Raw milk has no health benefits that cannot be obtained from pasteurized milk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is disputed by those who believe raw milk can prevent some chronic diseases. The Weston A. Price Foundation, an organization promoting the ideas of early 20th-century whole-foods advocate Weston Price, champions raw dairy products. Some research does link milk consumption with a decreased incidence of heart disease. But there's scant research indicating that raw milk can lower your risk of developing heart disease.
Raw Milk and Heart Disease
The idea that raw milk might be beneficial in preventing heart disease comes from the work of Scottish physician J.C. Annand. Annand's research focused on population groups in different areas of the world. He developed a theory that pasteurization of milk actually changes the milk proteins. Annand claimed that the heat in pasteurization and subsequent change in proteins was responsible for a rise he saw in heart disease.
About Raw Milk
Milk that has not been pasteurized, irradiated or homogenized is called raw milk. A Dec. 18, 2008 article in “Science Daily” reported that raw milk can be contaminated at the farm or during processing. Among the organisms that can infect milk are salmonella and E coli. Brucellosis, a cow disease, can also be transmitted to humans via contaminated milk. Raw milk proponents suggest strict testing as an alternative to pasteurization, as that would ensure the milk is safe but still provide the health benefits of the raw product.
Research
A study reported in the 1991 “Alternatives Newsletter” found only 1 percent of the men who drank a minimum of 1 pint of whole milk each day suffered heart attacks. The article did not indicate if the milk was raw or pasteurized. As of May 2009, there were 102 raw milk producers in England and Wales. According to a study cited by the the website MedicalDaily.com, those who drink milk have an 18 lower risk than others of developing heart disease. Whether the milk used in the study was raw or pasteurized is unknown.
Milk and Heart Disease
Research on milk and cardiovascular disease seems to indicate a protective effect. But there is no definitive research on a specific protective or negative effect related to raw milk. There is evidence that drinking milk is good for your health. At this time, the choice is yours; if you choose to drink raw milk, educate yourself regarding the potential risks.
References
- Weston A. Price Foundation; Healthy 4 Life Http://Www.Westonaprice.Org/Images/Pdfs/Healthy4life2011.Pdf
- “Alternatives Newsletter”; Milk Decreases Heart Attacks? Dr. David Williams;1991
- “Wise Traditions in Food, Farming and The Healing Arts”; Milk Homogenization and Heart Disease; Mary G. Enig, Ph.D.; Summer 2003
- Centers For Disease Control And Prevention; Raw Milk Questions and Answers; March 2011
- “Science Daily”; Unpasteurized Milk Poses Health Risks Without Benefits, Study Shows; December 18, 2008
- Medicaldaily.Com: Drinking Three Glasses of Milk Per Day May Lead To an 18% Decreased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease; December 17, 2010
- Food Standards Agency: Raw Drinking Milk and Raw Cream Control Requirements in The Different Countries of the UK; May 2009
- Rawmilk.com: Which Do You Choose?
