Cheese is generally known as a high-fat food. That's why it has a bad reputation. While it is true that cheese contains a high amount of fat, it is surprisingly beneficial for health.
Cheese is what is known as a whole food: a food that is as close as possible to its natural form, with minimal or no processing.
The nutrition you get from cheese can vary greatly depending on what type of cheese you eat and how much. It's best not to buy highly processed types of cheese, as they can contain additives and high levels of sodium.
According to the news compiled by WebMD about cheese; Each type of cheese has different vitamin and mineral values.
Vitamins and Minerals in Cheese
The vitamins and minerals in cheese are as follows;
- Protein
- vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
For example; 28 grams of American cheese contains:
- 104 calories
- 5 grams of protein
- 9 grams of fat
- 1 gram of carbohydrates
- 0 grams of fiber
- 0.6 grams of sugar
- 293 milligrams of calcium
- 486 milligrams of sodium
Contains 1 ounce of Brie cheese;
- 95 calories
- 0 grams of carbohydrates
- 8 grams of fat
- 6 grams of protein
- 150 milligrams of calcium
- 180 milligrams of sodium
Contains 1 ounce of feta cheese;
- 75 calories
- 1 gram of carbohydrates
- 6 grams of fat
- 5 grams of protein
- 140 milligrams of calcium
- 323 milligrams of sodium
According to the news in WebMD; Harder cheeses are higher in sodium, and their nutritional content varies from brand to brand.
Potential Health Benefits of Cheese
Cheese contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K2, a nutrient your body uses for blood clotting. Studies have shown that dairy products like cheese can help you prevent cavities from developing on your teeth.
Bone and muscle health;
The calcium and protein in cheese are great for building strong bones and muscles. Whey protein, the same protein used in many powdered muscle-building supplements, is abundant in cheese. Vitamins A, D, K and zinc found in cheese are also thought to contribute to bone health.
Lowers blood pressure;
Cheese types such as cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan, feta cheese and goat cheese contain high calcium and help lower blood pressure.
Less inflammation;
The milk fats in cheese contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may help relieve inflammation and even prevent heart disease and obesity.
Protects Vascular Health;
Studies show that cheese can be a good source of glutathione, an antioxidant that helps protect brain health.
Gut health;
Fermented foods such as cheese and yogurt contain probiotic bacteria. Some research has shown that healthy gut bacteria may have to keep cholesterol levels healthy.
Source: WebMD