At first glance, raw milk may tempt you because it seems more natural or nutritious than pasteurized milk. However, raw, or unpasteurized, milk can cause illness or death; the Food and Drug Administration strongly advises against drinking it. Pasteurized milk has several advantages over raw milk and other beverage choices.
Raw milk from cows, sheep or goats can contain harmful microorganisms, or pathogens, notes the FDA. Pasteurization refers to the process of heating milk to high temperatures to kill these dangerous organisms. Pasteurized milk displays a label so that you know it is pasteurized; the same is true for other dairy products such as cheeses, ice cream and yogurt. You still need to refrigerate pasteurized milk to keep it fresh.
Safer to Drink
Pasteurized milk is far less likely to cause foodborne illnesses than raw milk, states the FDA. Unlike raw milk, pasteurized milk no longer has live cultures of bacteria such as Listeria, E. coli or Salmonella. Common symptoms of foodborne illness include diarrhea and nausea; most resolve themselves within days. However, individuals with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, very young children and people with chronic illnesses may have more trouble fighting foodborne illnesses and complications may include kidney failure or serious dehydration.
Supports Healthy Pregnancy
Pasteurized milk is a safer choice than raw milk for pregnant women because of the risk for Listeria monocytogenes infection. Pregnant women who get even a mild case of the infection, called listeriosis, may risk harming their unborn child. Potential complications include stillbirth, premature birth and miscarriage. Pregnant women should avoid raw milk and all unpasteurized dairy products including all unpasteurized cheeses.
Nutrient Content
Pasteurized milk is a nutrient-dense beverage choice, especially when compared to empty calories from sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, sports beverages and juice drinks. Milk is a natural source of calcium, which is still present after the pasteurization process, and adequate calcium intake is essential for building and maintaining strong bones. Fortified milk has vitamin D, which helps your body absorb and use calcium. Pasteurized milk is a good source of other essential nutrients such as protein, riboflavin, or vitamin B-2, and potassium.
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