Find out the connection between dairy and diabetes risk with these tips
Is dairy ok for diabetics? And are there other related factors that may present dairy and diabetes risk for some patients? There has been some controversy about dairy and diabetes, and this has left some diabetics hesitant about consuming dairy products. But research has provided clear answers that will set diabetics at ease. Breaking down key ingredients in dairy products and how they affect the human body of diabetics provides many answers regarding dairy and diabetes risk.
Have you ever asked, “Can diabetics drink milk?” Milk is comprised of a variety of compounds that include: calories, fat, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, iron and folate. Human, or mother’s milk, has the least amount of protein, but a high percent of carbohydrates. Nature has designed milk to be appropriate to the development of each individual species, and this is why there are differences among human milk, cow milk, goat and sheep milk, etc.
Cow’s milk, as opposed to human milk, contains the A1 Beta-casein molecule that can be difficult for some humans to digest. This component, along with bovine insulin, can trigger an autoimmune response in some juvenile diabetic patients who have a human leukocyte antigen complex (HLA). The autoimmune response induces the body to produce antibodies against the very cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. Juvenile diabetes can develop by the consistent destruction of these cells, and mother’s are urged to breastfeed their babies for one year or more. This research shows that a dairy and diabetes risk can occur from early, and continuous, exposure to cow’s milk.
Is dairy ok for diabetics with Type 2 diabetes? The Diabetes Council reports that full-fat milk is actually good for Type 2 diabetics. Trans-palmitoleic acid is a fatty compound present in milk that protects against diabetes by improving insulin levels and sensitivity. This trans-fatty acid reduces the risk of early-onset diabetes mellitus and metabolic risk factors. Milk, yogurt and cheese all play a part in lowering the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.
Can diabetics drink milk, and eat cheese and yogurt? Absolutely, especially the consumption of whole-milk. The Harvard School of Public Health states that trans-palmitoleic acid is not produced by the human body but is unique to dairy products. The only way to introduce this fatty acid into the human blood stream is by consuming dairy products. Research has concluded that individuals with a high level of trans-palmitoleic acid in their system have a significantly lower risk for Type 2 diabetes and related metabolic abnormalities. The research studies show that dairy products and diabetes is a healthy partnership.
There are other factors to consider when regarding dairy and diabetes. If you are lactose intolerant, you do not have the enzyme lactase that is needed to break down milk sugar in the gut. To try to avoid the symptoms of lactose-intolerance, you can select to drink lactose-free milk but check your insulin levels after ingesting the milk. Can diabetics drink milk if they are lactose intolerant? It will depend on how your glucose level reacts to the milk.
What other concerns about dairy and diabetes should you consider? Non-dairy creamers may cause your blood glucose levels to sky-rocket. It is best to avoid soy, oat and rice dairy products because they contain high levels of carbohydrates. As a healthy alternative you can use full-fat almond and coconut milk.
Full-fat dairy products play an essential part in improving overall health and should be included in your diet. Still asking is dairy ok for diabetics? Babies and anyone who has the HLA complex should not consume dairy, but Type 2 diabetics may thrive on dairy products. To learn more about diet, food choices and other nutrition topics related to diabetes, visit www.BetterHealthKare.com. The information you find there can help you make better food choices and determine if dairy is right for you.
