What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is a pre-milk fluid made by mammals 48 – 72 hours following the delivery of their young. It gives life boosting immune and growth factors that help to ensure the health and vitality of the newborn. Colostrum can also be called foremilk, first milk, immune milk, or beestings.
Colostrum looks very similar to the milk that follows its production, but is a lot thicker and it has a yellow-colored tinge to it. Colostrum is loaded with concentrated nutrients, protein, minerals and antibodies that are all necessary for the initial few hrs of life to promote the crucial processes inside the body, such as development of the defense mechanisms as well as the development of essential body structure. Bovine colostrum contains the same forms of constituents as human colostrum and because of this is commercially produced for human consumption.
Colostrum has been utilized for hundreds of years by many cultures for its healing and overall health properties. Due to the mix of immune and growth factors (including immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and insulin-like growth factor) colostrum has numerous favorable properties; antibacterial, antifungal and enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms. Recently colostrum has grown to be well know within the athletic community as a dietary supplement which increases the recovery process and helps in the boost in lean body mass.
Some of the advantages of colostrum: Contributes to and helps maintain overall good health and well-being. Encourages a strong immune system. More significant ability to resist colds and ‘flu and various common illnesses. Antibacterial activity against a few widespread germs eg. E.coli. Antiviral activity. Antifungal activity. Supports greater wound, cell and tissue recovery with reduced scaring. Boosts gut well being, assisting to restore and heal a number of gastric problems.
When seeking to buy colostrum powder as a nutritional supplement it is advisable to be sure that the raw materials isn’t blended with additional materials to help ‘fill’ out the product. Additionally the very best source of colostrum originates from healthy field fed animals that are hormone, pesticide and anti-biotic free. The more an animal is exposed to the natural environment and the less ‘additives’ it receives, the more it is reliant on its own immune system and this strength is passed on into its colostrum. Another critical factor is the processing from the raw product as excessive treatment can rob the colostrum of many of its benefits.
If you want to buy colostrum powder or other colostrum supplements you need to make sure you have the facts to ensure that you get the best value for your money.