Milk and Alternatives

Hey everyone I am back from a great week camping.

I had a friend ask me what I think about milk, and the alternatives that are out there. I think that it's something everyone should look into and find which one is right for them. It depends on the person, whether that milk is right for them. Here you will find information of the different types so you know you have options and then try which is right for you.
There are many forms of milk out there, cow's milk (pasteurized or raw), soy milk, goat's milk, rice and almond milk. So, which one should you chose.

First, not everyone has access to raw milk. It is actually difficult to get raw milk except if you are part of a Co-Op or farm. The reason they pasteurize milk is to keep it clean from bacteria and harmful pathogens, but it is important to mention with the machinery and stainless steal equipment that is used now the pasteurization process is unnecessary. The most important thing you want from your milk is for it to be hormone free. It would be great to have it un-pasteurized but we do not all live by a raw cow farm. Look into finding the closest one to you. So, if buying one in the store stay with a HM free and organic milk. Pasteurization does not only kill digestion enzymes but also amino acids, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12 as well as 80% of water soluble vitamin's. When a digestion enzyme is destroyed you disrupt the body's absorption proces of body building vitamins like calcium. That is why some people that drink milk might still develop Osteoporosis. If you are looking for a company to provide you with un-pasteurized milk and pasture feed cows you can look at http://www.realmilk.com/

Some people have been very pleased with raw goat's milk. This is easier to find as more and more people are raising their own goats for milk and find it is easier to digest and consume. The thing about raw milk is it has not been striped of the beneficial enzymes needed for digestion. That is why you will find so many lactose intolerant people. Those that are sensitive to cow's milk will enjoy goat's milk, the taste is not that different but might take getting use to. It also makes great cheese and yogurts. It is even a great alternative for babies that can not nurse for one reason or another, the canned goat's milk is not the same and should be avoided. My sister-n-law and family have enjoyed the change to goats milk so much that they now raise and milk their own goat's, making yogurts and cheeses as well.

Many people have tried the Rice, Soy, and almond milks also. These you can find in the cold sections and in boxed forms in the dry aisles as well. The Rice milk is made from the starches of brown rice, usually less allergic than soy. Soy is very beneficial and a great choice as a milk as well, but there has been controversy over whether soy is harmful to men. Some studies have shown that children raised on only soy milk have an increased risk of prostate problems and could become sterile. This is not completely proven, but soy is a natural estrogen and great for women that are looking for a natural hormone replacement. So, men can drink soy in moderation. Supplementing where needed will not cause these problems listed. You can also try the almond milk, this is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Almond milk is high in calcium and low in fat. Almond milk is also easy to digest. Please be advised that making alternatives are great, but when you change the diet do so rotating your intake of any one item. When people do straight soy or straight rice milk, you can develop allergies. When you rotate you rice, soy, almond, and goat's milk you get a rounded source of vitamins and minerals. I have a few recipes for making your own milks with the rice, soy, and almonds, if interested just email you request.

If you would like to try to make your own Rice milk

Vanilla Rice Milk
1 cup of brown rice
3 cups of pure water
1 drop of liquid lecithin
1/2 tsp vanilla - for taste
1 Tb sweetener (honey)
1/8 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp xanthan gum---found in health food stores

Cook rice with water in pan for about 20-30 minutes until thickened. ( Rice Base)
Mix 1/3 Rice Base with lecithin, vanilla, honey, sweetener, and sea salt. in blender and mix.
Add 1 quart of water, slowly, along with the xanthan gum while blending in blender. Add more water if too thick and more base if to thin. You can make just the way you desire. Store in glass jars in refrigerate. Shake before pouring. This should make about 4 1/2 cups.

Have a blessed and healthy day!