In last month’s From Rick’s Desk, A2 milk was discussed. Click here to read. This month the topic is raw milk. Is raw milk dangerous or just misunderstood? Is raw milk superior in nutrients? First, raw milk is not legal to sell commercially in Indiana. State law requires all milk sold for human consumption to be pasteurized to prevent health risks from harmful bacteria. There are two ways to obtain raw milk in our state: cow/herd share programs and raw milk for pet consumption. The focus in this article is on raw milk for pet consumption.
What is raw milk? It is unpasteurized, meaning it is not heated in any way. It contains all the
original bacteria which is a good thing. It contains live beneficial bacteria, mainly lactobacillus,
as well as enzymes, primarily lactase and lipase. When raw milk is pasteurized, it kills the good bacteria. Pasteurization also kills a majority of the protein, lactoferrin. When you purchase pasteurized milk, you are consuming milk that has been mixed with a bunch of milk from a bunch of different farms.
Pasteurized milk has been fortified, especially the skim milk. Vitamins A and D have been added. Even organic milk has been fortified because it has been pasteurized. These vitamins come in vitamin packets because you can’t add fat soluble vitamins directly into milk. Guess what is in the vitamin packets? Besides synthetic preservatives, canola oil is one of the ingredients. How many of you know pasteurized milk contains a seed oil?
The lactoferrin found in raw milk is a bioactive protein. Lactoferrin promotes bone growth,
repairs the liver, balances iron levels, counters system toxicity, and is a potent antioxidant.
Lactoferrin has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. Lactoferrin is
missing in pasteurized milk, as are immunoglobulins and whey protein.
These three components support our immune system but are missing in pasteurized milk. Homogenization of milk mixes the cream with the milk, changing the fat profile. Raw milk
contains CLA and omega-3. Raw milk offers better mineral bioavailability. Raw milk is less likely to cause lactose intolerance or allergic reactions.
We encourage you to support local, high-quality dairy farms. Georgetown now offers raw pet milk, delivered every Friday from Sweetheart Legacy’s Dairy located in Danville. Their raw pet milk is unpasteurized, unhomogenized, and is 100% grass fed. Gallons and half gallons of raw pet milk are available as well as fresh cream in the half gallon.
We encourage you to place your order to secure receiving it by contacting us at info@georgetownmarket.com or calling us at 317-293-9525.
