Most of the recipes I create are completely dairy-free. Why? A couple reasons. 1. In general, I try to eat more vegetable protein than animal protein. 2. A member of my family has an undiagnosed allergy to dairy. Something about it causes production of excess mucus. Charming, right?
It turns out an awful lot of other people have issues with dairy. Studies show that dairy mal-digestion increases with age and even the number of youngsters with dairy mal-digestion is on the rise (significantly).
Could this be due to the hormones, antibiotics and genetically modified feed the cows receive? Perhaps. But for those with intolerance, even consuming organic dairy products does not resolve the issue.
Here’s a nifty notation: Many people who suffer lactose intolerance are able to consume RAW milk products, without issue! Pasteurization kills the enzymes that digest the lactose, as well as other, helpful bacteria. If you are lucky enough to live in one of the few states that permit the sale of raw milk, give it a try! Don’t forget to inquire about the use of hormones, antibiotics and genetically modified feed in the herd, though. You still want an organic product!
Similarly, raw cheeses also have the digestive enzymes intact. Check the label to see if the cheese is made with raw or pasteurized milk. Raw milk cheeses are permissible on the market if they have been aged a minimum of 60 days.
Now for the best part of all: ORGANIC, RAW MILK PRODUCTS, LOADED WITH HEALING PROBIOTICS, such as raw milk yogurt, kefir and kefir cheeses (kefir being my personal favorite). These are the “crème del la crème”: NO LACTOSE PLUS PROBIOTICS – the “friendly” bacteria. Intestinal health is paramount to overall health. Probiotics introduce healthy bacteria into the intestine for optimal conditions. In fermented yogurt and kefir, lactose feeds the fermentation. What you are left with is a tart, lactose free dairy product that is chalk full of gut-friendly bacteria! YUMMM.
Learn more about the benefits of raw milk (cow or goat) products here. To learn more about raw milk, probiotic cheeses, (aka the healthiest cheese in the USA) visit KefirCheese.com and tell Rose and Marmy that Chef Nancy sent you!
Free Kitchen Tips
