Exploring the Benefits and Myths of Raw Dairy: A Healthier Alternative?

Are you surprised by the ongoing debate surrounding dairy consumption and its impact on health, especially when it comes to issues like acne and gut health?

While many have been warned to steer clear of dairy, some ancient traditions, like Ayurvedic medicine, still view it as a crucial element for delivering healing herbal remedies. So, what changed our perspective on dairy, and why is raw dairy suddenly gaining popularity as a miraculous alternative? In this blog post, we'll delve into the misconceptions surrounding dairy and explore the nutritional differences between conventional and raw dairy. Additionally, we'll touch upon UK food hygiene laws and how the pasteurization process affects the nutritional value of dairy products.

• Intense Processing: Pasteurization and homogenization processes employed by conventional dairy processing strip milk of its essential nutrients, vitamins, fats, digestive enzymes, and good bacteria. Notably, the enzyme lactase, vital for lactose digestion, is removed during pasteurization.

Raw Dairy: A Nutritional Saviour:
Raw dairy stands in stark contrast to its conventional counterpart. It retains essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making it highly compatible with the digestive system. Raw dairy contains lactase, aiding lactose digestion, and is rich in antioxidants and probiotics, which promote gut health.

The Dairy Misconceptions:
Many myths surround dairy consumption, primarily fuelled by misconceptions about raw and conventional dairy. Let's debunk some of the most significant myths:

Dairy Is Hard to Digest: While pasteurized and homogenized dairy can be challenging to digest, raw dairy is more biocompatible, providing easily absorbable nutrients and amino acids.

Raw Dairy Causes More Illness Outbreaks: Studies suggesting that raw dairy is responsible for more outbreaks than pasteurized milk are often flawed, and the data is inconclusive. Raw dairy consumption accounts for a tiny fraction of foodborne illnesses.

Dairy Farming Is Bad for the Environment: Raw dairy, sourced from regenerative farming practices, is more environmentally friendly than conventionally processed dairy. It involves less machinery and supports soil health.

Dairy Causes Skin Issues: Dairy itself doesn't directly cause skin problems, Factors like sun damage, diet, stress, and genetics play a more significant role in skin health.

Plant-Based Milk: A Questionable Alternative:
Plant-based milk alternatives may seem like a logical choice, but they often contain synthetic additives, fillers, and anti-nutrients. Overconsumption of these alternatives can be taxing on the body, contributing to nutrient deficiencies and digestion issues.

Benefits of Raw Dairy:
Raw dairy, is incredibly nutrient-dense and offers numerous benefits, including:

• Lactose digestion support with retained lactase.
• Rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
• Support for skin health, both internally and externally.
• High-quality protein for balanced blood sugar and energy.
• Gut-friendly probiotics.
• Biocompatibility with the body.
• Immune system support.
• Potential to help resolve dairy allergies.
• Improvement in skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
• Essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium for overall health.
• Hormone balance through fat-soluble vitamins.

Raw Dairy: Your Health Hero?

Raw dairy, often overlooked, holds significant potential for enhancing both overall health and skin health. It's crucial to dispel the misconceptions surrounding dairy and recognize its value in its natural, unprocessed form.

Raw milk farms in the UK operate under licenses in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Food Standards Agency. Personally, I opt for the use of glass bottles, which I purchased from my local raw milk farm supplier. We regularly sterilize and reuse these bottles, implementing sustainable practices while delighting in the beauty of the magnificent cows on the farm. By choosing this approach, you can reap the many health advantages of raw milk, while also reducing plastic waste, which I personally love.

Have you tried incorporating raw dairy into your diet? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

Kayleigh x