As natural and farm-sourced foods become more popular, raw milk consumption has increased.
However, studies have shown that pasteurized milk has the same health benefits as raw milk without the danger of bacterial contamination.
Although some claim that raw milk is more nutritious than pasteurized milk, health experts advise against drinking it. Learn about the benefits and dangers of raw milk.
What is raw vs. pasteurized milk?
Raw milk is unpasteurized, meaning it has not been heated or processed to destroy harmful bacteria.
Pasteurization is the process of heating and chilling food to kill microorganisms and extend the shelf life of the product. During pasteurization, no chemicals are added to the milk and much of the nutrients are not significantly affected. Pasteurized milk is also fortified with vitamin D.
Studies have reported that pasteurization is the only effective way to remove bacteria from raw milk and milk products, and there is no discernible difference in nutritional content between raw and pasteurized milk.
What are the purported benefits of drinking raw milk?
More vitamins
Raw milk is high in fat-soluble vitamins A, K2, and E and has some amounts of vitamin C. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pasteurization deactivates certain enzymes in raw milk and reduces vitamin C levels.
More conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
According to researchers, the benefits of rich CLA (a naturally occurring good fatty acid) from raw milk may include:
- Weight loss
- Boosted immunity, particularly for asthma sufferers
- Lowered cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Reduction in cancerous tumors
- Decreased inflammation
- Reduced insulin resistance
Rich in good bacteria
Raw milk is high in good bacteria. Consuming raw dairy products and fermented foods (such as sauerkraut) can help maximize the amounts of good bacteria in the gut, which is vital for immune system health.
Boosts immunity
According to a few studies, those who consume raw milk may have stronger immune systems and fewer allergies. One cross-sectional study reported that drinking raw farm milk during childhood may provide protection against asthma and allergies.
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See SlideshowWhat are the potential dangers of drinking raw milk?
Raw milk contains bacteria
According to the CDC, drinking raw milk or eating cheese made from raw milk causes about 200-300 individuals cases of foodborne illness a year. Raw milk can be contaminated with bacteria such as:
- Brucella species
- Campylobacter jejuni
- Coxiella burnetii
- Escherichia coli
- Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Mycobacterium bovis
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Salmonella species
- Yersinia enterocolitica
Harmful bacteria in raw milk can cause symptoms such as:
Some studies have reported that raw milk increases the risk of life-threatening disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (which can cause paralysis) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (which can cause renal failure, stroke, and death).
Raw milk is low in vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, especially for growing children.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should not drink unpasteurized milk because they are at higher risk of getting ill from bacteria in raw milk and require vitamin D for normal growth and development.
People most at risk
- Infants and young children
- Elderly individuals
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
Bottom line
Raw milk may contain bacteria and other organisms that can make you very sick. Even healthy people of any age can be affected.
While raw milk may be more natural, many of the health claims are not based on evidence. According to health experts, the potential dangers of drinking raw milk exceed the potential advantages.
Raw Milk Consumption. https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/fulltext/2015/07000/raw_milk_consumption__risks_and_benefits.10.aspx
Raw Milk: Are There Health Benefits? https://www.webmd.com/diet/raw-milk-health-benefits
Raw Milk Misconceptions and the Danger of Raw Milk Consumption. https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/raw-milk-misconceptions-and-danger-raw-milk-consumption
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