Common Myths About Raw Milk

Myth: "Raw milk will make you sick."

FACT:Raw milk from well nourished cows contains enzymes and beneficial bacteria which make it extremely difficult for pathogenic bacteria to survive. As it ages, raw milk sours because the beneficial bacteria multiply. For research details, see Mark McAfee's work at Organic Pastures Dairy in California.

Pasteurization destroys the beneficial bacteria, enzymes and vitamins and renders the product an inert fluid. It is a perfect medium for pathogens to grow, which is why there have been many cases of people getting sick from pasteurized milk.

Myth: Only Humans drink milk after they are grown.

FACT: Many farm animals thrive on milk and milk products. Farmers often feed pigs, goats, chickens and even other cows every product of milk ranging from fresh milk to buttermilk, curds and whey.

Those animals lack opposable thumbs, which is why they really appreciate our milking the cows for them.

Myth: Many people are lactose intolerant.

FACT: The enzyme lactase, which is an important part of raw milk, aids the body in digesting milk. It is destroyed by the pasteurization process. Many, but not all, people who have believed themselves to be lactose intolerant have been able to enjoy raw milk.

Others have found that they do better on goat's milk than cows's milk.

Myth: Soy Milk is Better for People who can't drink Cow's Milk.

Fact: Dr. Tom Cowan prefers raw milk to soy milk.

Soy milk processed using modern methods has elevated levels of several harmful anti-nutrients, according to the Consumer Health Organization of Canada.

Goat milk is the preferred alternative for those who have trouble with cow's milk, including infants. According to the American Dairy Goat Association, goat's milk may exceed cow's milk on several levels.

Goat Cow Human Protein % 3.0 3.0 1.1 Fat % 3.8 3.6 4.0 Calories/100 ml 70 69 68 Vitamin A (i.u./gram fat) 39 21 32 Vitamin B1/thiamin (µg/100 ml) 68 45 17 Riboflavin (µg/100 ml) 210 159 26 Vitamin C (mg ascorbic acid/100 ml) 2 2 3 Vitamin D (i.u./gram fat) 0.7 0.7 0.3 Calcium % 0.19 0.18 0.04 Iron % 0.07 0.06 0.2 Phosphorus % 0.27 0.23 0.06 Cholesterol (mg/100 ml) 12 15 20 Dronen, Karyl, April 1990. "Nutritional Composition of Goat Milk Products in the U.S." Dairy Goat Journal.

Goat milk is enjoyed by more people worldwide than any other ruminant. Want to learn more?

Visit the Florida Dairy Goat Association.