Raw Milk: Pros, Cons & What To Know Before You Drink!

Raw Or Pasteurized?

In your quest to eat more wholesome natural foods, you may have heard about raw milk. It’s just milk that has not undergone pasteurization, the process that kills pathogens to make it safe.

While many have insisted that raw milk has loads of health benefits, there are potential risks involved with consuming it. Being informed is important in order to make the best decisions for your health. Read on to find out what you need to know before you drink raw milk.

Is Raw Milk Safe to Drink?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) take a firm stance on the consumption of raw milk. Since it is unpasteurized milk. Unpasteurized milk is not heated to kill off harmful pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, etc. These harmful bacteria can make you incredibly sick, and both the FDA and CDC advise against drinking it. The dangers are even greater for young children under the age of 5, adults over the age of 65 and pregnant women. Also, anyone with a weakened immune system.

Some people swear by the benefits (more on those below), but if you want to try natural milk, it’s best to discuss it with your doctor before you do. Your health provider will help you make the best decision. You can educate yourself by reading these FDA and CDC articles on unpasteurized milk usage. Most importantly, please do not listen to social media on this matter. Do the right thing, and stay safe.

What Are the Benefits of Unpasteurized Milk?

If you’re not in one of the danger-prone groups for raw milk and are heavily considering trying it. It does have some potentially spectacular benefits since it is high in nutrients that include vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and linoleic acid.

It’s also full of enzymes and probiotics that can support better digestion and gut health. Since raw milk doesn’t undergo pasteurization, it keeps beneficial bacteria intact that may help bolster your immunity and reduce the risk of allergies.

Most raw milk comes from grass-fed cows, which may result in lower levels of saturated fats. However, these benefits are not fully substantiated. If you want to give raw milk a try, you should make sure you discuss your health situation with your doctor for your best health and safety.

Pros

• It may have more nutrients
• It has live enzymes and probiotics that may reduce during pasteurization.
• Possible benefits for your immune system through beneficial bacteria
• It’s natural and hasn’t been processed or treated with chemical agents

Cons

• There is a much greater risk of contracting a foodborne illness through harmful bacteria
• Dangerous for certain vulnerable sets of the population
• Lack of scientific evidence on the potential benefits
• May cause animals to be treated inhumanely
• Some locations make raw milk illegal because of safety concerns

What Are the Side Effects of Raw Milk?

Harmful Bacteria

Without pasteurization, milk puts you at risk of consuming harmful bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal issues. You may suffer the consequences through abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria Risks

Raw milk can put anyone at risk for side effects for contacting salmonella, listeria oe E. coli. The FDA and CDC warn consumers of these risks, with special emphasis on the vulnerable portions of the population.

Neurological Problems

In addition to these unpleasant effects, you can suffer from neurological problems as well as other complications. Headache, fever, and body aches are common, though drinking raw milk may result in kidney failure or even death. This is why it’s so important to not just jump on the hype trolley. Talk to a knowledgeable healthcare professional to fully understand the impacts you may experience from drinking it.

What Does the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Say About Raw Milk?

The FDA is a firm believer in saying no to raw milk. Pasteurization, a process that began in the late 1800s, was standardized to keep the population safe. Milk was a huge staple in the American diet, and pasteurization became the standard to reduce illnesses from the dangerous bacteria found in it. Additionally, the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatricians also stand by the FDA’s warnings.

Raw Milk FAQs:

Bottom Line:

You are in control of what you eat and drink. Do not let your quest for better health land you in the hospital. Some foods are not necessarily best if consumed raw, and unpasteurized milk is one of them. If you are immuno-compromised, please take good care.

Let me know what you think about this discussion… yay or nah, to raw milk?

More Nutrition Guide/Wellness Posts to Check Out:

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• 11 Foods To Promote Healthy Breasts!
• Avocado 101 – 8 Health Benefits Of Avocado
• Eat These 15 Foods To Lower LDL “Bad” Cholesterol

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