Milk—raw or pasteurised—is an essential part of our daily lives. But have you ever wondered if one is better than the other? We asked experts this question, and here’s what they had to say.
Drinking raw milk vs pasteurised milk has been debated for many years. Dietitian Vidhi Chawla, founder of Fisico Diet and Aesthetic Clinic, said the reasons behind it are the way it is processed, nutritional content, and safety.
What happens to the body when consuming these two types of milk?
Raw milk
Raw is unprocessed milk from cows, goats, or sheep. “It contains protein, fats, calcium, and minerals in a rich amount. It also contains beneficial enzymes and probiotics,” said Chawla.
Taste and flavour
Many people find that raw milk has a richer, creamier taste than pasteurised milk, which professes its unprocessed nature.
Enzymes and probiotics
Raw milk contains enzymes like lactase, which may help digest lactose. It also contains natural probiotics.
Safety
Raw milk has some health risks. According to Chawla, it can harbour pathogenic bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, and listeria.
“These bacteria can lead to foodborne illnesses, which can be severe or even life-threatening, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of raw milk-related illnesses can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps,” said Chawla.
Pasteurised milk
Enzymes and probiotics
Pasteurised milk undergoes heating to kill bacteria while retaining as much of the milk‘s original flavour and nutrients. “While pasteurisation does kill harmful bacteria, it can also reduce the levels of some heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin B. However, essential nutrients are still present in it to support health. Pasteurised milk remains a good source of calcium and vitamin D,” said Chawla.
Safety
The primary advantage of consuming pasteurised milk is its safety. “By eliminating pathogenic microorganisms, it may reduce the risk of foodborne illness,” said Chawla.
What should you pick?
While raw milk tastes rich, pasteurised milk is free from harmful bacteria. “For general populations, pasteurised milk is safer and more affordable,” said Chawla.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
