The Role of Milk-Derived Peptides in Metabolic Syndrome Article - 1

The Role of Milk-Derived Peptides in Metabolic Syndrome - Article Example Several factors have led to increased incidences of metabolic syndrome and they include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, the obesity epidemic, and tobacco use. Metabolic syndrome (Mets) can be reduced by improving one's diet and this may involve taking low- fat milk and dairy products, high intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and reduced intake of meat, sugar, and fat. A change in lifestyle can also lead to a reduction in Mets and it may involve regular physical activity and check on the dietary habits. Several signs serve as indicators of metabolic syndrome and a victim may display several of them. Such as blood pressure exceeding 130/185 mmHg, fasting blood glucose equal or higher than 100mg/dl, large waist circumference (length around the waist) for men 40 inches or more, women 35 inches or more. Triglycerides levels may rise to 150mg/dl or more. Several researchers have reported on the beneficial role of dairy peptides in the prevention of metabolic syndrome and have created much debate with many commercialization of dairy products currently on-going. The aim of this paper is to review the perceived beneficial effects of dairy products in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome and to analyze the known facts and the perceived faults that exist in the role of dairy products in the prevention and treatment of the disease. Bioactive peptides derived from milk have been found to be beneficial in prevention and treatment of MetS. Various mechanisms of managing Mets may include; decreasing body mass, regulating insulin, blood pressure and cholesterol with the ultimate goal of losing 7% -10% of one’s current body weight. If one has impaired fasting glucose tolerance a diet which is rich in fiber and low saturated fat with increased physical exercise can help reduce this. It has been noted that peptides from dairy products are protective in preventing ischemic coronary disease, heart attack, and diabetes.