Pasteurized milk is often considered less good than raw or fresh milk. In fact, if viewed medically, consuming raw milk actually makes a person more at risk of being infected with harmful germs, compared to consuming pasteurized milk.
Like milk in general, pasteurized milk also has a variety of nutrients that are good for the health of the body, such as vitamins, minerals, and protein. Unfortunately, the negative myth that develops in society about pasteurized milk makes some people reluctant to consume it, and prefer fresh milk.
Getting to know Pasteurization in Milk
Pasteurization is a sterilization method that functions to kill disease-causing germs that can contaminate milk. The process is done by heating the milk in a certain temperature and duration. Of the various types of pasteurization, one of the most common techniques is ultra high temperature or UHT.
On the UHT technique, milk is heated at a temperature of 137-150 degrees Celsius for about 2 seconds. After that, the milk is stored in an airtight container. As long as the packaging is not opened, milk that has been processed with UHT pasteurization can last up to 90 days even if it is not stored in the refrigerator or refrigerator.
Pasteurized Milk vs Fresh Milk
Here are some myths and facts about pasteurized milk that you need to know:
1. Pasteurization reduces the nutritional value of milk
Milk has a variety of nutrients that are beneficial to health, including protein, fat, minerals, and vitamins. The myth that pasteurization reduces the nutritional value of milk is not true. After the pasteurization process, the nutritional content and benefits of UHT milk are still the same.
2. Only pasteurized milk is needavoided onlactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body cannot digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products, causing various digestive complaints. In this condition, not only the lactose in pasteurized milk cannot be digested, but also the lactose in fresh milk.
3. Only pasteurized milk can cause allergies
This myth is not true. Both pasteurized milk and fresh milk can cause allergies. Milk allergy is more at risk in people who have blood relatives with this condition, and in people with certain conditions, such as atopic dermatitis.
4. Pasteurization reduces fatty acid levels
Research shows that there is no significant difference between fatty acid levels in fresh milk and pasteurized milk. Fatty acids that have various health benefits, including as an energy reserve, can still be found in pasteurized milk.
5. Rate kcalcium bdecrease akibat pasteurization
Calcium contained in milk functions for the growth and maintenance of healthy bones. The myth or assumption that pasteurization reduces calcium levels in milk is not true. Calcium levels are maintained even though milk is pasteurized.
In general, consuming pasteurized milk is more recommended than raw or fresh milk. The main reason is because the pasteurization process has proven to be effective in killing disease-causing germs.
Therefore, it is important to make sure that the milk and dairy products you buy are pasteurized. Otherwise, you will be more at risk of food poisoning from consuming raw milk.
If you are still unsure about choosing the right type of milk for consumption, you can consult directly with a nutritionist. The doctor will determine the intake according to your condition, including the type of milk and the portion.
