Simple Sugars In Raw Milk Help Absorption

There is a very complex system of proteins in milk known as antibodies. These provide resistance to many viruses, bacteria and bacterial toxins and helps reduce the severity of asthma symptoms. Studies have shown that these are lost during the heating process involved with normal processing.

We get some carbs out of the deal, also. Lactose is also called "milk sugar" and is the primary carbohydrate found in milk. Lactose is made from one molecule each of the simple sugars glucose and galactose. Those that are lactose intolerant no longer make the enzyme, lactase, in their bodies and , therefore, cannot digest the milk sugar. There may be some good news in this. Raw milk (from grass fed cows) has a lactobacilli bacteria that is lactose digesting and may allow lactose intolerant people to enjoy milk.

In the end, after the digestion of this lactose, you end up with lactic acid. Apparently, the lactic acid has the ability to inhibit the growth of harmful species of bacteria. This is definitely new turf for me. I had no idea.

Not only that, though, lactic acid also boosts the absorption of calcium. I can remember all those ads that asked if you wanted strong bones and teeth, drink milk, as a kid. Now I question how much of milks ability in this is lost during the homogenization process.

Goodness, it doesn't stop there. Lactic acid also boosts the absorption of iron and phosphorus and has been know to male the milk proteins more digestible. It knocks them out of solution as fine curd particles. You know, I didn't realize how much, or many, trace minerals our bodies need until I started reading about grass farming. It is kind of ironic, all I wanted to do is grow more, better grass for my few cattle, rabbits and chickens. But, lets face it, our soils have been strip mined for centuries and there are few minerals left. Our animals lack them, as a consequence, and, therefore, so do we.

Next time I will tackle the "fats" part of raw milk. This can be very interesting, so you won't want to miss it. In fact, if you haven't already, do yourself a favor and read Sally Fallon's book Nourishing Traditions. I have it available, through Amazon, by clicking on the Amazon link located at the right. This book will explain much of what we, as a populace, are missing in the way of fats. Yes, folks, we need them. And we need them terribly.

Stay tuned.