What happens if we drink raw milk?

1. Harmful Bacteria: Raw milk may contain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter. These bacteria can cause serious foodborne illnesses, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. In severe cases, these illnesses can result in hospitalization and even death.

2. Increased Risk for Vulnerable Populations: Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of raw milk consumption. They are more likely to experience severe symptoms or develop complications if they consume raw milk contaminated with harmful bacteria.

3. Lack of Pasteurization: Pasteurization is a heat treatment process that kills harmful microorganisms in milk. By consuming unpasteurized (raw) milk, you are bypassing this important safety measure and increasing the risk of ingesting disease-causing bacteria.

4. Nutritional Value: While proponents of raw milk often claim it has superior nutritional value compared to pasteurized milk, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim. Pasteurized milk retains most of its essential nutrients, including protein, calcium, and vitamins, while eliminating the risk of harmful bacteria.

5. Legal Restrictions: In many countries and jurisdictions, the sale and consumption of raw milk are regulated or prohibited due to the inherent health risks associated with its consumption. It's important to adhere to local regulations and consume only pasteurized milk to protect your health.

6. Antibiotic Resistance: Raw milk can potentially harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are bacteria that have developed the ability to resist the effects of antibiotics. This can make treating infections caused by these bacteria more difficult, leading to prolonged illness and increased healthcare costs.

For these reasons, it is generally recommended to consume pasteurized milk and avoid raw milk to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensure the safety of your health.