Breast milk: benefits and nutritional properties

Breast milk is considered a superfood for babies and infants, as it has everything they need.

Here we tell you some of its benefits

• With its consumption, the baby can do without water, juices, and other drinks.
• It has all the vitamins, fats, and proteins that the newborn requires, in just the right amount.
• By consuming it, the baby will develop healthier, stronger, and more defenses.
• Prevents diarrhea in the baby.
• It is free, so you will not have to spend on other baby food until complementary feeding starts at 6 months.
• It is well digested and tolerated by the newborn.
• It has the right temperature and is always fresh.
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Nutritional properties of breast milk

• Water:

Approximately 90% of the composition of breast milk corresponds to water. This percentage is enough for the amount the baby needs during the first months of her lactation period. Therefore, newborns do not need to consume it additionally.

• Proteins:

Among the components of human milk, we distinguish casein, whey, and mucins. Casein has the basic function of providing amino acids. It is a phosphorus and calcium vehicle for the newborn's body, while whey has 2 proteins, which are lactoferrin and lysozyme, both of which have antibacterial action, preventing pathogenic germs from colonizing the intestinal mucosa.

• Fats:

The fats or lipids of breast milk make up 3 to 5% of it and are its most variable element. It is rich in essential fatty acids (Omega 3), fundamental in neurological and vision development.

• Carbohydrates:

Lactose is the main carbohydrate in milk. It is produced from glucose in the mammary gland. Like fats, its main function is to provide energy to the body, necessary for the growth and development of the baby. It helps to absorb calcium, iron, magnesium, and other minerals. It also prevents the proliferation of fungi, bacteria, and parasites in the body.

• Minerals:

Breast milk contains all the minerals that the baby needs to develop and grow. Among the most prominent are calcium, phosphorous, iron, and zinc. It also has others that are in lower concentrations, sufficient for the child's requirements. These are iodine, copper, cobalt, selenium, chromium, manganese, aluminum, and cadmium. Another virtue of this natural substance. It is its low levels of sodium, potassium, and chlorides, which, in higher concentrations, could damage the baby's kidneys.

• Vitamins:

Fat-soluble: A, D, E, and K. A vitamin D supplement is recommended during the baby's first year of life. Water-soluble: vitamin B complex (vegetarian mothers recommend B12 supplement), vitamin C.

• Other components:

Hormones: They stimulate the maturation of the central nervous system, the immune system, and intestinal maturation. Growth factors: they contribute to cell reproduction, DNA and RNA synthesis, and the growth and maturation of other organs.