In the UK, demand for raw, unpasteurized milk is growing as increasing numbers of people spread the word about its health benefits and rich, refreshing flavor.
The Food Standards Agency maintains that raw milk can contain illness-causing pathogens, but that hasn’t stopped its fans from traveling miles to purchase a liter. In England and Wales, raw milk sales are restricted to farmer’s markets and farm shops, and must contain a label warning of the risk.
Much of the increase in popularity has stemmed from anecdotal reports about raw milk’s healthy properties, which may:
- Strengthen your immune system
- Improve digestion
- Combat arthritis and arterial stiffening
Further, because raw milk is not pasteurized, it is loaded with beneficial gut bacteria and digestive enzymes. Pastuerizing milk, on the other hand, destroys much of the nutrition in milk, according to raw milk proponents. Other beneficial properties of raw milk include:
- It contains 10 percent more B vitamins and 25 percent more vitamin C than regular milk.
- It’s rich in CLA, a “superfat” that promotes weight loss and may fight cancer.
- It contains the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose. Because of this, people who are lactose-intolerant can enjoy raw milk.
- It contains more omega-3 fats, and they’re not corrupted by heat treatment.
Although opponents say the risk of drinking raw milk is great, farmers point out that raw milk is made to a strict standard, and that their cows are healthier than those on commercial farms.
“Think about it: healthier cows mean healthier milk,” says Celia Haynes, a farmer who specializes in unpasteurized milk and cream.
Sources: Belfast Telegraph November 6, 2007
Dr. Mercola’s Comments:
It’s estimated that about half a million people in the United States regularly drink raw milk. Unfortunately, many of you who belong to this group must purchase your milk on “underground black markets” as though you’re a criminal!
In the UK, getting raw milk is decidedly easier, as it’s available at farmer’s markets and farm shops. It is excellent news that people all over the world are clamoring for this healthy beverage!
I think that, in the United States, soon the tides will be turning over raw milk, for good or for bad.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in another misguided and unhealthy move, recently moved to ban some raw-milk cheese. And in California, one of the only states in the United States that legally sells raw milk, raw milk must now — for the first time — conform to strict limits for coliform bacteria that could actually make the milk less healthy, according to a new state law, AB1735.
On a positive note, Ron Paul (R-Texas) recently introduced a bill to authorize the interstate traffic of unpasteurized milk and milk products.
Why are so many people clamoring for raw milk?
- Raw milk still contains all of the valuable enzymes that are destroyed during pasteurization. Without them, milk is very difficult to digest. So if you have lactose intolerance, it will simply disappear once you start consuming raw dairy products.
- Raw milk is an outstanding source of healthy, “good” bacteria and micronutrients, including lactobacillus, acidophilus, and vitamins, which are virtually eliminated by the pasteurization process of commercial milk. It is an outstanding nutrient to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your intestine.
- Raw milk still contains natural butterfat, which is homogenized or removed in commercial milk. Without butterfat, the body cannot absorb and utilize the vitamins and minerals in the water fraction of the milk. Butterfat is also the best source of preformed vitamin A, and contains re-arranged acids with strong anti-carcinogenic properties.
- Raw milk does not contain synthetic vitamin D, which is known to be toxic to the liver, yet is still added to most commercial milk.
- Raw milk contains healthy cholesterol.
Not to mention the fact that raw milk is truly delicious … rich and creamy, and surprisingly refreshing.
Join the Campaign for Raw Milk
There are several ways you can help protect your (and others’) right to buy raw milk in California.
The Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund (www.ftcldf.org) is the official non-profit organization handling the legal defense and consumer revolt against AB1735. They are a legal 501 (C)(4) organization connected to the Weston A. Price Foundation, and they need to raise $35,000 to defend your access to raw milk.
Remember, whether you live in California or not, this bill will set a precedent that may eventually eliminate raw milk everywhere.
To donate, and secure raw milk for your future, go to www.organicpastures.com and click on the legal defense fund link on the home page.
You can also call or write, and voice your opinion!
- Assembly Agriculture Committee chair Nicole Parra (916) 319-2030
- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, www.gov.ca.gov
Call (916) 445-2841, or fax your letter to (916) 445-4633, asking the governor to stop enforcement of AB1735, and to spearhead the elimination of the law completely. Make sure you sign your letter and supply your address to show that you are a resident of California.
- California Department of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health and Food Safety Services, Milk and Dairy Food Safety Branch (916) 654-0773
www.mercola.com
