Can pure milk be heated?
Disease description:
My two-year-old son really wants to drink raw milk, but we are unsure whether heating raw milk has any effect on health. Could you please tell us, doctor, is it safe to heat raw milk?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Bai Hongmei
It is okay to heat pure milk, but attention should be paid to the heating method to avoid damaging the nutrients in the milk.
Common methods for heating milk include water bath heating, microwave heating, and heating in a milk pan. For water bath heating, pour the milk into a heat-resistant container and then place it in a pot filled with hot water for heating. For microwave heating, transfer the milk into a microwave-safe container and heat it on a low power setting, stirring occasionally during the process to ensure even heating. For heating in a milk pan, pour the milk directly into the pan and heat gently over low heat while continuously stirring to prevent scorching.
The ideal temperature for heating milk is between 40°C and 60°C. It is generally recommended not to exceed 70°C. Excessively high temperatures may damage the proteins and some vitamins in the milk, reducing its nutritional value. Additionally, excessive heat may cause the lactose in milk to undergo caramelization, affecting the taste.
If heated milk is not consumed immediately, it should be stored properly in a clean and hygienic container and kept in a cool, dry place, avoiding high temperatures and direct sunlight to prevent compromising the milk's nutritional value and food safety.
