Raw milk is such a controversial topic! Some people, like me, rave about its many benefits. Others, especially google, say that it’s dangerous and should be avoided.

So, what is raw milk? Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized – straight from the cow! Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to a high temperature to kill harmful bacteria, while homogenization is a process that breaks down fat molecules to create a uniform texture. Raw milk is usually produced by small-scale, local farmers who use sustainable and humane practices.

So, why raw milk?

• It is nutrient-rich: full of vitamins and minerals. Raw milk contains up to 5x more vitamin C than pasteurized milk.
• It is better for digestion: it contains beneficial bacteria and enzymes that can improve digestion and support gut health. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that raw milk consumption was associated with a reduced risk of gastrointestinal infections in children. Not to mention those who have lactose intolerance, like me, have no issues with raw milk!
• It is immune boosting: it contains natural antibodies that can help support a healthy immune system. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children who drank raw milk had a lower risk of developing asthma and allergies.
• It can lower the risk of allergies: Studies have shown that children who drink raw milk have a lower risk of developing asthma and allergies. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children who drank raw milk had a 41% lower risk of developing asthma.
• It tastes delicious: a survey conducted by the Weston A. Price Foundation showed that over 80% of raw milk consumers preferred the taste of raw milk to pasteurized milk.

The benefits of raw milk are for everyone! Whether you:

• have lactose intolerance – it contains lactase, an enzyme that can help break down lactose and make it easier to digest.
• are an athlete – it is a great source of protein and can help support muscle growth and recovery.
• have kids or are pregnant – it is nutrient dense and immune boosting that can support the health and development of kids and unborn babies.

So, where can you find raw milk? It can get a bit tricky due to the regulations. It differs from state to state, but when there is a will, there is a way! The Real Milk Finder is a great website for finding raw milk in your area. Another great way to find milk is to check in your local Facebook groups. That’s how I found mine! One of the biggest benefits of raw milk is that it can support local farmers. When you purchase raw milk from a local farm, you’re supporting a small business and investing in your local community. I am so happy to support the family I buy from and look forward to picking up my milk every week!

If you are still skeptical, here are three common myths that could use some debunking!

Myth #1: Raw milk is unsafe to drink.

The truth is that raw milk can be safely consumed if it comes from a clean, healthy cow and is handled properly. In fact, raw milk from grass-fed cows is less likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria than milk from factory-farmed cows. If you buy from a farmer you trust, there is no need to fear. Farmers are often very transparent and will let you tour the farm so you can see for yourself the state of the land, cleanliness and how they treat their cows.

Myth #2: Raw milk causes foodborne illness.

While raw milk can contain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, the risk of foodborne illness can be greatly reduced by following proper handling and storage procedures. It’s important to buy raw milk from a trusted source and keep it refrigerated – as it says above.

Myth #3: Pasteurization is necessary to make milk safe.

While pasteurization can kill harmful bacteria, it can also destroy beneficial bacteria and enzymes. Pasteurized milk is also often homogenized, which can result in a less nutritious product.

Thanks for reading! I hope you found it interesting!

Until next time ❤