Raw Milk: Benefits vs. Dangers

Milk is often touted as a health food, with its high levels of calcium and Vitamin D. Still, while it can be nutritious in moderation, some people are concerned about the potential side effects associated with raw milk consumption. What are your thoughts on drinking raw milk?

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You’ll be astonished to learn that you’ve been misled if you’ve been informed that drinking raw milk is harmful. So what’s the deal with raw milk? The FDA and CDC’s assertions that raw milk is unsafe to have been proved to be absolutely unfounded after a thorough investigation.

Raw milk helps your body in a variety of ways. Although it has a reputation for being harmful among some, you shouldn’t overlook everything that this fantastic superfood has to offer since raw milk advantages are genuinely astonishing.

What precisely is “raw milk”? It’s milk from grass-fed cows that hasn’t been processed or homogenized. According to many, raw milk includes all of its natural enzymes, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a “complete diet,” according to many.

But, given the danger of swallowing germs, can’t raw milk create problems? The chances of this occurring are very slim. In fact, according to medical expert Dr. Ted Beals, M.D., other foods are 35,000 times more likely to make you ill than raw milk.

According to the CDC, 48 million cases of foodborne disease are detected each year. However, only around 42 (almost 0.0005 percent!) of these 48 million diseases are caused by drinking fresh, unprocessed (raw) milk each year.

As the CDC portrays, Dr. Chris Kesser conducted a thorough investigation to determine the true impact of raw milk illness and death. As a result, he discovered that your chances of being hospitalized due to a bacterial infection caused by raw milk are three times lower than your chances of dying in a plane crash. In addition, he determined that you had a greater probability of dying from a raw oyster infection than ever getting ill from raw milk!

As you can see, most allegations and worries about raw milk have been exaggerated, and its health advantages have therefore been overlooked. The advantages of raw milk are many. It may help address a wide range of nutritional deficiencies that millions of people, particularly those on the conventional American diet, are now suffering from. Raw milk, for example, is good for allergies and the skin and provides valuable nutrients without the processing risks.

Benefits

1. Assists in the reduction of allergies

According to new research, children who drink raw milk have a 50% lower risk of developing allergies and a 41% lower risk of developing asthma than children who do not. In addition, one of the findings of a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology covered 8,000 children with diverse diets, and researchers concluded that consuming raw milk provided youngsters with “naturally immunizing” benefits.

Many additional studies conducted over the last century have demonstrated that raw milk helps and promotes children’s growth and development in numerous ways, such as strengthening immunity against illnesses, promoting dental health, and encouraging skeletal growth, as reported on the Real Milk website.

You may be asking how raw milk might help with allergies, and isn’t dairy linked to many intolerances and sensitivities? Raw milk contains nutrients such as probiotics, vitamin D, and immunoglobulins (antibodies) that stimulate the immune system and lower the risk of allergies in both children and adults. In addition, raw milk enzymes aid digestion; however, they are commonly diminished or eliminated during pasteurization, contributing to lactose intolerance.

2. Aids in the improvement of skin health

Although dairy has a terrible reputation for promoting or exacerbating acne and skin irritation, raw milk is not the case.

As we’ve seen, there are various advantages to drinking raw milk, but one of the most prevalent reasons for doing so is to improve one’s complexion. According to several reports, raw milk consumption has been shown to help persons with psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

The following are some of the reasons why raw milk is good for your skin:

  • It includes healthy fats: Raw milk is high in good saturated fats and omega-3 fats, which help hydrate the skin. Some individuals use raw milk as a moisturizer externally and consume it. Goat milk soap bars are becoming more popular in Europe, and recipes for handmade moisturizing face creams produced with raw milk can be found all over the Internet.
  • It contains probiotics: Probiotics found in raw milk may kill or balance harmful bacteria in your stomach, which can significantly impact your skin’s health. According to research, inflammation and an imbalanced gut flora have been linked to skin problems, including acne and eczema.

3. Aids in the prevention of nutrient deficiencies

According to the USDA, added sugars or sweeteners account for roughly 300 calories per day in the typical American’s diet (out of a total of 2,076 calories).

Nutrient-dense meals, such as raw dairy, fruits, and vegetables, provide only approximately 424 calories, even though they should provide a substantially higher amount of nutrients. So it’s easy to understand why magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin K shortages are so widespread.

Raw milk has 400 milligrams of calcium, 50 milligrams of magnesium, and 500 milligrams of potassium per cup.

Cellular function, hydration, bone density, blood circulation, detoxification, muscular health, and metabolism all need these minerals. Unfortunately, there are three minerals in many children and adults that are lacking, which is particularly concerning given the excessive salt consumption of most people.

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4. Has the Potential to Fight H. pylori Infection

Whey proteins and beneficial bacteria found in fermented milk may aid in the fight against H. pylori infection. In some individuals, H. pylori produce no symptoms, but it may cause unpleasant or even severe digestive problems such as vomiting or stomach ulcers in others.

5. It’s possible to make probiotic foods using it

Probiotics are bacteria that line your gut and help you absorb nutrients. They also aid in the defense against foreign invaders such as E. coli and parasites. The best approach to incorporating probiotics into your diet is to consume them in their purest form, including raw milk products like cheese, kefir, and yogurt.

For thousands of years, some of the world’s healthiest people have ingested real, raw, and organic probiotic yogurt, cheeses, and kefir (such as those who call the famous Blue Zones home). Probiotic diets have been shown to aid with the following conditions:

  • Colon cancer
  • Diarrhea
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Infections of the intestine
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Infections of the skin
  • Immune system dysfunction
  • Infections of the urinary tract
  • Yeast infection in the vaginal area

6. Contains no added sugar or artificial ingredients

In addition to pasteurization, homogenization is frequently performed on normal milk. Homogenization is a high-pressure procedure that breaks down fat into small particles; however, when fat is exposed to high heat and pressure, it oxidizes and turns rancid.

Many low-fat dairy products include thickening chemicals to compensate for the loss of texture, and some have been linked to an increase in inflammatory disorders such as cancer. However, raw milk doesn’t require thickeners or shelf-stabilizers, and it’s also free of sugar and tastes.

Natural sugar may be found in almost all meals, including raw dairy containing lactose. Dairy’s natural sugar is balanced with other nutrients. Therefore, it’s not a problem (even healthy for you in moderation).

Many dairy products now have various additional ingredients, such as extra sugar or artificial sweeteners, to improve flavor. However, added sugars (such as cane juice, corn sweetener, dextrose, fructose, and high fructose corn syrup) are unneeded and hazardous in large amounts.

Nutritional Information

Raw milk is one of the world’s most nutrient-dense foods, with a nutritional composition unlike any other, which explains the numerous raw milk advantages. I understand if you’ve been hesitant to drink raw milk in the past due to the poor press, it’s received, but I’m certain you’ll reconsider once you realize why more and more people are drinking raw milk every day.

The following raw milk advantages are some of the key reasons why over 10 million Americans now consume raw milk on a daily basis:

  • Skin, hair, and nails that are healthier
  • Absorption of nutrients
  • Stronger immune system
  • Allergies are reduced.
  • Bone density has improved.
  • Support for the nervous system
  • Loss of weight
  • Assist in the development of lean muscle mass
  • Improved digestion

What is it about raw milk that makes it such a powerful superfood? Please take a look at its distinct nutritional profile to see what I mean.

Vitamins A, D, and K2 are fat-soluble vitamins.

Because raw milk originates from grass-fed cows or goats, research has revealed that it includes a greater quantity of heart-healthy, cancer-fighting fat-soluble vitamins than milk from factory-farmed cows.

According to studies, a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins is one of the most prevalent deficits in children. These vitamins are important for growth, attention, and brain function because they support the brain and neurological system. Fat-soluble vitamins also enhance bone density and assist in naturally regulating hormones; however, after pasteurization, they are considerably reduced.

CLA, SCF, and Omega-3s are all short-chain fatty acids.

Raw milk from grass-fed cattle is a strong source of butyrate. This short-chain fatty acid is generally recognized to manage health concerns such as inflammation, sluggish metabolism, and stress tolerance, in addition to being high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.

In addition, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, raw, grass-fed milk is high in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to cancer prevention, lower cholesterol levels, and even weight loss.

Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium are essential minerals and electrolytes.

Many individuals don’t receive enough nutrients and electrolytes, and raw milk is one of the best sources. Unfortunately, a considerable portion of these minerals is lost during high-heat pasteurization.

Raw milk produces the best-tasting curds and whey protein. Anyone wanting to burn fat and develop or maintain lean muscle can benefit from whey protein. Whey is abundant in enzymes and proteins (amino acids) alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin, and immunoglobulin. The best way to receive these immune boosters is in their natural forms.

Kefir, cheese, and yogurt are all good sources of probiotics.

Probiotics are present in minute numbers in raw milk, but when raw milk is fermented to form foods like kefir, yogurt, or cheese, the number of healthy bacteria increases considerably. As a result, cultured dairy products are the only foods globally that are naturally rich in probiotics.

When it comes to raw milk advantages, they are simply the tip of the iceberg. First, it’s important to note that raw milk does not always originate from cows. Researchers compared the qualities of goat milk to those of cow milk. They discovered evidence that goat milk may help avoid disorders like anemia and bone demineralization, as well as cow milk.

Goat milk has been associated with improved mineral utilization in the digestive and metabolic systems, including iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Raw Milk vs. Pasteurized Milk

Dairy products have had a negative reputation throughout the years, although this is mostly due to the pasteurization procedure. When milk is pasteurized, many of the elements that make raw milk so healthy are lost. So what is the point of pasteurization in the first place? Because it heats milk to very high temperatures, it may eliminate hazardous germs that could otherwise find their way into the milk. However, as previously said, these bacteria are quite uncommon in milk, to begin with.

During the pasteurization process, key nutrients and enzymes are drastically decreased. When you realize that many of these nutrients are not only decreased but also changed from their natural forms, it’s easy to see why some of them are utterly inaccessible to your body and very difficult to digest.

Vitamin B and C levels are also depleted. According to various studies, low-temperature pasteurization reduces vitamin C concentration by up to 25% and B vitamins, iron, and calcium levels. When milk stays on shop shelves for weeks before being sold, the product’s nutritional content degrades even further. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is oxidized into dehydroascorbic acid during pasteurization, which is an inert, degraded form of vitamin C that does not have the same advantages as natural vitamin C. Pasteurization of other food items diminishes total antioxidant activity by roughly 55 percent to 60 percent and vitamin B2 concentrations by up to 48 percent, according to previous research.

Pasteurization also increases allergies and lactose intolerance. Pasteurization also damages the digestive enzymes required to break down and absorb certain nutrients. According to the previously stated study, lactase (the enzyme in dairy) levels are considerably lowered by pasteurization, which might explain why so many individuals are lactose intolerant. Surprisingly, over 80% of persons diagnosed with lactose intolerance ceased experiencing symptoms after they converted to raw milk, according to a report performed by the Weston A. Price Foundation.

Where to Purchase

Raw dairy isn’t always simple to get by since rules governing customers’ rights to purchase raw milk vary from state to state. As a result, raw dairy products may be found in three different places:

  1. Local farmers market – I get raw goat’s milk kefir, raw cheeses, and plain raw milk from my local farmers’ market. It’s labeled “for pet consumption only” in my state, and although I do provide raw milk to my dog, my whole family benefits from raw milk at the farmers market.
  2. I purchase a lot of “raw” cheeses at health food shops like Whole Foods Market. Raw cheeses are plentiful at Whole Foods, including raw sheep cheese, which is my personal favorite. My family would dip our cheese in local raw honey for a nutritious and tasty snack or dessert.
  3. Online – Some online retailers, such as Beyond Organic, Wise Choice Market, and Real Milk, offer raw dairy products directly to customers. Raw cheeses will be delivered to your home by these businesses.

You’ll probably discover that these stores sell a variety of raw milk and raw dairy products, including those from cows, sheep, and goats. Raw goat’s milk is an excellent alternative to cow’s milk since it is simpler to digest for many individuals. Experimenting with several kinds of raw dairy products to find which ones you prefer and benefit from may be useful.

Recipes

Are you worried about how raw milk will taste and if you’ll need to add a sweetener to get the desired results?

If you’re used to sweetened dairy products like fruit-flavored yogurt or chocolate milk, you may find that the taste of unsweetened raw dairy isn’t what you’re used to.

However, you’ll be pleased to learn that most people like the flavor of raw dairy, with many claiming that it is much superior to store-bought varieties. Try sweetening your own raw dairy with modest quantities of natural sweeteners like raw honey, coconut sugar, dates, and organic stevia leaf instead of purchasing sweetened dairy.

Skincare With Raw Milk

You may manufacture your own raw milk face cream to benefit from the skin-soothing elements in raw milk. Simply combine the ingredients listed below, then apply to freshly cleaned skin for two to five minutes before washing.

  • 2 tbsp. unprocessed cream
  • 2 tbsp. honey, unprocessed
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice

If you can’t locate raw cream, consider raw kefir, which has the greatest probiotic content of any meal globally. When you use kefir as a face wash and consume it internally, it kills the harmful bacteria that cause dry, flaky skin and acne on your skin and in your GI tract.

Side Effects and Risks

Although millions of individuals can say that raw milk is safe, tasty, and healthy in several ways, there are always concerns to be aware of. Past incidences of foodborne disease linked to raw milk drinking have been linked to bacteria (including Brucella, Listeria, and Mycobacterium Bovis), salmonella, shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli), and parasites or viruses, according to the CDC. Infants and young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk due to other medical conditions.

Keep in mind that milk’s nutritional/mineral content varies depending on the circumstances under which it was produced, such as soil quality, geographic location, cow species, animal health, and how fresh it is, among other factors. Therefore, for the safest and greatest outcomes, buy raw dairy products from a trustworthy distributor, check customer reviews, ask for suggestions at your local farmers market, keep items in the refrigerator, and consume within a short period.

Last Thoughts

  • Raw milk comes from grass-fed cows, goats, sheep, and other animals that have been kept in humane circumstances. In addition, because the milk has not been pasteurized, it keeps more of its natural nutrients and advantages.
  • Improved immunity, healthier skin, fewer allergies, better growth and development, lesser chance of vitamin shortages, and more are all advantages of raw milk.
  • Real milk has been drunk safely for years and may be purchased online or at farmers’ markets. Raw milk advantages can also be gained via raw cheeses, yogurt, or kefir.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the harmful effects of raw milk?

A: A known benefit of raw milk is that it will provide healthy bacteria in the gut. It also contains vitamin K2, which helps with blood clotting and bone health. However, there are some risks associated with raw milk, such as carrying pathogens from farm to store, causing food poisoning, or getting sick from drinking unpasteurized milk containing Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Campylobacter jejuni.

What are the advantages of consuming raw milk?

A: Raw milk is an unpasteurized dairy product that can be produced from raw cow’s milk or sheep, goats, or water buffalo. The three main advantages of consuming raw milk are the increased nutritional content and reduced lactose levels, in addition to the removal of harmful pathogens like E. coli O157:H7 due to pasteurization being unable to kill them both, while also reducing your risk for listeriosis as well as food poisoning by up to 200%.

Is drinking raw milk healthy?

A: Drinking raw milk is not healthy, as it can cause food poisoning.

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FDA Compliance

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Information is shared for educational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

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