Are you well-aware about the study - "Beware Of E.Coli While Drinking Raw Milk"? Milk earned its favorite place amongst dieticians since almost eternity – not just as a rich source of calcium and protein, but also as an indispensable companion to cookies and brownies. But a recent study had brought in an immense controversy too. Therefore, it is an absolute must to know all about the study - beware of E. Coli while drinking raw milk.

Facts and Figures:
There had been a fairly recent outbreak of E. Coli in Connecticut that hospitalized four people with life-threatening illnesses. It was believed that this was caused due to their consumption of raw milk. Not just that, the infection also spread beyond those who drank the milk. On a separate instance, in July 2010, at least 30 people were tested positive for E. Coli caused by raw goat milk. In Minnesota, in June 2010, five people were diagnosed with E. Coli caused due to their consumption of raw cow’s milk. Such recent outbreaks of E. Coli had made people think how to avoid E. Coli while drinking raw milk.

Diseases Caused by E. Coli:
E. Coli is a kind of bacteria commonly found in the lower intestine of human beings. This causes numerous diseases - from minor infections to life-threatening illnesses. In the Connecticut outbreak, all the patients had diarrhea, with blood coming out. One of the patients was also affected with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which could even lead to a brain damage or even death. Three children were also affected by hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially deadly E. Coli complication that destroys the red blood cells and causes short-term kidney failure. Such diseases not just bring pain and trouble to the patients, they also generate huge expenses.

Concerns:
The partial and incomplete information as well as believes that people have is a growing concern for the government, which in turn, is not letting them to beware of E. Coli while drinking raw milk. Some people think that pasteurizing raw milk takes away all its nutrients, decreasing the activity of vitamins, like vitamin C, B12 and thiamine. Some also believe that raw milk has medicinal properties in them and can cure even chronic diseases. Such misconceptions make people buy unpasteurized milk, even at a higher cost. Not just that, some people are also touting raw goat milk as an alternative to mother's milk.

Prevention:
Pasteurizing milk is the only way to reduce the presence of bacteria in raw milk. Because of the location of the cow's anus to the cow's udder, it makes it easier for the bacteria to get into the milk. Therefore, no matter how good you may think the quality of raw milk is, it is important to eliminate these bacteria before drinking them. Bacteria cannot survive heat and hence, pasteurizing the milk is the best way to purify your milk. No significant nutrient loss occurs when milk is pasteurized.
Hence, go for pasteurized milk always, in order to be safe and avoid E. Coli while drinking raw milk.

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