Needham, MA
Americans can be excused if they are confused about raw milk.
On the one hand, they are hearing about its potential health benefits-for example a team of top European researchers in the Gabriela study concluding that raw milk is "associated with a reduced risk of childhood asthma and allergies" compared to pasteurized milk.
And they are also hearing about its potential dangers to cause illnessthe U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on its raw milk food safety pages warns consumers away, arguing, "There are no health benefits from drinking raw milk that cannot be obtained from drinking pasteurized milk that is free of disease-causing bacteria."
How could such high-level scientific sources come to such polar opposite conclusions about such a basic food? Journalist and TheCompletePatient.com blogger, David E. Gumpert answers that question and more than 200 others in his latest book, The Raw Milk Answer Book: What You Really Need to Know About Our Most Controversial Food.
Experts on all sides of the raw milk debate have praised the book's objectivity and thoroughness. According to prolific author and celebrity farmer, Joel Salatin, "Gumpert churns out every answer to every conceivable question in the raw milk controversy. This is a must-read."
Food safety consultant Catharina Berge, a former researcher at the University of California and Washington State University, says, "The book presents the positions and reasons for the opposing views on raw milk, and gives the reader the opportunity to make a well-grounded decision whether to consume raw milk products or stay with pasteurized or conventional dairy products. I highly recommend this book to all consumers interested in raw milk."
David E. Gumpert specializes in reporting on the business and politics of food. He has authored two previous books on food: The Raw Milk Revolution, and Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Food Rights. He is a former business reporter with The Wall Street Journal and an editor with The Harvard Business Review and Inc. magazine. He is also the author or co-author of seven books on entrepreneurship and small business, including Burn Your Business Plan and How to Really Start Your Own Business.
The Raw Milk Answer Book is published by Lauson Publishing Company of Needham, Massachusetts, and is available on Amazon.com and Kindle. Wholesale bulk rates for bookstores, farm stores and food buying clubs are available through Lauson Publishing. Contact Gayle Loiselle at 262-366-2609.
Follow David Gumpert in Twitter @davidgumpert or Skype, david.gumpert1
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Wholesome Praise for the Raw Milk Answer Book
Virginia farmer and author Joel Salatin:
"Filtering the raw milk controversy through his investigative journalist screen, Gumpert gives pure cream to the integrity food world. Read with chocolate chip cookies."
Joseph Heckman, Ph.D. Professor Soil Science, Rutgers University, Past Chair of the Organic Management Systems Community in the American Society Agronomy
"David Gumpert explains in clear and lucid prose why more people are making raw drinking milk their personal choice. And beyond that, he provides valuable guidance on food safety, a review of the evidence for health benefits, and sound advice on sourcing this special food."
Mark Kastel, co-founder and Senior Farm Policy Analyst, Cornucopia Institute:
"Thanks to journalist David Gumpert for writing such an easily digestible primer on such a complex subject. I know it will be welcome by those who want to understand why raw, unpasteurized milk has at once become so popular for those serious about their food options and at the same time become public enemy number one to dairy industry lobbyists and government regulators."
Lindy Woodard, MD:
"As a pediatrician who is a long-time proponent of raw milk for both children and adults, I have long awaited a resource that addresses the concerns and questions that my patients have when I suggest raw milk for their family. David Gumpert has assembled a readable and exhaustive discussion on this very important and difficult subject.
Jean Nordin-Evans, DDS, Co-founder of Groton Wellness, Groton, MA:
"The Raw Milk Answer Book pulls an amazing amount of information together so that, finally, I can demystify raw milk for my patients and colleagues."
Catharina Berge, Ph.D., Guest Professor at Ghent University (Belgium) and former food safety researcher at the University of California and Washington State University:
"In an easily digested and very informative little book, David Gumpert has been able to address the questions, curiosity and concerns of modern day consumers seeking out more natural and raw dairy products. The book presents the positions and reasons for the opposing views on raw milk, and gives the reader the opportunity to make a well-grounded decision whether to consume raw milk products or stay with pasteurized or conventional dairy products. I highly recommend this book to all consumers interested in raw milk."
Robert Karp, executive director of the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association:
"Being an idealistic, savvy, health conscious consumer these days can be a lot of work. Thanks to David Gumpert, making the hard decision whether to include raw milk as part of your family's diet just got a lot easier. David has sorted through loads of data-good and bad, for and againstto create this thorough, balanced, easy to read guide to raw milk for the thoughtful consumer. I hope many people will find their way to this long overdue book!"
Hillary Boynton, co-author Heal Your Gut Cookbook:
"After reading this book, few will be able to argue that, if sourced correctly, raw milk is not a health-promoting food. This book provides the science, support and instruction people need to endorse and safely introduce raw milk into their households."
Judith McGeary, founder Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance:
"David Gumpert's new book provides understandable answers to the most common questions that arise from the complex mix of fact and politics surrounding raw milk in this country. This is an excellent resource for people who are considering bringing raw milk into their lives."
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