Pasturization. A process known for reducing the nutritional value of the milk you pay to get, and killing off potentially helpful bacteria. Clearly this must be some chemical treatment!
It's not. Pasturization is in simple terms special boiling and cooling, not too disimilar to processes used to can foods safely at home.
But what about the microplastics in the jug? I hear you think. Current research has not had any major concerns. If it does worry you, the solution is decently simple. Find a local farmer who can sell you milk that has not touched plastic. They might even be able to pasturize it for you. If they can't, simply cook the milk yourself right at home. Treat raw milk like you would raw meat, and don't let uncooked touch cooked.
And what about the lower nutritional value? The nutritional value of milk changes based on the time of day and we've known that for a long time. It's even noted in historical recipes. If you're that worried, just have a little more! Life is too short to stress over the micronutrients in your milk unless your healthcare provider has told you otherwise.
But the beneficial bacteria? If you are reading this, you are likely not a baby cow. Your microbiome has probably already been built up well and you do not need the same gut microbiome and an infant with four stomachs. If you think your microbiome needs a boost, use foods humans have historically used to help with that, such as yogurt!
There is also the chance of harmful bacteria (yes even in healthy cows). Bovine tuberculosis and Anthrax are possible pathogens that could easily get in raw milk as a healthy cow can easily be immune to these. Notably tuberculosis is known for being quite the killer, and historical records of it are very prominent in media. Ever see a movie where a character dies of consumption? That was tuberculosis!
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