Human milk contains hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that carry signals from one cell, or group of cells, to another via the blood. They signal to organs and tissues to carry out their functions. There are many types of hormones that act on different aspects of the body's functions and processes.
Some of the hormones in human milk include:
- Oxytocin: Affects mood, social behaviours and bonding.
- Leptin: Signals to the brain that you have enough energy in your fat cells, and suppresses appetite.
- Insulin: Regulates blood sugar levels, and regulates how the body uses and stores glucose and fat.
- Prostaglandins: Normally made directly at the site of tissue damage or infection, they are involved in dealing with injury and illness. They control processes such as inflammation and blood flow as part of the healing process. They are also involved in regulating the contraction and relaxation of the muscles in the gut and the airways.
There are many more...
Comments