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Milk has a long history as a source of nutrition for both humans and animals. Although some claim that milk carries health drawbacks and is only meant for animals, milk is an essential component of a balanced diet and offers numerous health benefits.

This article deals exclusively with the facts about milk and does not address topics such as animal husbandry or ethical issues.

Why milk is good for humans too

Many argue that the consumption of animal milk is unnatural or even harmful to humans. However, milk is not only intended for consumption by animals, as is often claimed, but it is also suitable for human consumption. The assertion that animals only consume the milk of their own kind is also incorrect, as it is not uncommon for animals to accept milk from various species. For example, calves drink not only their own mother’s milk but also goat’s milk, which is enjoyed by other mammals such as sheep, rabbits, and monkeys. Such claims can therefore be easily refuted. Moreover, milk is an excellent source of numerous important nutrients.

The health benefits of milk

Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone health and is highly concentrated in milk. This valuable mineral is complemented by a diverse nutritional profile that includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and other key minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Moreover, milk is a rich source of vital vitamins: Vitamin B12 aids in brain function and red blood cell production, while Vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, further strengthening bones. Additionally, milk contains vitamins like A and B6, as well as antioxidative compounds like Vitamin E, which potentially offer cell-protective properties against free radicals. Bioactive compounds such as lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase in milk have anti-inflammatory effects and contribute to bolstering the immune system.

Milk processing: How heating affects nutrients

Milk undergoes specialized heat-treatment processes to neutralize bacteria and extend shelf life. Pasteurized milk is typically heated to temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Celsius to inactivate the majority of bacteria. In contrast, ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk is heated to temperatures of approximately 135 to 150 degrees Celsius to nearly eliminate all microorganisms, thereby ensuring maximum shelf life.

Though the heating process can reduce some heat-sensitive vitamins such as Vitamin C and certain B vitamins, milk remains a rich source of essential nutrients like calcium, Vitamin D, and proteins. Various processing and preparation methods can affect the nutrient content of dairy products. For example, pasteurization can decrease the levels of B vitamins and folic acid, while the fermentation of products like yogurt can increase the concentration of certain vitamins and minerals.

Raw milk: Myths, benefits, and risks of consumption

Raw milk, also known as unpasteurized milk, is milk that has not been heated to high temperatures to kill bacteria. Raw milk contains all the natural enzymes, nutrients, and bacteria that can be lost during pasteurization. Some people prefer the taste and texture of raw milk and believe it to be healthier than pasteurized milk.

However, consuming raw milk also carries risks as it can contain potentially harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause serious illnesses. In particular, for pregnant women, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, consuming raw milk can be dangerous.

Although some people consider raw milk to be healthier, there is no scientific evidence to support that it is actually healthier than pasteurized milk. Some studies suggest that raw milk might potentially have a slightly higher nutrient density, but this difference is not significant. In addition, the benefits of raw milk may be outweighed by the risk of bacterial infections and illnesses.

Furthermore, many countries have laws and regulations that restrict or prohibit the sale of raw milk. If you want to buy or consume raw milk, you should be aware that you are taking the risk of food poisoning.

The Myth of Blood and Pus in Milk

It is often claimed that milk contains blood and pus. However, this is a myth. There are strict regulations for milk production and processing to ensure that milk is safe and health-promoting. Only raw milk carries a low risk of containing blood or pus since it has not been pasteurized or ultra-high-temperature treated. If a cow has blood or pus in its milk, the milk is discarded, and the cow is treated.

Why milk consumption can reduce the risk of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones lose density and strength, which can lead to an increased risk of fractures. It is often believed that milk increases the risk of osteoporosis because it is rich in calcium. However, the opposite is true.

A review of several studies found that milk consumption is associated with a lower likelihood of bone fractures and higher bone mineral density. Women who drink more than one cup of milk daily have a lower risk of hip fractures than women who drink less milk. There is also evidence that milk consumption in early life may help promote bone health later in life.

Milk and cancer: what research says

There is no consistent evidence that milk increases or decreases the risk of cancer. Various epidemiological studies have shown different results. One of the most relevant studies, conducted on 8,000 cases, found no significant association between milk consumption and cancer. Some studies even showed a possible reduction in the risk of colon cancer with increased milk consumption, while other studies showed a possible slight increase in the risk of prostate cancer with increased milk consumption.

Personally, I have concerns about epidemiological studies because the recording of milk consumption through questionnaires does not take into account the potential influence of other risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, and exercise on the results.

Overall, the currently available data show that milk consumption is not associated with an increased or decreased risk of cancer.

Closing Words

Milk is an important nutrient source that is crucial for the body's health. It is rich in calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and other nutrients that contribute to bone health, immune system strengthening, and brain function. Although some claim that milk poses a health risk, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

Update Information:

Normally, blog posts are not edited retroactively. However, this blog post was available for a while as an updated article in the main directory until the year 2021. Due to low traffic and the fact that my main articles should contain the essential information for quick implementation in daily life, I decided to move it back into the blog.