Raw milk is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It is abundant in protein, fat, carbs, calcium, vitamins B12, B3, B5, B6, C, E, and K, riboflavin, folate, potassium, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, and iodine. It is such a superfood! If you live in a state where you have access to it and aren’t taking advantage, you are missing a huge opportunity to improve your health and the health of future generations.
Deep Nutrition and Raw Milk
When I was 11 years old, I was told I was “lactose intolerant” and that I needed to stop eating dairy and drinking milk. So, from the ages of 11 to 25, I was drinking plant-based “milks” before it was trendy. I suffered years of rice milk and almond milk all while continuing to crave real dairy products. At the age of 25, I was preparing to get married, and my chiropractor recommended a book to me called “Deep Nutrition” and he recommended I go on a fertility diet. This book changed my life. For the last 3 years, I dove deep into research on nutrition and drastically changed my diet in preparation for a baby. I have never felt better and I was able to have a beautiful healthy baby boy. Read on to find out how raw milk can improve your health as well!
A Short History
One of the most important changes in human history occurred during the Neolithic Age. This was the era when humans began to cultivate plants, breed animals, and form permanent settlements. This development of agriculture separated the Neolithic humans from their Paleolithic ancestors, and mankind began to thrive.
For roughly 10,000 years humans have been drinking raw milk from various animals. This milk was safe and healthy, and mankind reaped the benefits of its nutritional profile.
As the Industrial Revolution emerged, cities expanded in size and demand for food. Nearby farms had to support denser cow populations, creating poor sanitary conditions. The cows were kept indoors with no access to grass or sunlight. Their milk became toxic and many people died from consuming this milk. Instead of improving sanitation conditions, farmers began pasteurizing their milk. This is when the milk is heated to high temperatures to kill any harmful bacteria. However, pasteurization also destroys helpful nutrients present in the milk.
This, modern industrial milk was born. This is the milk that people today are intolerant to because it is notoriously hard to digest. Humans before the 20th century did not have nearly the amount of health issues that we suffer from today. They drank raw milk from healthy, free-range, grass-fed cows and saw many incredible benefits. They were taller, and stronger, and suffered from far fewer degenerative diseases and autoimmune issues.
Finding Raw Milk Locally
Have I convinced you to give raw milk a try? If so, it’s important to find a high-quality local source. I use this tool at www.realmilk.com to find farms in my area that sell raw milk. For example, in Massachusetts, 27 farms sell it. There are 7 farms within a 45-minute drive from my house. From there it is important to screen the farm for sanitation and quality. Use the guide on the Raw Milk and Recipes blog to help you find the best farm.
For more information, head over to ‘Raw Milk and Recipes’ on Instagram, and click the link in the bio to find access to the Blog, the Raw Milk Finder, and the Guide to Find Quality Farms.
But don’t just take my word for it, I am merely a mother who wants to spread awareness. This is not medical advice. Please conduct your research and find out if raw milk is right for you.
Recommended Raw Milk and Nutritional References
“Deep Nutrition” by Catherine Shanahan, M.D.
“Beautiful Babies” by Kristen Michaelis
“Nourishing Traditions” by Sally Fallon
Written by guest blogger, Colleen from Raw Milk and Recipes Blog
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