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Do you drink raw milk? Experts list dangerous side effects of unpasteurization
Milk is a family food all over the world, as it contains calcium which helps in strengthening bones and teeth and protein which helps in proper functioning of muscles and nerves. However, the popularity of drinking raw or unpasteurized milk is increasing – they believe it provides more nutrients, causes fewer allergies and promotes overall health. Experts refute these claims, saying that raw milk carries harmful bacteria like salmonella, E. coli and listeria – all of which are life-threatening. Read on to know more.
Unpasteurized milk is more likely to cause life-threatening foodborne illnesses than pasteurized milk and should therefore be avoided
Drinking milk is considered to be the best way to produce more calcium in your body – which helps strengthen your bones and joints. Apart from calcium, milk is a nutritious food rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Many people drink raw milk – more natural and antimicrobial-rich but many of its health claims are not evidence-based and do not outweigh the potential risks such as serious infections caused by harmful bacteria.
Before the introduction of pasteurization in the early to mid-1900s, all milk was consumed in its raw, natural, unprocessed state. However, pasteurization involves heating milk to kill bacteria, yeast, and mold and extend the shelf life of the product.
Why do people drink raw milk?,
Raw milk usually comes from cows, sheep, goats, and buffaloes. It is generally believed that raw milk tastes better than pasteurized milk. Health claims for raw milk include that it can cure lactose intolerance, treat allergies and aid gut health. However extensive research and studies have shown that none of these myths are true.
Actually, according to experts, drinking raw milk can be dangerous for your health.
Serious Dangers of drinking raw milk
Is it okay to drink raw milk? Experts around the world point to a firm “no.” The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that unpasteurized milk is more likely to cause life-threatening foodborne illnesses than pasteurized milk and should therefore be avoided. The pasteurization process kills bacteria to make milk safe to drink. Dangers include:
bacterial food poisoning
Drinking raw milk can increase the risk of diseases like Escherichia coli or E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain, fever, and even vomiting. In some cases, it may also affect the functioning of your kidneys.
Listeria in pregnant women
listeria monocytogenes The bacteria causes an infection called listeriosis — especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
It causes miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening infections in newborn babies.
Bird Flu or H5N1
Drinking raw milk may put you at risk for highly pathogenic avian influenza or HPAI – also known as H5N1 bird flu. While avian flu is rare in humans, outbreaks have increased in the US and the FDA has issued advice that the virus could be spread by wild birds to other species, including dairy cattle.
Experts also say that milk from infected cows contains the HPAI virus – although it’s still unclear whether you can get infected with HPAI by drinking contaminated raw milk.
Risk in young children
Children are at greater risk when it comes to consuming raw milk since their immune systems are still developing. According to health experts, foodborne illness caused by raw milk especially affects children and teenagers and sometimes requires hospitalization.
How to make sure your milk is pasteurized?
Pasteurizing milk means heating it to 161 degrees Fahrenheit or 71.66 degrees Celsius for just 20 seconds. Experts say that this process kills all the bacteria. Most milk and milk products contain pasteurized milk or cream or are processed in such a way that bacteria are destroyed. So, take a minute to read the label of a product to make sure you see the word “pasteurized.” If it isn’t, the product may contain raw milk. Pay special attention to dairy products sold at farm stands or farmers markets. Don’t buy them unless you confirm that they have been pasteurized.
This method keeps the milk fresh for 2-3 weeks and also increases its shelf life. Pasteurized milk is also often homogenized – a process of applying extreme pressure to spread the fatty acids more evenly, improving the appearance and flavor.
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