Non-homogenized milk health claims are 'nonsense'
Another milk myth is making the rounds. This one says non-homogenized milk is safer and better than homogenized milk. Why?
Supposedly the process of homogenizing milk released potentially harmful enzymes.
For its February issue, the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter looked into this.
"The bottom line is, that's nonsense," says Dr. John Swartzberg, who heads the editorial board at the Wellness Letter.
"Homogenization just means that it's really mixed up so much that the fat globules become so small that they mix perfectly well with the rest of the milk, so it doesn't leave that creamy layer on top."
Swartzberg says there are several good reasons to drink homogenized milk.
"It's got a longer shelf-life, people seem to absorb the nutrients from homogenized milk better, so it's more digestible, and most people like the taste better."
Something else he wants parents to know: studies have clearly shown that homogenized milk does not increase allergy or intolerance problems when its fed to children.
For more information
Homogenized Milk Myths Busted
Supposedly the process of homogenizing milk released potentially harmful enzymes.
For its February issue, the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter looked into this.
"The bottom line is, that's nonsense," says Dr. John Swartzberg, who heads the editorial board at the Wellness Letter.
"Homogenization just means that it's really mixed up so much that the fat globules become so small that they mix perfectly well with the rest of the milk, so it doesn't leave that creamy layer on top."
Swartzberg says there are several good reasons to drink homogenized milk.
"It's got a longer shelf-life, people seem to absorb the nutrients from homogenized milk better, so it's more digestible, and most people like the taste better."
Something else he wants parents to know: studies have clearly shown that homogenized milk does not increase allergy or intolerance problems when its fed to children.
For more information
Homogenized Milk Myths Busted
Homogenizing our milk is illegal, and I'm very mad about it! How could they do something so stupid? I've noticed that this has been going on since about 2005. And what about the lack of calcium? Humans need 100% calcium to keep their bones strong; some people cannot work or exercise because of homogenized milk! This has gone on far too long. I swear, someone will fix this crisis.
"It's got a longer shelf-life, people seem to absorb the nutrients from homogenized milk better, so it's more digestible..."
Actually all of these are bad things. I cured my lactose intolerance in about one week just by drinking normal  (and I mean non-homogenized) milk every day.Â
I drank milk straight from the dairy next door . My wife had her own cow until she moved into the city as an adult. We have no health issues. I am sure our parents were the same way. Mine are both still alive and kicking. If cigs, beer and other hard alcohol are perfectly legal (even as toxic as it is), why is there an issue with milk?
The issue with milk is the percentage of milk that enters the system with dangerous nasties in it.  Good ol' wholesome milk that can make you sick or even kill a person under just the right circumstances.
Yeah - many farms produce milk that doesn't have problems, but come on - when we have factory farms that can't even get a vegetable to the table without it getting contaminated with e-coli, salmonella and other nasties, you can't expect milk to get there any better unless it's made safe by pasteurization, etc.Â
I've yet to hear a single anti-homogonization or anti-pasteurization 'tale' that has any truth to it. There's lots of non-scientifically sound opinions out there that sound all nice and pretty - but not one that I've heard actually holds any validity.
@FormerMarineSgtÂ
Are "anti-homogonization or anti-pasteurization" issues a little bit different things? I know personally that homogenized milk had caused my lactose intolerance and consuming non-homogenized milk got me back to normal. I can do get lactose intolerance again in a couple of months if I need it back. That's true.  What danger is in selling pasteurizated  non-homogenized milk? I can buy it freely in Finland but not in the US. Nonsence.
I say we the people should make a stand against the government just like women take a stand on hands off their wombs. If I want to drink raw milk so be it!
After childhood, people should really not be drinking milk at all. We are the only mammal that does this. Our bodies become more and more lactose intolerant as we age. Maybe we should wise up and listen to our bodies.Â
A small percentage of people are lactose intolerant. Let's not broadcast how 'bad' milk is when the vast majority of people never suffer the problems that are used when people tell us how bad it is.
For those folks who actually have problems with milk, they should listen to thier bodies, but most folks don't have these problems.
Like 'gluten intolerance' is a fad today, the pressure from 'no milk' people is not always based in actual science.
@lakeview Not all adults are lactose intolerant. In my family, all of the adults drink milk with no ill effects. Milk is healthy - a great way to get important nutrients.