I grew up in Hungary drinking milk basically every day as a child. Milk was available in two options: 2.8% (the red bag) or 1.5% (blue bag) fat content, homogenized, pasterurized. Sold in 0.5 liter or 1 liter plastic bags....Imagine that. We needed plastic molded milk bag holders just to be able to hold the bags and pour without spilling (if you were skilled enough - and we were!) after cutting open the bag with scissors - or very often just ripping it with our teeth.... Super complicated. But milk was a staple in each family's home, because, you know: calcium for the bones!
Even though this kind of milk surely was processed, yet compared to today's commercial milk, it was still ok. Milk/dairy allergies or sensitivities back in the day were super rare. I didn't know any kids growing up suffering from it. Nor was it really popular to drink milk among adults....unless as a hangover remedy....some swore by it.
We know today that much of dairy sensitivities developed as a result of what has been done to industrial agriculture. GMO crops, pesticides, antibiotics and hormones given to cows/animals, detrimental animal living conditions and feeding lot accommodations, no access to outdoor roaming and pastures, and ultra processing (pasteurizing, homogenizing, removing fat content, readding synthetic "vitamins") of milk.
No wonder milk coming from cows raised this way has caused so many to not be able to digest milk any more. Of course the pasteurization and homogenization processes already stripped raw milk from its amazing health properties even back 40 years ago (OMG, am I this old??), but the added insult to injury with the above listed changes in agriculture has made things significantly worse.
Thus, early on in my health and wellness journey, I stopped consuming dairy in most of its form. I read and researched the many issues regarding dairy consumption and also simply felt better cutting out conventional dairy from my diet.
But with health, just like with anything in life, we experiment, learn, adjust, dig deeper, try and succeed/fail and see what works best for us.
As I continued to peel back the onion regarding dairy, I realized that we have thrown out the baby with the bathtub. The issue so many have increasingly experienced with conventional (and even with organic) dairy over the past 20 years can be traced back to all of the agricultural changes I explained above.
"Once you understand how modern milk is produced and processed, it seems logical to just avoid it altogether. But Real Milk – full-fat, unprocessed milk from pasture-fed cows – contains vital nutrients like fat-soluble vitamins A and D, calcium, vitamin B6, B12, and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid, a fatty acid naturally occurring in grass-fed beef and milk that reduces body fat and protects against cancer). Real milk is a source of complete protein and is loaded with enzymes. Raw milk contains beneficial bacteria that protects against pathogens and contributes to a healthy flora in the intestines. Culturing milk greatly enhances its probiotic and enzyme content, making it a therapeutic food for our digestive system and overall health." (WESTON. A PRICE)
Raw dairy from grass-fed, pasture grazing, happy and healthy animals is basically a SUPERFOOD.
A year ago, when I found out that my local grocery store carries raw milk (for animal consumption only, of course....) I decided to give it a try. Not only did I have NO issue whatsoever reintroducing dairy in my diet, but I personally have also enjoyed the calming properties of raw dairy from the Ayurvedic perspective. Many people I know have been able to add back dairy into their diet and enjoy it in its raw form.
And don't even get me started on raw cream (in my morning coffee), raw yogurt and kefir, and raw butter (I don't spread it, I SLICE it on my toast!).
Have you tried RAW DAIRY? What is YOUR experience with it?
*Note: Nothing contained here is medical advice. These are simply suggestions based on things that have helped me. You should research what is best for you.
Stay happy and healthy,
Eva
Comments