What about raw milk?
Well, I am glad you asked that question, although — as with many health-related questions — the answer is not as simple as “Yes, drink up,” or “Warning: poison.” And, as always, I think being well informed will lead to reasonable choices when making healthcare decisions.
Raw vs. pasteurized-homogenized milk seems to be a passionate issue for folks on both sides of the controversy. Simply put, opponents of raw milk feel that the serious potential consequences of bacterial contamination justify mandatory pasteurization to remove even the smallest risk. On the other side, Organic Pastures Dairy Company claims their product is highly pathogen resistant; after four years of intensive testing, not one pathogen has been detected. Raw milk proponents argue that milk’s greatest benefits, including essential digestive bacteria, are lost through pasteurization. And pasteurization actually converts those beneficial bacteria, rendering them indigestible and leading to allergies and other health problems.
Homogenization is the process of breaking apart fat cells, allowing the smaller pieces to blend into the milk, which means the cream won’t separate and rise to the top. Even advocates don’t see homogenization as crucial, merely convenient. But studies have indicated that this process may lead to arterial plaque formation and an increase in heart disease.
Regarding the “dog or cat” sticker,” according to FDA law, it’s illegal to transport raw dairy products across state lines “in final package form for direct human consumption unless the product has been pasteurized.” Thus, the “pet consumption” sticker when products fromCalifornia are sold in Oregon
The bottom line: raw milk in its typical uncontaminated state is a healthy option — if you choose to drink milk. (More about that choice, perhaps, in a future column.) But knowing your source and trusting their quality control is important in choosing which raw milk to drink. Ask your grocer and do your own research. To get you started, here are a few of the less hysterical websites I’ve found useful:
Raw Milk: A Risk to Public Health
The Real Reasons Why Raw Milk is Becoming More Popular
Raw Milk Vs. Pasteurized Milk
Raw vs. pasteurized-homogenized milk seems to be a passionate issue for folks on both sides of the controversy. Simply put, opponents of raw milk feel that the serious potential consequences of bacterial contamination justify mandatory pasteurization to remove even the smallest risk. On the other side, Organic Pastures Dairy Company claims their product is highly pathogen resistant; after four years of intensive testing, not one pathogen has been detected. Raw milk proponents argue that milk’s greatest benefits, including essential digestive bacteria, are lost through pasteurization. And pasteurization actually converts those beneficial bacteria, rendering them indigestible and leading to allergies and other health problems.
Homogenization is the process of breaking apart fat cells, allowing the smaller pieces to blend into the milk, which means the cream won’t separate and rise to the top. Even advocates don’t see homogenization as crucial, merely convenient. But studies have indicated that this process may lead to arterial plaque formation and an increase in heart disease.
Regarding the “dog or cat” sticker,” according to FDA law, it’s illegal to transport raw dairy products across state lines “in final package form for direct human consumption unless the product has been pasteurized.” Thus, the “pet consumption” sticker when products from
The bottom line: raw milk in its typical uncontaminated state is a healthy option — if you choose to drink milk. (More about that choice, perhaps, in a future column.) But knowing your source and trusting their quality control is important in choosing which raw milk to drink. Ask your grocer and do your own research. To get you started, here are a few of the less hysterical websites I’ve found useful:
Raw Milk: A Risk to Public Health
The Real Reasons Why Raw Milk is Becoming More Popular
Raw Milk Vs. Pasteurized Milk
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