A 2018 Lancet study found that, compared to those who did not consume dairy (milk, yogurt and cheese), those who consumed two or more servings per day were 17% less likely to die from any cause, 23% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, and 34% less likely to die from a stroke
Another large-scale trial found those with the highest levels of milk fats in their diet had a 29% lower incidence of Type 2 diabetes
The most ideal choices are products made from raw, unpasteurized milk, as the pasteurization process destroys many valuable nutrients. Pasteurization also destroys lactase, the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of lactose. Many people with lactose intolerance have no problem drinking raw milk, because it has lactase in it
Beneficial components destroyed by pasteurization include:
Lactoferrin, which binds to iron
Lactoperoxidase, which has antimicrobial properties
Enzymes, needed for healthy digestion
Prebiotics that support gut health
Sources and References:
New York Times December 8, 2023 (Archived)
The Lancet November 24, 2018; 392(10161): 2288-2297, DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31812-9 (Archived)
The Lancet November 24, 2018; 392(10161): 2288-2297, DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31812-9, Page 2
Gut March 2020; 69(3): 487-501
PLOS Medicine October 10, 2018, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002670
Dietary Guidelines Work Under Way
CDC Raw Milk
Real Milk March 16, 2021
Real Milk, See Raw Milk Is Safe illustration
A Campaign for Real Milk, The Economics of Raw Milk
FarmtoConsumer.org Economic Impact on Wisconsin From the Sales of Raw Milk
Twitter George Ferman June 3, 2023 Twitter thread
NIH Causes and Diagnoses of Lactose Intolerance
Raw Milk Institute, Common Standards
Comments