Love of humanity cheese Cheese is older than recorded history. Many historians believe that cheese was first invented by accident. milk It was left out in the sun. What started as a mistake has now become a widely practiced culinary technique. tradition It reflects thousands of years of craftsmanship.
because cheese Produced almost everywhere around the world, this ingredient exists in many forms: hot and salty, mild and melting, soft and stinky, and everything in between.
Cheese is some Our Favorite RecipesAdds richness to everything Appetizers Heartfelt Main DishBut can too much of a good thing be bad?
We consulted nutritionists and dieticians to uncover all the pros (and cons) of eating lots of cheese. While everyone’s diet is different, there are some things everyone should consider when browsing the cheese aisle. Here’s what you need to know:
What are the health benefits of cheese?
Cheese shares much of its nutritional composition with the milk it’s made from, but the cheese-making process compresses many of those nutrients into a denser package. “Most cheeses are good sources of calories, protein, calcium and phosphorus,” says Ángel Luc. Registered Dietitian She is also a nutritionist, but because there are so many different ways to make cheese, its effect on your diet can vary.
“Cheeses like mozzarella and blue cheese contain live, active bacteria that can boost good bacteria in your gut,” says a registered dietitian. Alex EvinkThe concentrations of calcium, lactose, sodium and micronutrients also vary depending on how long the cheese has been aged.
So are some cheeses “healthier” than others? The answer is no, because this is a bit of a trick question.
Everyone has different nutritional needs and goals, so what’s most nutritionally beneficial for one person may not be the most nutritionally beneficial for another. “It depends on what nutrients you want to get more of, or less of,” says Luk.
For example, if you’re looking to add more protein to your diet, certain cheeses might be a good choice. “Cottage cheese, for example, is high in protein and relatively low in fat,” she says. Dr. Chris MooreFortune magazine’s fitness and nutrition advisor health recommendation: Those who have trouble digesting lactose may benefit from eating hard cheeses such as Parmesan, adds Evink.
Is it okay to eat cheese every day?
Yes, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying cheese as part of your daily diet, but like any other food, experts recommend consuming it in moderation. There are a few reasons for this.
First, cheese is a calorie-dense food: One ounce of hard cheese contains an estimated 120 calories. Harvard School of Public HealthAn ounce isn’t much, especially if you Cheese Board.
Another important consideration is the sodium in cheese: salt is an essential preservative to draw out moisture and keep bad bacteria at bay (as is the case with cured meats and pickles).
The average American consumes more sodium than the recommended daily allowance. Not managing your sodium intake can increase your risk of long-term health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Generally, cheeses that have been aged longer contain more sodium, but Evink recommends checking the label of each cheese to monitor your intake.
When it comes to saturated fats, moderation is also key: Fats that come from animals are typically high in saturated fats, which are linked to high cholesterol and, in the long term, can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, says Luk.
While there are certainly risks, that doesn’t mean you should avoid cheese altogether — the key is to avoid eating too much of it.
“Eating a small amount of cheese every day, like a little feta on a salad or mozzarella on a sandwich, is perfectly fine for most people,” Moore says. “Just make sure you eat in moderation and choose nutritious cheeses.”
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