by Ingredia USA | May 15, 2024 | News & Press
Milk and dairy products have been part of the human diet for thousands of years. However, over the last few decades, dairy has come under scrutiny by certain communities due to digestibility issues, allergy concerns and animal welfare debates. Yet when we take a step back to examine the science, dairy and its myriad ingredient forms offer undisputed nutritional advantages that are hard to replace in our diets.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the health benefits of different dairy ingredients, why they’re an essential part of balanced nutrition and how ingredient innovation company Ingredia is spearheading access to clinically-backed dairy bioactive ingredients. Let’s rediscover why quality dairy should still have a place in healthy regimens today.
The Nutritional Goodness in Dairy
At its core, dairy is a nutritionally dense food group packed with essential macronutrients, micronutrients and diverse bioactive compounds that synergize to support human health.
Complete Proteins
Dairy proteins like casein and whey provide all nine essential amino acids the body cannot synthesize itself. These complete proteins are critical for building and maintaining muscle mass. Milk proteins have higher bioavailability and digestive properties than plant-based proteins too.
Bone-strengthening Minerals
Rich in calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D, dairy is crucial for bone development and strength especially in children and adolescents. The optimal calcium-to-phosphorus ratios promote better absorption and bone mineralization. Just one cup of milk meets 30% of your daily calcium needs.
Disease-fighting Micronutrients
Natural dairy micronutrients like zinc, selenium and vitamin A boost immunity against diseases. Low-fat milk is a top food source for vitamin B12, which aids red blood cell formation and brain function. As an animal-based food, dairy also contains more readily absorbed forms of iron than plant foods.
Gut and Heart Health
Probiotics in fermented dairy promote friendly gut bacteria linked to numerous health perks from immunity to mood and weight management. Dairy fats like conjugated linoleic acid and omega 3 also support heart health when consumed in moderation as part of balanced diets.
The multitude of micro and macronutrients that dairy products naturally contain is difficult to obtain as completely or economically from other foods.Fortified plant-based alternatives often fail to replicate the nutritional diversity in dairy.
Ingredient Innovation Unlocks Dairy’s Full Potential
While whole dairy foods themselves bring tremendous nutritional value to diets, advancing technology in dairy ingredients is unlocking even more targeted health benefits.
Through advanced separation processes like microfiltration, companies like Ingredia generate milk protein concentrate and isolates that contain exceptionally high concentrations of muscle-building whey and casein proteins. These allow lactoferrin to be derived with precision.
These bioactive macro components and micro fractions target physiological areas from gut health to immune support to sports performance in clinically supported ways. By value adding milk components in this manner, we expand access to very specific dairy nutrients in more concentrated and absorbable forms. Below are a few examples.
Lactium® – The Relaxation Peptide
Lactium® is a casein hydrolysate clinically demonstrated to induce relaxation and improve stress-related symptoms. Sourced from milk casein proteins, Lactium® contains alpha-casozepine as the key bioactive peptide.
Multiple randomized, double-blind human trials found daily Lactium® supplementation substantially decreased stress and anxiety while enhancing sleep quality in people with chronic stress. Lactium®, thanks to the decapeptide, can bind to the GABAa receptor via the benzodiazepine site to optimize its action and regulate our response to stress. By dampening reactions to stimuli like loud noises, exam stress or work overload, Lactium® helps maintain healthy stress levels so we stay relaxed.
Beyond direct anti-stress effects, Lactium® also alleviates sleep deprivation, which typically accompanies high-strung lifestyles. Formulated into many different applications, this clinically validated relaxation ingredient has broad spectrum benefits for today’s fatigue-fighting consumers.
Pep2Dia® – Blood Sugar Optimizer
Pep2Dia® is an enzymatic whey protein hydrolysate specifically designed to manage blood sugar spikes after carb-heavy meals. This fast-acting peptide complex contains bioactive dipeptides proven to inhibit the enzyme alpha-glucosidase.
As this digestive enzyme converts complex carbs into simple sugars, temporarily blocking alpha-glucosidase activity using Pep2Dia® attenuates the degree of post-meal blood glucose spikes. A double blind peer-reviewed study confirms Pep2Dia’s efficacy.
By smoothing out these glycemic peaks, Pep2Dia® maintains healthier blood sugar fluctuations. This is particularly beneficial for prediabetics and those with insulin sensitivity concerns. Backed by clinical evidence, Pep2Dia® delivers accessible and drug-free blood sugar management.
Prodiet® Lactoferrin – Immune Strengthener
Prodiet® Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein naturally found in milk and a key component of Ingredia’s scientifically validated immune health ingredient range. As a multifunctional protein, lactoferrin exhibits potent antimicrobial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties essential for bolstering frontline defenses.
Numerous clinical studies confirm Prodiet® Lactoferrin’s efficacy in reducing the incidence and severity of common infectious illnesses. Daily lactoferrin supplementation significantly lowers the risk of viral infections like the common cold and influenza, while also shortening the duration of symptoms. By enhancing the activity of natural killer cells and stimulating antibody production, lactoferrin primes the immune system for rapid response against pathogenic invaders.
Scientific literature on Prodiet® Lactoferrin’s mechanisms of action reveals its unique ability to sequester iron, an essential nutrient for bacterial growth. This iron-binding capacity starves harmful bacteria and prevents their proliferation. Furthermore, lactoferrin modulates inflammation by regulating cytokine production, thereby preventing excessive inflammatory responses that can cause tissue damage.
With a substantial body of scientific evidence supporting its immune-enhancing effects, Prodiet® Lactoferrin is a research-backed ingredient that strengthens the body’s natural defense mechanisms. By bolstering immune function through multiple complementary pathways, lactoferrin offers a comprehensive approach to fortifying resistance against common illnesses.
Redefining Dairy’s Role in Health
The possibilities of what dairy can do for health expand exponentially when we move beyond seeing milk and cheese as just calcium sources into highly specialized compounds verified to optimize immunity, digestive health, athletic performance and more backed by rigorous clinical research.
Ingredient manufacturers like Ingredia redefine dairy from generic staple into targeted health promoter via high technology nutrition science. In providing readily absorbable protein microfractions, immunoactive peptides and clinically trialed compounds, they elevate dairy’s significance in preventive healthcare and therapeutic areas.
By spearheading research and delivering efficacious ingredients far beyond basic nutrition needs, Ingredia pushes boundaries for dairy in precision nutrition. Their expanding arrays now bridge proven solutions not just for stress reduction but also metabolic health, gut immunity and overall well being backed by peer reviewed validation at every step.
This signals an approaching paradigm shift which repositions dairy ingredients in food tech – from a nice-to-have component to an indispensable input for functional nutrition targeting pressing health issues based on uncompromised science.
Rather than write off dairy as outdated or unnecessary, ingredient innovations demand we re-evaluate them as indispensable inputs advancing formulas, products and functional solutions that precision deliver clinically proven health advantages unmatched by other categories.
by Ingredia USA | Apr 5, 2024 | Blood Sugar Management
Water is life’s most basic necessity yet; its role in health extends well beyond preventing mere thirst. Scientists now recognize the intricate ways hydration status influences core processes like blood sugar regulation. With metabolic conditions reaching epidemic scales globally, understanding water’s impact on glycemic control becomes pivotal.
In this blog, we analyze emerging science on water-glucose interactions debunk common myths from global food tech Ingredia that explain mechanisms underpinning water’s assistance in blood sugar management.
Water’s Vital but Variable Role
Water constitutes over 60% of adult body weight with fluid balance crucial for homeostasis. But hydration needs and effects fluctuate significantly based on health state, climate and activities. Water may provide neutral, beneficial or even adverse effects on blood sugar markers depending on individual context.
For example, plain water clearly assists diabetes management as the optimal no-calorie beverage for thirst without spiking glucose or calories. However large volumes can potentially dilute sodium levels dangerously. Meanwhile, dehydration from restricted fluid intake may benefit glycemia control short term but causes detrimental outcomes longer term.
This variability means definitive conclusions on water-glucose interactions require nuanced evidence-based evaluation. Any universal declarations on water’s impact could propagate as misguided myths lacking context.
Fact or Fiction? Common Water Beliefs for Blood Sugar
Let’s examine some recurring opinions on hydration and blood glucose using latest scientific benchmarks:
“Drinking more water always lowers blood sugar.”
Fiction. While helpful for most people as a zero-calorie beverage, excess water intake can adversely lower electrolyte levels in diabetics or those on SGLT-2 inhibitors, causing temporary hyperglycemia from medication side effects. Outcomes differ based on individual health conditions.
“Dehydration from low water intake reduces glycemia.”
Partly Fact. Studies confirm even mild dehydration increases blood glucose and HbA1c levels as hydration state influences glucose homeostasis. Though lowering glucose levels short term when acutely dehydrated, persistent fluid restriction and thirst triggers rebound high blood sugar from stress responses.
“Increasing water intake reverses insulin resistance.”
Fiction. No evidence proves higher water consumption alone can reverse cellular insulin signaling dysfunctions driving resistance over the long run. However, even mild persistent dehydration worsens insulin resistance. Adequate hydration helps but is not curative.
As we see, declarative statements on water’s universality in managing blood sugar prove overly simplistic. The truth lies somewhere in the middle, with contextual and personalized guidance needed.
by Ingredia USA | Sep 19, 2022 | Blood Sugar Management
About one in every ten Americans will develop diabetes. Type two diabetes is commonly referred to as a “lifestyle disease.”
Insulin is the hormone that our bodies use to turn the food we eat into energy. The more insulin our bodies produce, the more it increases the production of glycogen.
Fortunately, there is a simple way to control your insulin production. One of the benefits of building muscle is to control insulin resistance (the culprit of diabetes) and further prevent diabetes.
In this guide, we discuss a few reasons building muscle can protect you from developing diabetes. Keep reading to learn more.
Understanding Muscle Mass
Muscle mass, unlike lean body mass, exclusively refers to the muscles in your body. There is skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle. Smooth muscle and cardiac muscle make up different organs in your body.
For the sake of this guide, we’ll be discussing skeletal muscle. These are the large muscles all over the body that we exercise during strength training. These muscles can be built up, maintained, or shrink depending on your activity and age.
In preventing diabetes, the goal is to build a healthy amount of skeletal muscle to stabilize blood sugar.
The Relationship Between Blood Sugar and Muscle Mass
When it comes to preventing diabetes your weight matters. More specifically though, the proportion of your weight that is muscle is what matters.
Diabetes happens when your body no longer makes enough insulin or doesn’t metabolize it as it should. This is what causes the high blood sugar levels associated with pre-diabetes and diabetes. Insulin resistance if not managed can progress into type two diabetes.
Luckily, one of the best ways to reverse insulin resistance is through exercise, specifically strength training. Studies found a link between increased muscle mass and reduced insulin resistance and prediabetes.
For every 10% increase in muscle mass within the body, insulin resistance reduces by 11% and prediabetes reduces by 12%. The more muscle your body has, the more excess glucose your body can use or flush out.
Living a sedentary lifestyle greatly increases the risk of developing diabetes. This is not news, but in the past being lean was the only aspect of diabetes prevention highly valued.
Today doctors realize the ideal combination is being lean and also having a higher muscle mass ratio. This calls for a mix of aerobic exercise and at least two days of full-body strength training weekly.
The Benefits of Building Muscle Mass to Control Blood Sugar
One of the benefits of building muscle via strength and weight training is its ability to help you reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Adults who want to prevent type two diabetes are recommended to strength train at least two or three times a week. Building muscle mass to control blood sugar has been shown to help managers and improve the following diabetes precursors.
Burns Blood Sugar
When strength training your body uses up old glycogen stores to feed the muscles. Once the stored muscular glycogen is consumed, the body then turns to the liver glycogen and blood sugar.
By removing and consuming excess blood sugar, the next meal you have, your body will be eager instead of overwhelmed by the sugar in your meal.
Improves Glucose Storage
Trained muscles are better at storing glucose in the form of glycogen. When glucose is stored instead of roaming around freely in the blood, it helps to reduce overall blood sugar levels which further decreases the risk of developing diabetes.
Consistently elevated blood sugar, especially fasting blood sugar, is a sign of pre-diabetes.
Controls Cravings
Because increased muscle mass helps reduce sugar in the blood, it is responsible for helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels plummet or skyrocket, we can have unstable energy and mood disruptions that prompt us to seek out unhealthy food.
A poor diet is a contributing factor in the development of diabetes among other diseases.
Simplifies Weight Loss
When you strength train you build lean muscle mass. The more lean muscle mass a person has, the easier it is for them to maintain and lose weight. Studies found that losing 5 to 10% of your current body weight can improve your overall HbA1c score.
Your HbA1c measures hemoglobin A1C and is the main test to help those manage diabetes. Because it denotes your blood sugar levels over three months it is also useful in preventing diabetes.
Burning muscle helps us lose weight and losing weight lowers A1C scores.
Targets Visceral Belly Fat
Visceral fat is encapsulating abdominal fat. It is incredibly dangerous and disrupts hormones, including insulin. Adipocytes release hormones that trigger insulin resistance. If left unchecked insulin resistance can become diabetes.
With strength training, aerobic exercise, and stress reduction you can reduce your body’s visceral fat.
The Best Foods for Regulating Blood Sugar Levels and Boosting Muscle Growth
If your goal is to build muscle, lose weight and steady blood glucose-protein needs to be your best friend. This macronutrient is abundant in many food sources, but it is important to consider the quality of the protein you consume. Some of the best sources of protein for building muscle mass include:
- Lean meats
- Fish and shellfish
- Nuts and legumes
These protein sources stem from nature and are shown to reduce blood sugar levels which can stabilize cravings.
Prevent Diabetes by Increasing Your Muscle Mass
It’s amazing that one of the benefits of building muscle is offsetting disease. If you’re wondering how to build muscle mass naturally make sure to strength train at least two times weekly and take a rest day between strength sessions.
Support your workouts with healthy protein consumption that matches your activity level.Consistently following the steps above can help you control blood sugar, lose weight, and prevent diabetes. Read more on other steps you can take to prevent diabetes.
