From a young age, they tell us that consuming unpasteurized raw milk is dangerous; however, this information may be far from the actual truth.
The Real Food Consumer Coalition notes that when we’re consuming raw milk, the risks are the same as the ones associated with consuming any other item from the grocery store.
What’s more, up to this date, there have been more cases of health problems reported from the consumption of pasteurized milk than from the non-pasteurized one.
What Is Pasteurization?
Raw milk is unpasteurized milk. The process of pasteurization is a partial sterilization of food or drinks using medium heat.
Pasteurization became a standard for store-bought milk due to its ability to destroy germs and prolong the shelf-life.
However, when the milk is heated, the good bacteria which help in the production of vitamin K2, better the absorption of nutrients, and balance the gut function are destroyed.
This process also turns lactose, the milk’s sugar, into beta-lactose. This is a far more soluble type of sugar that is quickly absorbed in the body. This results in less satiety and quicker hunger.
What’s more, pasteurization makes the calcium in raw milk insoluble, resulting in a higher risk of nervous tremors, teeth problems, and rickets.
Is Raw Milk Consumption a Healthier Choice?
Raw milk remains a major topic of debate in the health community because of its associated benefits and risks. The scientific research is ongoing and more data is necessary to determine if this type of milk is suitable for consumption.
Still, there are certain health advantages linked with raw milk that research has found. Check out the major ones below:
- Rich in probiotics
Raw milk is praised as abundant in beneficial bacteria, including probiotics. They’re vital for a healthy gut and strong immunity.
They’re essential for gut microbiome balance and also play a role in maintaining healthy digestion.
- Abundance of nutrients
Raw milk consumption proponents note that this milk contains more of its original nutrient content than milk that is pasteurized.
It provides more vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and good gut bacteria.
- Lactase
Some people with lactose intolerance report better toleration of raw milk than pasteurized one.
This may be a result of the presence of lactase enzymes and the good bacteria in raw milk that improve the digestion of lactose.
- Enzymes
Raw milk has enzymes that are believed to promote better digestion and absorption of nutrients.
These nutrients aren’t present in pasteurized milk due to their heat sensitivity.
- Unprocessed fats
Did you know that raw milk contains unprocessed fats, including omega-3 fatty acids?
These are vital for cardiovascular health and the health of the brain.
- May lower the occurrence of asthma and allergies
According to some studies, kids who consume raw milk may have a lower likelihood of developing asthma and allergies.
Still, additional research is necessary to establish a clearer connection between these health benefits and the consumption of raw milk.
- Strong bones
The presence of vitamin K2 and calcium in raw milk is found to be beneficial for strong bones.
They’re vital nutrients for young people in their developmental phase in order to get the most out of their growing potential.
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