be polite, learn telephone etiquette, socialize with other kids and develop values. All this can be taught at home as well as school. Teaching your children good manners creates a foundation for them that will follow them through life.
Education is important because it equips us with all that is needed to make our dreams come true. When we opt for higher education or masters, we need to choose the specialization field of our interest and talents. Most leading courses allow you to study all areas for the first year and to choose a specialization in your second year when you have more exposure and knowledge about these fields. The technical and analytical skills can be well explored in the area of one's interest.
Economic Development and higher education influences the economic development of a nation or a state. Economists hypothesize that the higher education industry is an important part of economic growth and the well being of the nation. The notion that an investment in education and human capital promotes economic growth can be traced to Adam Smith (1776), the Scottish philosopher in his famous study of what constitutes the "wealth of nations", the modern history sourcebook.
A person is always judged by good manners he/she has. Education is important as it teaches us to differentiate between good and bad manners and choose the right behavior that cultivates good manners. Good manners are important for kids to develop at a very young age. Kids must learn to be polite, learn telephone etiquette, socialize with other kids and develop values. All this can be taught at home as well as school. Teaching your children good manners creates a foundation for them that will follow them through life.
Education is important because it equips us with all that is needed to make our dreams come true. When we opt for higher education or masters, we need to choose the specialization field of our interest and talents. Most leading courses allow you to study all areas for the first year and to choose a specialization in your second year when you have more exposure and knowledge about these fields. The technical and analytical skills can be well explored in the area of one's interest.
Economic Development and higher education influences the economic development of a nation or a state. Economists hypothesize that the higher education industry is an important part of economic growth and the well being of the nation. The notion that an investment in education and human capital promotes economic growth can be traced to Adam Smith (1776), the Scottish philosopher in his famous study of what constitutes the "wealth of nations", the modern history sourcebook.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)