Health for life

Showing posts with label milk. Show all posts

Hokkaido Milk Bread We Knead to Bake 3

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Hokkaido milk bread, super spongy bread prepared with the famous Asian bread making method called tangzhong method. Tangzhong method goes for a water roux, this roux is the prominent ingredient to get fantastic soft breads. For our this months We knead to bake, a month baking event started by Aparna of My Diverse Kitchen, she challenged us to make this Hokkaido Milk Bread which is well known for their super softy texture. Its quite popular in South Asian bakieries, some people says this is a Japanese bread, because of the milk used in this bread comes from Japan.While others says that its pure white colour and the texture resemble the pristineness of Hakkoido.

Coming to Tangzhong method, this method need a part of bread flour with 5parts of water,when cooked its forms the famous water roux. The gluten in the bread flour and water mixture absorb the moisture and create a leavening action. When Tangzhong is added to other ingredients of the bread dough, its gives a light,tender and fluffy bread.The dough prepared with tangzhong is a versatile dough, we can make palin loaf,dinner rolls or muffin like rolls. You can fill very well them with sweet or savoury filling.I prepared few mini loaves, some muffins rolls and tried my hands in making some animals. I filled my mini loaves and muffin rolls with chocolate chips and my kids just loved them.

For Tangzhong (water roux)
1/3cup all purpose flour
1/2cup Water
1/2cup Milk

For dough:
2+1/2cups All purpose flour
3tbsp Sugar
1tsp Salt
2tbsp Milk powder
2tsp Instant dry yeast
1/2cup Milk
1/8cup Cream
1/3cup Tangzhong (use half of the tangzhong )
25grms Butter (cut as small pieces & softened)
1cup Chocolate chips

Making the water-roux:

Mix the flour in water and milk well without any lumps.

Cook in medium low heat, stirring continously with a whisk to prevent buring.This mixture will becomes thickens, if you are able to see some lines for every stir you make with the spoon,your tangzhong is ready,remove it from the heat.

Transfer it to a clean bowl,cover with a cling wrap sticking on the surface of the tangzhong to pect from drying. Let cool completely.You can use tangzhong straight away once it cools down to room temperature.

Making Dough:

Put the flour,salt,sugar,milk powder and instant yeast in a stand mixer or in a food processor and mix it for a few minutes,meanwhile in an another bowl,mix the milk,cream and tangzhong until smooth and add to the mixer.

Run in slow speed until the dough comes together, now add the butter and knead it until you get a smooth and elastic dough.

Arrange the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel and keep it aside until the dough double in volume. Mine took almost an hour.

Place the dough in a cleaned working surface, divide the dough to make mini loaves or muffins or else as single loaf.

Roll out each portion of the dough with a rolling pin as a oval shape, sprinkle generously the chocolate chips.

Take one end of the dough from the shorter side of the oval to fold in the middle of the dough, take the other end and fold it slightly to overlaps the other fold.

Arrange this folded dough to tha prepared pans and cover with a towel,let the dough sit again for an hour.

Preheat the oven to 325F, caully brush the tops of the rolls and the loaf with milk and bake them for 20-25minutes until they are done.

Let them cool completely in the tins and then unmould, transfer to a rack and cool them completely.

Serve the loaves or dinner rolls with your favourite spreads.

Milk Thistle Compound Can Stop Lung Cancer by Inhibiting Gene Expression

Monday, April 21, 2014

Lung cancer is a devastating disease with a traditionally poor survival rate less than ten percent after five years from diagnosis. There are a number of well documented triggers that cause tissue damage that eventually results in DNA damage, allowing lung cancer cells to develop and spread.

Researchers from the University of Colorado publishing in the journalMolecular Carcinogenesis found that treatment with silibinin, a major component of milk thistle effectively treated wound development in lung cancer cells that halted the disease and prevented metastasis. Long known for its rejuvenating effects on the liver, milk thistle is now emerging as a viable therapy to help prevent and reverse the damage caused by years of cellular breakdown in lung tissue and halt the spread of this deadly disease.

Milk Thistle Halts the Inflammatory Chain Known to Promote Lung Cancer Progression

Although milk thistle use has been documented for nearly 2,000 years, very little solid science exists to validate the beneficial effects on human health. Cells communicate with one another through a complex series of signals to achieve an end result, normally the creation of a protein or completion of an enzymatic reaction. When this chain is broken as a result of poor dietor lifestyle choices that affect metabolic homeostasis, diseases such as cancer are allowed to develop and manifest in tissues throughout the body.

Big Pharma frequently looks to break these chain reactions in an unnatural way to halt metabolic processes in the body, commonly with undesired or potentially deadly consequences. COX2 and iNOS are two enzymesthat are involved in a chain of actions that elicit an inflammatory response to wounds and infectious processes. If you were to cut yourself, inflammation at the local site is a desired response that will aid healing. Unfortunately, systemic inflammation caused by excess body weight and poor dietary choices is a serious problem underlying many chronic diseases including lung cancer.

Milk Thistle Compound Inhibits Genetic Expression to Help Prevent Lung Cancer

Both COX2 and iNOS aid tumor growth when they remain in circulation as a response to chronic inflammation. Two transcription factors known as STAT1 and STAT3 allow the blueprint of DNA to bind with proteins that continue the signal cascade, eventually leading to the production of harmful COX2 and iNOS. Researchers found that when chain is broken, tumor growth is halted and metastatic growth stops. They found that a derivative of milk thistle called silibinin was able to inhibit the upstream signals that lead to the expression of COX2 and iNOS to help prevent lung cancer.

Lead study authors concluded“What we showed is that STAT1 and STAT3 may be promising therapeutic targets in the treatment of lung cancer… and that naturally-derived products like silibinin may be as effective as todays best treatments.” Milk thistle represents another natural compound that provides a powerful effect to prevent and treat chronic diseases. Alternative health experts recommend supplementing with 250 mg of a standardized milk thistle extract each day to fight the threat of lung cancer.

Milk Thistle Boosts Liver Function and Slows Brain Aging

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

(Article first published as Milk Thistle Protects Your Liver and Can Slow Signs of Brain Aging on Technorati.)

The liver and brain are two metabolically active organs that are under constant attack from disease promoting free radicals. Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels combined with blood glucose abnormalities and obesity cause damage to the cellular matrix of the liver and brain that worsen with time.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects an estimated 20 to 40% of adults in western society and dementia can touch nearly half of those reaching their 85^th birthday. Silymarin is the active compound found naturally in milk thistle that is shown to provide a significant degree of protection against NAFLD and abnormal brain aging.

Silymarin Shown to Prevent and Reverse Liver Damage

The liver is called upon to perform more than 300 critical metabolic functions within our body. One of those functions is the formation of cholesterol and essential lipids that are required for cellular synthesis and repair. A diet high in processed carbohydrates and synthetic hydrogenated fats can result in excess blood triglycerides that become lodged in the hepatic cells and NAFLD can develop.

NAFLD is a chronic disease that is characterized by inflammation of the organ that releases a flurry of free radicals and liver enzymes. Left unchecked, NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis, carcinoma and death. The result of research published in the journal Hepatitis Monthly demonstrates the effectiveness of treatment with silymarin for the treatment of NAFLD. Researchers noted a significant decline in liver enzyme markers that indicate reversal of the disease, and no serious side effects were reported as a result of the natural treatment.

Silymarin Found to Protect Nerves, Slow Brain Aging Process

Silymarin is one of a small number of compounds able to cross the blood-brain barrier and affect neural function and chemical neurotransmitters. Long known for its ability to detoxify the liver, silymarin also exerts a powerful protective edge against nerve damage and brain preservation.

Information from the journal Neurochemistry International shows that the nutrient is able to protect delicate glial cells in the brain against free radical damage that occurs as a result of low grade bacterial infection common in overweight and obese individuals.

Silymarin Inhibits Plaque Formation, Prevents Alzheimer`s Disease

One of the key indicators of Alzheimer’s disease are the protein amyloid plaques that form and prevent electrical and chemical signaling between neurons. It is known that plaque exists as a normal byproduct of metabolic activity in the brain and is not properly cleared in those exhibiting symptoms of dementia. The result of a study published in the journal Molecular Gerontology demonstrates that silymarin helps the brain to naturally clear amyloid plaque before it becomes tangled and restricts normal cellular communication.

Silymarin from milk thistle is shown to be a powerful nutrient that assists multiple biological pathways in the liver and brain to maintain optimal organ function. Milk thistle is available as an inexpensive nutritional supplement. Nutritional experts recommend 250 to 450 mg per day to provide optimal effectiveness. Take advantage of natural silymarin to boost liver detoxification, prevent NAFLD and prevent the damage from free radicals on the delicate brain matrix.

Milk Thistle and Vitamin E Lower Risk of Fatty Liver Disease

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

As many as 1in 3 Americans are living with a ticking bomb known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The condition is virtually symptomless until the liver becomes inflamed or scarred from decades of dietary abuse. While a small percentage of cases are attributable to a genetic failure to metabolize fats properly, the vast majority of NAFLD is caused by poor dietary choices that increase dangerous blood fat levels.

As a consequence fat is deposited in the liver cells where it triggers inflammation and the release of chemical messengers known as adipokines as the liver attempts to repair itself. Left unchecked, NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. Emerging research provides powerful nutritional options including milk thistle and vitamin E that can dramatically lower the risk of developing fatty liver disease.

Understanding the Cause of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Many chronic conditions are known to initiate and progress due to inflammation within our body and fatty liver disease is no exception. The liver is responsible for metabolizing cholesterol and influences how fat is either burned for energy or stored for future use. An increasing burden is placed on the organ as we eat excess calories from sugar, ined carbohydrates and hydrogenated fats. Fat metabolism is disrupted as high levels of blood fats become stored in the liver. Eventually this leads to a decline in liver function and finally to total organ failure and death.

Study Supports the Antioxidant Power of Vitamin E

Natural nutrients that are known to exert strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have proven more effective than any pharmaceutical in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Researchers from the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center compared the effect of vitamin E and the drug Actos on lowering liver enzymes that are associated with advancement of liver disease. They found that the insulin-sensitizing drug had no effect while vitamin E (800 IU per day) was shown to provide significantly lowered enzyme markers and improved scarring when liver biopsies were performed.

Fish Oil Fatty Acids Improve Blood Lipids, Improve Liver Function

EPA and DHA Omega-3 fats have gained notoriety for their ability to positively regulate cholesterol ratios and lower triglycerides. Research published on the British Medical Journal found that supplementing with 1,000 mg of Omega-3 fats per day markedly decreased serum markers of liver cell damage, triglyceride levels and glucose. Any natural therapy that helps the body eliminate triglycerides and lower blood sugar levels will lower the underlying risk factors for NAFLD.

Milk Thistle Shown to Directly Target the Liver

The active compound in milk thistle, known as silymarin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that directly impacts liver function. Researchers have discovered that milk thistle inhibits the release of cytokines from the liver that normally increases with fatty liver inflammation. This action allows the liver to begin the natural healing process while reducing fat accumulation and reducing blood markers associated with liver damage.

Vitamin E, Omega-3 fats and milk thistle each help to restore normal liver function for the millions of men, women and children that suffer the silent effects of fatty liver disease. Including all three of these powerful natural nutrients in your daily disease-fighting arsenal will provide a multi-modal defense against NAFLD.

Prevent tooth decay by drinking milk every morning

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Prevent tooth decay by drinking milk every morning - A study says that kosumsi cows milk can prevent cavities after we eat high sugar foods, for example, is a breakfast cereal.

On a small study in Chicago, as many as 20 respondents were included. They were then asked to enjoy a bowl of sugary cereal and then drink milk, water, or apple juice.

During before and after the experiment, the researchers also measured levels of acidity in the teeth. Acidity itself is often used as an indication of the cause of tooth decay. High acid levels are usually produced by active bacteria on the teeth after you eat sugary foods.

The result, among the three types of beverages tested, milk is the best option to ward acidity caused by bacteria.

"Milk and sweet foods is the best combination to prevent cavities," said the researcher, as quoted by Medical Daily.

Meanwhile, fresh fruit and other fruit juice should not be consumed after enjoying breakfast cereals. Because the combination of these foods actually trigger high levels of acidity and create cavities.

"Our advice is milk should be consumed every morning if you are a sweet breakfast cereal. Suggestion is especially true for children so that their teeth maintained their health," says researcher again.

In addition to preventing cavities, milk is also often mentioned as a drink that strengthens teeth because it contains high calcium.

The results subsequently published in the Journal of the American Dental Association.

5 Benefits of drinking raw milk for health

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

5 Benefits of drinking raw milk for health - These days, very rarely drank milk fresh. Because it is more practical and easy to get, many are choosing bottled milk that has been mixed with unnatural ingredients again. Drinking a lot of fresh milk can get the benefits. As reported by Mag fot Women, the following 5 benefits of drinking raw milk for health.

1. Build muscle
Protein in fresh milk is quite high and drunk suitable if you want to build muscle. Increase the weight naturally also be done by consuming fresh milk.

2. High nutrient
Some of the nutrients contained in fresh milk is protein, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin A, phosphorus, riboflavin, and niacin.

3. Cheap and easy to come by
Fresh milk is quite easy to obtain and affordable. Because there is no chemical process done to purify or add any other ingredients in the milk.

4. Smoothing the skin
If you want to get a naturally smooth skin, try the consumption of fresh milk every day. Health and beauty of skin is obtained naturally from within.

4. Digestion
Fresh milk just like wine, the older the age, the better. Eating fresh milk was potent digestion and prevent constipation or difficult bowel movements.

Thats some of the benefits of drinking fresh milk for health. Do not hesitate to consume fresh milk and get all properties.

Milk Thistle Protects the Liver Heart and Brain

Friday, February 7, 2014

The liver is one of the most critical organs essential to human health. It serves more than 300 functions in the body to detoxify against chemical and environmental intrusions, and promotes metabolic function as well. Silymarin is commonly known as milk thistle and new science is emerging to validate the healing potential of this powerful plant.

Publishing in the journalHepatitis Monthly, researchers provide solid evidence that natural milk thistle extracts can halt and even reverse the effects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an affliction affecting as much as a third of the adult population. Supplementation with milk thistle will dramatically lower the risks associated with fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis and cognitive dysfunction.

Milk Thistle is a Powerful Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Agent

NAFLD is a significant health concern that is growing at an unprecedented rate due to the obesity and diabetes epidemic currently gripping most western societies. The condition is caused in part by excess accumulation of fats (triglycerides) in the cellular matrix of the liverthat result in suboptimal function of the organ. Left unchecked, the disease can result in cell injury and damage, inflammation and ultimately to cirrhosis as the liver becomes less able to perform the multitude of tasks essential to life.

Researchers found that the plant extract has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and becomes concentrated in hepatic tissue soon after ingestion. They found that silymarin promotes liver tissue regeneration by supporting multiple critical metabolic functions including lower oxidized LDL cholesterol levels, regulation of membrane permeability and stability and preventing the deposition of collagen fibers, leading to cirrhosis. In addition, milk thistle inhibits the absorption of many toxins, effectively preventing them from entering circulation through the bloodstream.

Silymarin from Milk Thistle Fight Arterial Hardening and Cancer

Silymarin is known to be a powerful cellular antioxidant with specific properties that can prevent excess oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Oxidized LDL cholesterol particles are sticky and become lodged in the delicate endothelial layer of coronary artery vessels where they combine with other blood-borne compounds to form plaque. Natural milk thistle extracts (570 mg per day) have proven effective to lower risk factors that promote arterial hardening.

Milk thistle has been used as a chemopreventive agent in the fight against certain cancer lines, most notably metastatic cancers of the prostate. Silymarininterferes with cancer growth and immortality, and exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-metastatic activity (prevents cancer spread). Extracts of milk thistle have also been used as an agent in the war against numerous malignancies including those of the liver, colon and skin.

Our body is continually under assault from a barrage of more than 70,000 chemicals and 900 drugs known to induce liver damage. Milk thistle supplementation provides an effective tool to protect and heal our primary filtration organ, the liver. Silymarin is also proving to be an important tool that can naturally lower cancer risk, while providing critical support for the heart and prostate.

Veggie Might Make Your Own Almond Milk

Monday, February 3, 2014

Written by the fabulous Leigh, Veggie Might is a weekly Thursday column about all things Vegetarian.

Complete the following word problem and show your work:
You purchased a 4-lb bag of almonds for $10.99 at the Indian market near your friend T’s house. Three weeks later, you still have 1/2 of the bag left. You are worried you may not eat all the remaining almonds before they go rancid because you forgot to stick the bag in the fridge sooner. What can you do with 1 cup of the remaining almonds?

Sample response:
Make almond milk.

1) Cover 1 cup of almonds with water and soak overnight.

2) Drain, rinse, and place almonds in a blender with 3 fresh cups of water. Puree until the almonds are chopped finely.

3) Using cheesecloth or a fine strainer, strain the liquid from the almond mash. Press the mash to extract as much liquid as possible.

4) Set aside the mash for later.

5) Strain a second time. If you used cheese cloth, switch to a fine strainer.

6) Save the superfine mash—this is almond paste!

7) Refrigerate the liquid for 24 hours. There will be some separations, so give the almond milk a good shake. Add a more water if it’s too thick. Add a pinch of salt and sweetener to taste.

Making almond milk is very satisfying, if a touch time consuming. But believe me, the almond milk you will make is far tastier and richer than commercial almond milks I’ve tried (though doesn’t keep as long—only about a week in the fridge). No added thickeners!

Plus, you’ll cut down on those aseptic cartons that are difficult to recycle. You can also dry (in a 200 degree oven) the leftover almond meal and use it in baking. No waste!

Cost comparison
Homemade almond milk: 1 cup almonds = $.91 = about 3 cups of almond milk
Commercial almond milk: 3 cups = $2.24

If you make almond milk in larger quantities (1 cup almonds = 3 cups water), you’ll save on your time cost too.

Approximate Calories, Fat, and Fiber*, and Cost per Serving
60 calories, 2.5g fat, 0g fiber, and $.30

8) Congratulations! You’re ready for the next activity: drinking, cooking with, or eating cereal with your delicious almond milk.

Sources:
LifeHacker: How to Make Almond Milk at Home
Instructables: How to Milk an Almond
WikiHow: How to Make Almond Milk

~~~

If you like this post, you’ll dig:

Veggie Might: Make Your Own Mustard
Veggie Might: Tasty Almond Bran Muffins
Veggie Might: Don’t Fear the Bean Curd

*I looked high and low for homemade almond milk nutrition data, but alas this nutrition data is for commercially prepared almond milk.

Too old to drink milk make baby less iron

Friday, January 31, 2014

Too old to drink milk make baby less iron? - Although breast milk is considered as the best nutritious food for babies, but a study shows that babies who are too old to drink milk possible iron deficiency.

"We found that after one year, the longer the baby feeds her mother, the higher the risk for iron deficiency," said researcher Dr. Jonathan Maguire, a pediatrician from the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michaels Hospital, University of Toronto, Canada.

The study, published online in the journal Pediatrics on April 15, the findings suggest an association between duration of breastfeeding children with their propensity to consume iron deficiency can cause anemia. Iron is an essential nutrient, especially for children. Iron is needed in the development of the nervous system and brain.

World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the child for six months, then introduce them to food ation supporters. Based on research, WHO allow breastfeeding to children aged two years or more.

Researchers looked at 1,650 children aged between one and six years with an average age of three years. No one is suffering from a rare disease. Yet they found a decrease in the level of iron as much as five percent of each additional month of lactation. Researchers also found the same in children who consume too much dairy cows.

"Cows milk does not contain a lot of iron, for that breast milk is better for the child during the first year," Maguire said, as quoted by Health Day News (19/04).

Meanwhile, one of the doctors laRabida Childrens Hospital in Chicago still recommends breast milk for the baby. According to him, the iron in the mother can be given to children more effectively to children growing up. After that, the need for iron increases and the child would have to be supported by other foods.

Think Twice Before Feeding Your Child Cows Milk

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

In my previous post I discussed a recent study that reported an association between vitamin D supplementation and risk for type 1 diabetes (Preventing Diabetes - Can Vitamin D Protect Against Type 1?)

I wanted to add a note for those looking to vitamin D-fortified cows milk for that supplementation. That may be problematic. Some studies, notably this 1992 investigation that appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine:

A Bovine Albumin Peptide As A Possible Trigger Of Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

... documented the ability of cows milk protein to initiate type 1 diabetes.

Heres how that is thought to work:

Children fed cows milk at an early age may develop antibodies against a specific protein in that milk which resembles a protein on the surface of pancreatic beta cells. The childs immune cells may then attack not only the foreign cows milk protein, but also the similar-looking beta-cell protein.

In the study above, the serum of 142 children with type 1 diabetes, 79 children without diabetes, and 300 adults were analyzed for antibodies against bovine serum albumen (anti-BSA antibodies). Findings:

All of the children with type 1 diabetes had elevated levels of anti-BSA antibodies (all were above 3.55, averaging 8.5 kfU/microliter).
None of the children without type 1 diabetes had elevated levels of anti-BSA antibodies (all were below 3.55, averaging 1.3 kfU/microliter).
The 300 adults also had much lower levels of anti-BSA antibodies.

A few years later, researchers in Canada performed a meta-analysis of relevant studies and concluded:¹

"Early cows milk exposure may be an important determinant of subsequent type I diabetes and may increase the risk approximately 1.5 times."

Although some find the body of evidence indicting cows milk in the development of type 1 diabetes convincing, the scientific community still has not reached consensus.

In looking for a recent study addressing this link, I found the following article by investigators from Finland reporting in the ADAs journal Diabetes in 2005:

Environmental Triggers and Determinants of Type 1 Diabetes, Diabetes, 2005

In it, they continued to present evidence that early feeding of cows milk ... when coupled with a genetic predisposition or to exposure to an enterovirus at a young age ... can lead to type 1 diabetes.

As long as there is a strong dairy industry, there is likely to be controversy over this issue. It doesnt hurt, though, to be informed.
________
¹ Cows Milk Exposure And Type I Diabetes Mellitus. A Critical Overview Of The Clinical Literature, Diabetes Care, 1994

Cows Milk Responsible For Destruction of Beta Cells in Type 1 Diabetes

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

One of my earlier posts (Think Twice Before Feeding Your Child Cows Milk) discussed the possibility that early ingestion of cows milk can increase the risk for type 1 diabetes.

Last month, an article in a journal of the American Chemical Society reviewed the literature for this association:

Relation of Time of Introduction of Cow Milk Protein to an Infant and Risk of Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus, Journal of Proteome Research, April, 2008

Its author, Marcia Goldfarb, described a set of conditions which could explain how pancreatic beta cells are destroyed - leading to type 1 diabetes - when cows milk products are fed to infants:

"The newborn intestine does not have complete "closure" and can pass food antigens. Beta Lactoglobulin could generate antibody to glycodelin undermining T cell regulation of beta cells."

Mechanism

Beta-lactoglobulin is a protein present in cows milk, but not human milk. "It has the largest concentration of any whey protein in bovine milk. (Goldfarb)" Glycodelin is a human protein that affects our immune system, regulating our T-cells.
The cow beta-lactoglobulin and the human glycodelin have similar structures, such that an infants body may generate antibodies not just for the foreign beta-lactoglobulin, but also for the endogenous glycodelin.
Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells by T-cells. Destruction of glycodelin (by the antibodies generated to destroy the foreign cows milk protein) may allow proliferation of these beta-cell-destroying T-cells.

In a small investigation, Goldfarb indeed found antibodies to beta-lactoglobulin in the serum of children with type 1 diabetes. Those she tested who did not have diabetes did not have these antibodies.
________