“Raw milk” is becoming increasingly popular in recent years as part of the movement that calls for more organic and less processed food. The term is used to describe animal milk that isn’t processed in any way and reaches the consumer in its “natural state”. This means that the farmer milks the animal, packages the milk, and gives it to the customer as it is.
Regular milk, on the other hand, goes through a pasteurization process that includes heating the milk and then cooling it down. This process kills bacteria and removes impurities, making it safe for human consumption.
Possible Pitfalls
The reason why raw milk is uncommon in the United States has a lot to do with the dangers that come with its use. Unprocessed milk carries harmful bacteria and milk pathogens that can result in various illnesses or cause food poisoning. Because of this, the U.S., alongside many other countries, has regulations in place that forbid or limit the distribution of raw milk.
Raw milk advocates often speak about the benefits that come with its use. You’ll often hear or read that this milk is tastier, healthier, can help you fight certain illnesses, and has more nutrients. But these claims don’t have a lot of scientific backing.
Claims Against It
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) published a document that examined these and similar claims made about raw milk and found that almost all of them are false. According to their findings, which are backed by a number of scientific work and studies conducted by reputable scientists, raw milk doesn’t have any health benefits that don’t come with regular pasteurized milk as well.
FDA’s document also points out several studies that proved the pasteurization has “minimal impact on milk nutritional quality” and that raw milk is “not nutritionally superior to pasteurized milk.”
With all that being said, you might want to skip the inclusion of raw milk into your diet. You’ll be better off drinking regular milk that doesn’t come with any risk and is safe for you and your family.
