Raw Milk vs. Pasteurized Milk

June is dairy month–let's talk about milk!

In particular, let's dive into the topic of raw versus pasteurized milk. Is raw milk really better for you? Is it safe? Why is pasteurization required? 

Why do state regulations require milk to be pasteurized? 

Well, let's start with some history.

In the 1800s, farmers started feeding brewers grain to their cows and took steps to get rid of the cows' A2A2 gene. Both were done to produce more milk.

Next, they had a problem with harmful bacteria in the milk and wondered why.

Then pasteurization was made mandatory to kill the bad bacteria.

Next, they had a problem with some bad bacteria growing in the milk after pasteurization and started ultra-pasteurizing.

The same process also kills the good bacteria, creating a dead product that the human gut does not know what to do with. If given enough time, it will cause lactose intolerance.

All because farmers and milk processors became too greedy.

Later homogenization was developed to break up the fat globes so the cream would not separate from the milk.

Today commercial milk processing plants can hold ultra-pasteurized milk in large upright tanks called silos for 90 days before bottling.

Is raw milk safe?

Raw milk, when 100% grass-fed and 100% A2A2 organically produced, is one of the most beneficial, health-giving foods on Planet Earth.

Raw milk drinkers from cultures around the world and throughout the centuries have praised raw milk as a food that builds strong bodies and cures disease.

The big hype about raw milk not being safe for human consumption was born from dairy distilleries feeding cheap distillery slop to cows so they would produce more milk. And they did produce more milk—at the expense of human and animal health.

Because the truth is, cows, sheep, and goats with unadulterated genes and raised on only grass and hay in properly managed pastures, without any drugs or chemical sprays, will produce safe, healthy milk. 

So here's the take-home message. Yes, raw milk and raw milk products are safe if the animals are fed and managed by nature, properly handled, and unadulterated.

In fact, 100% grass-fed raw milk and raw milk products are now in such big demand that farmers are obtaining pet food licenses which enable them to legally sell their raw dairy products. While marketed as pet food, many customers read between the lines and use the milk for human consumption.

Green Ridge has some raw dairy products and plans to add more in the near future. They are in a separate case beside the dairy section.

All of the above opinions are based on our own and others' experiences and are not meant to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We highly recommend that you do your own research to see if this is a fit for you.

More info is available at westonaprice.org or in their print magazine called Wise Traditions. Many other books and online resources are also available.