I’m all about eating whole fresh foods and eating foods in its most natural state possible but I’m also an evidenced-based dietitian. This means I don’t go by my gut feeling of what is and isn’t good and safe to consume but instead what the science has determined is good. And the data is clear, drinking raw milk is not only dangerous but deadly.
What is raw milk?
Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized.
What is pasteurization?
Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to a set temperature (usually 161 F for 15 seconds).
Why is milk pasteurized?
This process kills dangerous germs present in milk, such as E. coli, salmonella, streptococcus spp. These germs come from infected udder tissue, the soil, water, cow manure, and the milking equipment.
Does pasteurization affect the nutritional value of milk?
No, there is no significant change in the nutritional value of milk. Maybe a little less vitamin C, but who drinks milk for it’s vitamin C content? Also, if you need vitamin C, this is nothing an orange or apple can’t fix.
Can I drink raw milk if I have a lactose intolerance?
No. Or better yet, you can drink it, but you will have the same symptoms as drinking pasteurized milk.
Raw as well as pasteurized milk contains lactose, a milk sugar. Pasteurization has no effect on lactose. If you are lactose intolerant I recommend you drink pasteurized lactose-free milk or any plant-based milk.
Is raw milk better for your gut?
No, raw milk does not contain beneficial probiotic bacteria. It does, however, contain a host of disease causing organisms. Such as E.coli, salmonella, campylobacter, listeria. Yummy!
If you want to improve your gut health, eat more fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes and whole grains. And include fermented foods kefir, kimchi, kombucha and sauerkraut. It’s also helpful to avoid artificial sweeteners.
Raw milk is especially dangerous for kids, older adults, pregnant women and people with immunocompromised immune systems.
In summary, for the health and safety of you and your family stick with pasteurized milk!