Health benefits of Raw Milk. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Toning Skin: Raw milk works well to even skin tone and to exfoliate it. A foodborne outbreak is the incidence of two or more reports of an illness as a result of consuming any common food (43). What it is, what it contains, along with detailed information on nutrition and health effects. Of the milk-only outbreaks, 82% were from raw milk, compared to 18% from pasteurized (39, 43). In fact, properly produced raw milk exceeds the nutrition and benefits of pasteurized versions by a country mile. Lactose is a milk sugar. [4] The food … Dirt, pollution, … Cows pastured on organic green grass produce milk with good health benefits. An estimated 3.4% of Americans drink raw milk regularly (2). Blood Pressure. State laws regarding raw milk can be classified into several groups: Although raw milk cannot be sold to consumers in many states, it can be sold for consumption by animals. But raw milk, i.e., unpasteurized milk, can harbor dangerous microorganisms that can pose serious health risks to you and your family. It’s prohibited in 20 American states, while other states restrict its sales. This article examines the health effects of dairy products, which seem to vary greatly between individuals. Milk 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects, 5 Ways That Drinking Milk Can Improve Your Health, Is Dairy Bad for You, or Good? Potential Health Benefits of Raw Milk However, it’s important to note that these studies show an associated risk reduction, not necessarily a direct correlation. Milk is rich in antimicrobials, including lactoferrin, immunoglobulin, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, bacteriocins, oligosaccharides and xanthine oxidase. The majority — but not necessarily all — bacteria are destroyed during pasteurization. The most common method — used all over the world, including the US, UK, Australia and Canada — involves heating raw milk to 161.6°F (72°C) for 15–40 seconds (5). Milk is a nutritious food that provides protein, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Raw milk is rich in microorganisms. This can cause various digestive symptoms. No differences were found in digestive symptoms between raw and pasteurized milk (30). In India, golden milk is often used as a home … This article explains what they are, what symptoms they cause and what you can do about it. It's A Good Source of Quality RAW Protein. States that permit the sale of raw milk in retail stores. Centers for Disease Control: “Raw Milk Questions & Answers.”, ESHA Research, Inc., Salem, Oregon: “Raw Milk.”, FDA: “Regulatory Actions by FDA Relating to Raw Milk and Raw Milk Products.”, Harvard Health Publishing: “The importance of potassium.”, Harvard T.H. People with lactose intolerance are unable to digest lactose, the main carbohydrate in milk. Keeping milk refrigerated helps suppress bacterial growth, no matter if it’s raw or pasteurized (38). Common Claims About The Benefits of Raw Milk Raw milk advocates argue that it’s a complete, natural food containing more amino acids, antimicrobials, vitamins, … These bacteria can pose serious health problems, especially if you have an immune deficiency. Most animal milk produced for consumption in the United States is pasteurized — sterilized with heat to kill bacteria — before being shipped to stores for sale. Raw and pasteurized milk contain similar amounts of lactose (14, 28). Vitamin A, which is found in all forms of cow milk, has been shown to support eye health and to reduce the risks of macular degeneration, which can affect the eyesight of people as they age. Chan School of Public Health: “Calcium and Milk.”, Harvard T.H. What’s more, they’re easily made up elsewhere in your diet, as these vitamins are widespread and found in many fruits, vegetables, whole grains and — in the case of vitamin B12 — animal proteins. Several health calims are made by raw milk enthusiasts. Pasteurizing milk does not result in a significant loss of vitamins, carbs, minerals or fats (7, 8, 9, 10). Milk essentially comes from a sterile environment within the animal. However, the claims that raw milk is good for you have not been scientifically proven. Skin Cleanser. Any person is susceptible if the milk they consume contains harmful bacteria. This article lists 5 science-backed benefits of milk so you can decide if it's the right choice for you. Lower  Has Antibacterial, Antiviral and Antifungal Properties. While raw milk is more natural and may contain more antimicrobials, its many health claims aren’t evidence-based and don’t outweigh potential risks like severe infections caused by harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria. The primary risks and side effects of raw milk relate to the lack of pasteurization, which kills harmful bacteria: Experts state that raw milk is not safe to drink because it can carry many dangerous germs, such as Brucella, campylobacter, cryptosporidium, E. coli, listeria, and salmonella. Pasteurized milk is often also homogenized, a process of applying extreme pressure to disperse the fatty acids more evenly, improving appearance and taste. Microbial Content. Pasteurizing milk does not reduce casein levels, as this type of protein is heat stable (6, 8). In one study, 12 samples of cow’s milk were collected from a single dairy factory and divided into raw, pasteurized and UHT-treated. Ultra-heat treatment (UHT) heats milk to 280°F (138°C) for at least 2 seconds. Raw milk has not been pasteurized or homogenized. In addition, it cannot be sold across American state lines (47). This causes abdominal bloating, cramps and diarrhea. These 9 high-risk foods are the most likely to cause food poisoning. Here is a list of 15 foods that are rich in calcium, many of which are non-dairy. Whole milk products, including raw milk, are a good source of protein, which supports many functions throughout the body including bone health. Raw milk advocates argue that it has superior health and nutritional benefits and that pasteurization eliminates these advantages. All rights reserved. However, there is plenty of research supporting the potential health benefits of milk, including: The Vitamin A in milk supports the structure and the processes of several organs located throughout the body including the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Due to its neutral pH and high nutritional and water contents, milk is an ideal feeding ground for bacteria (16). Chan School of Public Health: “Protein.”, International Dairy Journal: “A review of the microbiological hazards of dairy products made from raw milk.”, National Conference of State Legislatures: “State Milk Laws.”, National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: “Vitamin A.”, University of Virginia Health System: “Calcium and Vitamin D.”. However, it’s legal in some states to sell and buy cheese made from raw milk if it has been aged for specific lengths of time. They also claim that it’s a better choice for those with lactose intolerance, asthma, autoimmune and allergic conditions. It works well for skin because … Raw milk advocates argue that it’s a complete, natural food containing more amino acids, antimicrobials, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids than pasteurized milk. That being said, raw milk has been associated with a reduced risk of childhood asthma, eczema and allergies (22, 23, 24, 25). Still, calcium is generally healthy, required by the body, and is found in milk, including raw milk. A milk protein allergy occurs in 2–3% of children living in developed countries during their first 12 months — 80–90% of cases resolve spontaneously by age three (20). Related outbreaks, hospitalization and death rates are high considering that only 3–4% of the American population drinks raw milk (39). Pasteurization involves heating milk to kill bacteria, yeasts and molds. From the moment the animal is milked, the potential for contamination begins with the udder, skin, feces, milking equipment, handling and storage (6, 34). Most food allergies are caused by just 8 foods. Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria that may lead to serious illness, particularly in pregnant women, children, older adults, and immunocompromised people. These minerals are very heat stable. All rights reserved. Raw milk is rich in beneficial bacteria. Lighten Skin Tone. An extensive meta-analysis of 40 studies found only minor losses of the water-soluble vitamins B1, B6, B9, B12 and C. Considering the already low levels of these nutrients in milk, these losses were insignificant (11). States that allow the sale of raw milk at farmers’ markets and in similar settings. States that only allow the sale of raw goat milk. Claims that raw milk is more nutritious than pasteurized milk and a better choice for those with lactose intolerance, asthma, autoimmune and allergic conditions have shown to have little or no truth to them. About 80% of milk protein is casein, while the remaining 20% is whey. You get the full complement of cream (our milk varies between 4.5% to over 6%, from Fresian-Kiwicross cows). Pasteurization was first introduced in response to an epidemic of bovine (cow) tuberculosis in the US and Europe in the early 1900s. Milk is high in calcium and phosphorus, which are both needed for healthy bones, cell function, muscle health and metabolism (12, 13). Milk is also a good source of lysine, an essential amino acid that your body cannot make on its own. They help control harmful microbes and delay milk spoilage (29). While whey protein is more susceptible to heat damage, pasteurization appears to have minimal impact on its digestibility and nutritional composition (6, 8). Win and Win! Raw milk is milk from any animal that has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria. Raw milk actually helps protect against allergic reactions and boosts the immune system. Raw milk comes from cows that graze on grass. Nutrition information is based on pasteurized milk that has been fortified with Vitamin D, which is often added to the product before bottling. Cows fed fresh green forage, especially those grazing grass, have been shown to have higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and essential fatty acids in their milk. While it is possible to get foodborne illnesses from many different foods, raw milk is one of the riskiest of all. Furthermore, they claim that the heating process during pasteurization reduces the overall nutrition and health benefits of milk. During the same period, two deaths from raw dairy and one from pasteurized dairy occurred, while three more have been reported since (39, 44, 45). Heating milk only results in a 1–4% lysine loss (12, 16). The Vitamin A in milk may actually weaken bones. Most of the proteins in lady milk are potentially allergenic for humans. These bacteria are critical to your health; indeed,beneficial bacteria are so critical to human health that you cannot live without them. An increasing number of Americans are choosing to consume raw, unpaseurized milk rather than conventional pasteurized milk. Contaminations are not visible to the naked eye and are often not detectable until growth is significant (6). It can be used to make a variety of products, including cheese, yogurt and ice cream. More than half of all disease outbreaks associated with raw milk have involved at least one child under the age of five (4). Some raw milk advocates argue that many of the harmful bacteria destroyed by pasteurization, such as tuberculosis, are no longer an issue and that pasteurization no longer serves a purpose. Harmful bacteria that may be present in milk include Campylobacter, Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E.coli), Coxiella burnetti, Cryptosporidium, Yersinia enterocolitica, Staph aureus and Listeria monocytogenes (3, 4, 16). However, government and health experts disagree and advise against consuming it. Fats, carbohydrates, and protein are presented to the body in a … A hospital study in five children with diagnosed cow’s milk allergy found that pasteurized, homogenized and raw milk caused similar allergic responses (21). The table below provides a good overview of raw milks nutritional profile:6 Infections are more frequent and severe than those caused by pasteurized sources. Levels of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K also minimally decrease during pasteurization (8). Raw milk is a rich source of raw protein, with just one cup … Cheddar cheese is a crowd favorite, but what makes Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese so much healthier for you? It primarily comes from cows but also goats, sheep, buffalos or even camels. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This increases the health related benefits. However, raw milk contains the lactase-producing bacteria Lactobacillus, which is destroyed during pasteurization. Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese is loaded with many wonderful nutrients that feed your body with goodness! (1,2) Cows are natural herbivores and are healthiest when they eat grass, rather than the grain they are fed in confinement dairy operations. Milk and milk products provide a wealth of nutrition benefits. Yogurt is incredibly healthy, offering benefits for heart health, weight management and more. This should, theoretically, improve lactose digestion in raw milk drinkers (29). Several outbreaks of bacterial infections were traced back to raw milk and raw milk products. Hypo-Allergenic. Milk is an excellent source of potassium, a mineral which has been linked to lower blood pressure and overall heart health. However, the number of outbreaks is increasing, especially in states that have legalized its sale (39, 43, 46). Calcium is necessary to maintain bone health in people of all ages, but research is unclear about whether milk is the best source of calcium for this purpose. Raw and pasteurized milk are comparable in their nutrient contents. During this period, there were at least 133 outbreaks due to the consumption of raw milk and raw milk products. Advantages of Drinking Milk: Mix in milk, raw eggs contain vitamin D, zinc and protein intake is increased. In fact, health agencies like the Federal Dairy Administration (FDA) recommend drinking only pasteurized milk. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other health agencies do not recommend consuming raw milk because it has not gone through a pasteurization process. Symptoms of infection are comparable to those of other foodborne illnesses and include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, headaches, abdominal pain, nausea and fever (39). Rich in Vitamins. Another proponent of the benefits of raw milk is Chris Kresser, acupuncturist and integrative health practitioner. Aside from the benefits mentioned earlier, raw milk contains other nutrients that can help improve your overall health. However, other antimicrobials remain mostly unchanged (28, 31, 32, 33). This milk is, for example, consumed in some European countries (5). In pasteurization, milk is heated to a high … Raw milk has not been pasteurized or homogenized. Studies have found no significant differences in the fatty acid profiles of raw and pasteurized milk, though pasteurization may increase the digestibility of fatty acids (14, 15). Early studies showed that children consuming raw milk had greater resistance to disease, better growth and stronger teeth than children consuming pasteurized milk. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Becoming a Vegetarian: Foods to Choose From. Food poisoning can cause unpleasant symptoms ranging from nausea to vomiting. However, in a blind study, 16 adults with self-reported lactose intolerance drank raw, pasteurized or soy milk for three 8-day periods in randomized order, separated by 1-week washout periods. Calcium has many benefits, but most people aren't eating enough. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Raw milk still has plenty of natural fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, K and E. It … One cup (240 ml) of pasteurized milk packs 7.9 grams of protein (12). One study in 25 healthy people drinking either raw, pasteurized or UHT milk for a week found that the proteins from pasteurized milk had the same biological activity in the body as raw milk proteins (5). According to federal health agencies, many food scientists, and other medical and food safety professionals, the risks of consuming raw milk far outweigh the supposed health benefits, which are not supported by research. Pasteurizing milk reduces lactoperoxidase activity by around 30%. Unlike their industrial, confined cousins, pasture raised dairy cows have high amounts of vitamin E, vitamin K, Beta-carotene(vitamin A), and many others. Brain Power: It contains Vitamin B 12, which increases your Brain Power and Memory. Raw milk can carry harmful bacteria and other germs that can make you very sick or kill you. Did you know that pasteurising milk can alter milk’s nutritional benefits? Pasteurization heats milk to kill bacteria and increases shelf life. So, on average, this is what I consumed every day (based on whole milk on FitDay.com): It can help you lose weight and gain muscle, while improving your overall…. States that allow the sale of raw milk from the farm where it was produced. Raw milk benefits vs pasteurized milk benefits The sole reason why some prefer raw milk over pasteurized milk is that the amount and quality of nutrients are higher. Raw milk contains excess amount of proteins that are made of casein that can help maintain healthy blood pressure and increase the absorption of … However, most of these claims are not backed up by science. However, many people believe raw milk offers benefits —  healthy bacteria and nutrients — they claim are eliminated during pasteurization. As a living food, raw milk is rich in beneficial bacteria. One study in 8,334 school-aged children living on farms linked raw milk consumption with a 41% lower risk of asthma, 26% lower risk of allergy and 41% lower risk of hay fever (23). This article looks at the evidence to determine the benefits and dangers of drinking raw milk. Raw milk is a rich source of bioavailable vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and good omega fats! Products are for informational purposes only healthy bacteria and increases shelf life 3!: it contains Vitamin B 12, which seem to vary greatly between individuals Egg! 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