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Milk, Explained.
Raw, Whole, Skim, A1 vs A2... What milk should you be drinking?
Let’s talk milk.
Have you ever stopped to think about why humans drink it at all? It’s everywhere in our diets, but most of us don’t really ask the question. Milk was designed to help infants grow strong, healthy, and resilient. It’s basically nature’s first nutritional booster pack, loaded with protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
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Over time, humans started drinking milk from other animals—mostly cows—and processing it to make it safer. But those processes also changed some of the natural benefits. Understanding what’s in your milk, and how it’s handled, can completely change the way you think about this everyday drink.
🥛 Milk for Growth & Immunity
For infants, milk provides more than calories—it provides antibodies and growth factors critical for immunity and development. The very first milk produced is called colostrum, and it’s packed with immune-boosting compounds that help newborns thrive.
Bovine colostrum works similarly in humans. It’s full of bioactive compounds that support immunity, gut health, and overall resilience. For anyone looking to supplement colostrum, ARMRA Colostrum is a fantastic option. It’s carefully processed to preserve over 400 nutrients and growth factors. I take it daily, and it’s become a cornerstone of how I approach immune support and recovery. Whether you want to give your kids a boost or support your own health, colostrum is an easy, natural way to do it.
🌱 Raw vs Pasteurized
Now let’s talk raw vs pasteurized milk. Raw milk hasn’t been heat-treated, so it keeps enzymes, probiotics, and certain immune compounds that can help digestion and immunity. Pasteurized milk, which became common in the 19th century to reduce foodborne illness, is considered by many to be much safer. Heating kills pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, but it also destroys some of those natural compounds.
So the choice between raw and pasteurized milk is basically a balance between safety and preserving some of milk’s original properties. Knowing this helps you make an informed choice for your family. If you choose raw, make sure its from a reputable source and that the cows are 100% grass fed, otherwise there isnt much point in risking anything to drink raw milk from an unhealthy cow.
🐄 A1 vs A2 Milk
Another factor to consider is the type of protein in milk. Cow’s milk contains beta-casein, but not all of it is the same. Some milk has A1 beta-casein, which can produce a peptide called BCM-7 during digestion. BCM-7 may cause digestive discomfort for some people. Milk with A2 beta-casein doesn’t produce BCM-7 and can be easier to digest for those sensitive to A1. Most people tolerate either fine, but if you notice bloating or discomfort, trying A2 milk might be worth it.
🥛 Whole Milk vs Low-Fat & Skim
Whole milk contains all of its natural fat, and that fat isn’t just for flavor—it’s a key carrier for fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Those fats also help with satiety, hormone production, and nutrient absorption, which can even support digestion and immunity. Low-fat and skim milk were created mostly in the 20th century to reduce calories and perceived “heart risks”. The problem? Removing the fat strips out a lot of the benefits, leaving you with something that’s… well, basically like drinking white water. Not very satisfying, and you might still feel hungry after a glass. If your goal is nutrient density, fullness, and actually getting the benefits milk was meant to deliver, whole milk wins every time.
⚖️ The Bottom Line
Milk is nutrient-dense, versatile, and can be a healthy part of your diet. Raw milk offers enzymes and probiotics but comes with higher risk. Pasteurized milk is safer but loses some bioactive compounds. A1 vs A2 may affect digestion for sensitive people. Colostrum gives an immune and growth factor boost unlike anything else. The common thread? Awareness and choice. The more you know, the better your decisions can be.
💡 Practical Tips
Know your source—grass-fed, pasture-raised milk tends to have more omega-3s and nutrients.
Think about your goals—if you want immune support, consider colostrum.
If you want protein and calcium, conventional or A2 milk works fine.
Listen to your body. Digestive discomfort is feedback—experiment and see what works for you.
Milk isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s a tool. It can nourish, support growth, and help your immune system if chosen wisely. And colostrum reminds us that sometimes, the first milk is the most powerful.
Your health is about using the right tools in the right way. Raw, pasteurized, A1, A2, or colostrum—it’s all about informed choices and what works for you and your family.
Thanks for reading! Have a great day, and God bless!
And for fun… Watch it on YouTube :)
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