Why Millions of Americans Are Drinking Raw Milk

If you like a glass of chocolate milk after a workout, you’re not alone, it’s great for recovery after a sweat session.

Have you heard the hype around raw milk?

Once considered on the fringe of American diets, it’s making a surprising comeback. Proponents say raw milk claims it can cure lactose intolerance and reduce allergies and asthma. Some people think it offers better nutrition and can improve their strength.

What the Experts Say about Raw Milk

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Stanford Medicine, and the American Medical Association and many scientific studies do not support the idea that raw milk cures lactose intolerance. Lactose is found in cow’s milk. Raw milk does not have the reported probiotics. Probiotics are great for gut health by increasing the “good” bacteria in your digestive system. Yogurt, pickles, kimchi, kombuch, and aged cheese all have probiotics.

Raw milk was touted as a muscle-builder by famous athletes in the 1970s, and later, however it turned out that many were also taking anabolic steroids to increase strength and stamina for bodybuilding workouts. Raw milk became a symbol of masculinity and vitality, which is code for sex drive.

Regarding allergies, studies lack proof about whether raw milk can prevent allergies, and giving children raw milk is risky; conducting clinical trials on children is unethical. Any supposed evidence is anecdotal at best.

Recent E.Coli Contamination Sickens People

Raw, unpasteurized milk can have deadly pathogens, including salmonella, E.coli, and listeria.

The FDA recently created an alert of E.coli contamination after people ate Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese. Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. One person developed kidney disease, which requires hospitalization.

What’s the Role of Pasteurization?

Pasteurization is simply heating milk to kill the germs that make people sick. It was considered a welcome contribution to food safety in the last 19th century, according to the New York Times. It’s a major factor in lowering infant mortality.

Now, there’s an uptick in childhood sickness from raw milk. Ballerina Farm business owners Daniel and Hannah Neelman have recently stopped raw milk sales due to reported bacterial concerns.

You have the choice to decide what's best for you and your family, just be sure to follow the evidence and leave the hype behind.