Should You Drink Raw Milk? Here Are The Benefits And Risks You Must Know!

Readers, we have been told since childhood that milk must be part of our meals 

because of its many health benefits, but does that also apply to raw milk? Raw milk, hailed by some as a nutritional powerhouse, has not undergone pasteurisation, a process of heating to kill bacteria. Raw milk advocates claim it retains beneficial enzymes, vitamins, and probiotics, potentially aiding digestion and boosting immunity. Additionally, raw milk enthusiasts argue it tastes richer and fresher than its pasteurised counterpart. 

Since raw milk is unpasteurised, it maintains vitamins, probiotics, and helpful enzymes that may be lost during pasteurisation. Raw milk does, however, come with inherent risks for the elderly, small children, pregnant women, and anyone with compromised immune systems. Understanding both sides of the raw milk debate is essential for making choices based on ample knowledge regarding its consumption and weighing potential health benefits against the associated risks. Read ahead to learn the raw milk benefits and risks.

Table Of Contents

1. What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Raw Milk?

2. 4 Raw Milk Side Effects To Consider

3. Dietitian’s Recommendation

4. The Final Say

5. FAQs

6. References

What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Raw Milk?

The benefits of drinking raw milk are often attributed to its retention of various components altered or destroyed during pasteurisation. Let’s have a look at the benefits of drinking raw milk:

1. Nutrient Retention

Raw milk retains essential nutrients such as vitamins (A, B12, D), minerals (calcium, phosphorus), and proteins (casein, whey) that may undergo alternation due to pasteurisation. These nutrients are vital to bone health, immune function, and well-being. Heating milk through pasteurisation does not lead to a notable decrease in vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, or fats (Assefa, 2019). 

2. Enzymes

Raw milk contains natural enzymes like lactase, lipase, and phosphatase, which aid digestion and absorption of nutrients. Lactase, for instance, helps break down lactose, making raw milk potentially more digestible for individuals with lactose intolerance (Schmid, 2003).

3. Probiotics

Raw milk is rich in beneficial bacteria, including strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are believed to contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and may exert protective effects against gastrointestinal disorders.

Also Read: The Magic of Probiotics: How These Microbes Nourish Your Gut

4. Immune Factors

Raw milk contains immune-boosting components such as immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and lysozyme, which help combat pathogens and strengthen the body's defence mechanisms. These factors significantly benefit infants and young children, providing passive immunity during early development.

Also Read: Top 10 Powerful Immune System-Strengthening Foods | ToneOp 

5. Fatty Acids

Raw milk contains a spectrum of fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, essential for cardiovascular health, brain function, and inflammation regulation. The balanced ratio of these fatty acids in raw milk may confer various health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

4 Raw Milk Side Effects To Consider

Does raw milk have side effects? Raw milk carries inherent risks of bacterial contamination, including pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause serious illness, particularly in vulnerable populations. Therefore, individuals considering raw milk consumption should weigh the potential benefits against the known risks and consult healthcare professionals for personalised guidance.

Let’s have a look at some raw milk side effects:

Also Read: 9 Common Food Allergies And Their Health Impact | ToneOp 

Dietitian’s Recommendation

As a dietitian, I recommend approaching raw milk cautiously, considering its potential upsides, like preserved enzymes and probiotics, alongside the significant risks of bacterial contamination. While some tout its benefits, evidence still needs to be provided. I advise against raw milk, especially for vulnerable groups, recommending pasteurised milk for safety and nutrition. 

Dt. Aditi Upadhyay

The Final Say

In conclusion, the debate over raw milk highlights the complexity of dietary decisions for health. While some praise its potential nutritional perks like enzymes and probiotics, scientific evidence must be more conclusive. Yet, the risks of harmful bacteria, like E. coli and Salmonella, are significant. So, individuals must carefully consider the pros and cons, consulting with healthcare professionals if needed. Safety should be the top priority when considering raw milk consumption, balancing its potential benefits with known risks.

FAQs

1.  Is it good to drink raw milk every day? 

It is not advised to consume raw milk on a daily basis due to the possibility of bacterial infection, which might result in foodborne illness.

2. Which milk is better, raw or boiled? 

When deciding between raw and boiled milk, it is important to consider that while raw milk retains its natural enzymes and nutrients, boiling milk eliminates harmful bacteria, making it safer to consume.

3. Can we drink raw milk without boiling? 

It is not safe to drink raw milk without boiling it first since it may contain harmful bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella, which can cause serious illness.

4. Does raw milk have side effects?

Yes, raw milk can have side effects due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria, leading to illnesses such as gastrointestinal infections or food poisoning.

References

• Survey to Determine Why People Drink Raw Milk - PMC (nih.gov)

• Raw Milk Consumption: Risks and Benefits - PubMed (nih.gov)

• Raw Milk Consumption - PMC (nih.gov)

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