Raw cow milk may offer health benefits.
Most milk available in stores has been pasteurized to kill bacteria that can lead to many foodborne illnesses, such as E. coli and salmonella. However, raw milk advocates believe its benefits outweigh these risks. Although scientific evidence is inconclusive, many people believe in the power of raw milk. And even though many states make it illegal to sell raw milk, some people go to great lengths to attain it.
Allergies, Asthma and Eczema
Scientific research shows that people who drink raw milk regularly are less likely to suffer from hay fever, asthma and eczema. The research was primarily conducted on children in Europe, most of whom lived on a farm. Researchers reported in "The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology" that unpasteurized milk consumption was associated with "significantly less" eczema symptoms and a reduction in atopy, which is a state of being prone to allergies. The researchers concluded that "unpasteurized milk might be a modifiable influence on allergic sensitization in children." Furthermore, another study in "Clinical & Experimental Allergy" found raw milk consumption was related to reduced asthma in children.
Increased Nutrients
Pasteurization is used to kill harmful bacteria in milk and other products, but the high heat used also kills important nutrients in the process. Pasteurized milk is lower in vitamin A and riboflavin than its raw version, and whey proteins are also altered. In addition, milk found on most store shelves is homogenized, which means the fat is broken up and dispersed uniformly to form a consistent texture so the fat does not rise to the top. The process of homogenization also kills or alters nutrients. In addition, most raw milk consumed in the U.S, is derived from cows fed grass diets, which provide higher Omega 3 fatty acids. However, a grass diet is not a uniform characteristic of raw milk, and although raw milk is more likely to come from a grass-fed cow, it is not guaranteed.
Bacteria
Raw milk contains both "good" and "bad" bacteria. Bad bacteria are those that can cause illnesses such as listeria, E. coli and salmonella. However, raw milk also provides "good" bacteria that provide beneficial gut flora, which are microorganisms living in the intestines of animals and humans. Scientists believe that gut flora contribute to a healthy immune system. "Clinical and Experimental Allergy" speculates that it may be the variety or greater amount of bacteria in raw milk that provides a protective effect.
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