Raw milk vs. pasteurized milk?

The debate between raw milk and pasteurized milk has several facets, as discussed on the Mind Pump Podcast. Here are key points:

Raw Milk:

• Natural Bacteria: Raw milk contains beneficial bacteria that help with digestion and overall gut health. If left out, raw milk turns into cream instead of going sour due to these bacteria 1.
• Nutrient Retention: Raw milk retains more nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and enzymes that are often destroyed during pasteurization 2.
• Health Benefits: Studies suggest that children who consume raw milk have fewer allergies and asthma. There is also anecdotal evidence that switching to raw milk can improve skin conditions like eczema 2.
• Digestibility: Raw milk can be easier to digest, partly because it contains enzymes like lactase, which helps with lactose digestion. This may not suffice for those who are fully lactose intolerant, but it can aid those with mild sensitivities 3.
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    1

    Raw Milk Insights

    01:37:26
    
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    2

    Raw Milk Benefits

    00:25:13
    
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    3

    Raw Milk Insights

    00:29:36
    
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    4

    Milk Transition Insights

    00:17:52
    
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    5

    Milk Myths Uncovered

    00:27:07
    

Pasteurized Milk:

• Safety & Standards: Pasteurization was introduced to eliminate harmful bacteria and increase milk safety, especially when dairy farming practices were not as sanitary 4.
• Homogenization: This process, often associated with pasteurization, breaks down fat molecules to prevent separation. However, it can make the fat harder to digest and potentially more harmful 1.
• Nutrient Loss: Pasteurization can lead to significant losses in vitamins A, D, C, B6, and B12, reducing the nutritional profile of milk. Enzymes and antibodies beneficial to health are also destroyed 5.

Legal & Regulatory Aspects:

• In many places, selling raw milk is heavily regulated or illegal due to safety concerns. Despite this, there is a segment of the population that advocates for its benefits, leading to controversies and even legal actions against raw milk distributors 3.

In summary, raw milk offers more natural benefits such as enzymes and nutrients, potentially aiding digestion and reducing allergies. However, it involves risks due to lack of pasteurization. Pasteurized milk, while safer in terms of bacterial contamination, loses many of the natural enzymes and nutrients present in raw milk. Personal preferences often depend on health needs, access to high-quality dairy, and individual digestive responses.