The Purpose of Milk in Nature is to Provide all the Nutrients to Sustain Health, Grow, Protect and Heal
The purpose in nature of milk is to provide all the nutrients necessary to sustain health, grow, protect and heal. Nature is efficient. So is milk! NOTE, pasteurization of milk kills off many nutrients found in raw milk. See Raw Milk is more Nutritious than Pasteurized Milk
Raw milk (milk that is NOT pasteurized or homogonized) contains the following nutrients that are all 100% metabolically available:
Raw Milk contains (i) every known fat and water soluble vitamin, (ii) 87% water, (iii) proteins and carbohydrates in the form of Lactoseminerals, including all Electrolytes and Iron, (iv) all 18 fatty acids and healthy cholesterol, and (v) ensymes that help break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Proteins. Raw milk contains all 22 amino acids, including all 8 of the essential amino acids. As our body does not produce the 8 essential amino acids, we can only get through food. Raw milk also contains proteins called caseins and whey proteins. Raw milk proteins include (i) a iron-binding protein that improve absorption and assimilation of iron, (ii) antibodies that provide resistance to many viruses, bacteria and bacterial toxins, (iii) mineral binding proteins to help absorb electrolytes and (iv) proteins with antiviral properties.
Carbohydrates. Raw milk contains Lactose, the first carbohydrate most baby mammals ever taste, which is made up of two simple sugars, glucose and galactose. Glucose is our body’s primary source of energy. Glucose is the sole source of energy for brain and red blood cells. Cow’s milk hovers at around 5% lactose (human milk averages a bit higher at just over 7% by comparison). It’s got a fairly low glycemic index (doesn’t boost insulin levels very quickly) and so is better tolerated by diabetics. See Natural Sources of Glucose – Our Body’s Key Source of Energy. Also see Natural Ways to Help Prevent and Treat Type 2 Diabetes
| Raw Milk Mineral Content | Content Per Quart |
|---|---|
| Sodium | 330-850mg |
| Potassium | 1040-1600mg |
| Chloride | 850-1040mg |
| Calcium | 1040-1225mg |
| Magnesium | 85-130mg |
| Phosphorus | 850-940mg |
| Iron | 280-570ug |
| Zinc | 1880-5660ug |
| Copper | 95-570ug |
| Manganese | 19-47ug |
| Iodine | 245ug |
| Fluoride | 28-207ug |
| Selenium | 4.7-63ug |
| Cobalt | 0.47-1.23ug |
| Chromium | 7.5-12.3ug |
| Molybdenum | 17-113ug |
| Raw Milk Vitamin Content | Content Per Quart |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A – fat soluble | 375ug |
| Vitamin C – fat soluble | 19mg |
| Vitamin D – fat soluble | 38IU |
| Vitamin E – fat soluble | 940ug |
| Vitamin K – fat soluble | 47ug |
| Vitamin B1 – Thiamine | 425ug |
| Vitamin B2 – Inositol | 1650ug |
| Vitamin B3 – Niacin | 850ug |
| Vitamin B6 | 470ug |
| Vitamin B2 – Pantothenic Acid | 3300ug |
| Biotin | 33ug |
| Folic Acid | 52ug |
| Vitamin B12 | 4.25ug |
Enzymes are proteins (made out of amino acids) change (catalyze) other substances without taking part in the reaction themselves. In digestion, enzymes help break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins into nutrients the body can readily absorb and use.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help with digestion, health of the intestines and brain activity. See Probiotics in Milk Products Improve Brain Function
| Raw Milk Enzyme Content |
|---|
| Amylase |
| Catalase |
| Lactase |
| Lactoperoxidase |
| Phosphatase |
Raw milk nutrient content will vary some depending on soil conditions and type of food. Grass fed cows are considered to produce the most nutritious milk. Raw milk from Guensey cows, for instance, have exceptionally high content of beta carotene and a high protein content.
Raw milk gives athletes a competitive advantage. See Raw Milk – Most Effective Sports Training and Recovery Drink!
This article was inspired by Tommy and Carolyn Adkins owners of Tucker Adkins Dairy in York, South Carolina, producers of the best tasting Raw Milk made from very well cared for Guernsey cows.
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