You think cheese Should it always be considered a guilty pleasure? Think again. While some types of cheese are loaded with fat and sodium and don’t have much nutritional value, others offer enough protein, vitamins, and healthy bacteria to be considered absolutely healthy.
In our quest to determine which cheeses are healthiest, we consulted two dieticians and a food scientist. As we learned, there were many different factors to consider. Rosemary Trout, director of the culinary arts and food sciences program at Drexel University, advised us to “consider nutrient density per calorie as a factor,” as well as “satiety…and how well nutrients are absorbed and metabolized.” nutrients”. Jennifer Altman, PsyD, RD, recommended that we look at cheeses that are “low in saturated fat and sodium, and high in protein, calcium, and probiotics.”
Taking all this into account, here are five healthy cheeses that we should eat more often:
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Mozzarella cheese
Packing a huge six grams of protein Per one-ounce serving, mozzarella is one of the healthiest cheeses we can eat. According to Altman, mozzarella is “low in saturated fat and sodium, both nutrients that should be limited,” as well as “a good source of calcium, phosphorus and zinc, all essential nutrients for good bone health.” It is also a good source of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus fermentum bacteria: two valuable probiotics that promote good intestinal health. Bring the mozzarella sticks and the stuffed crust pizza.
Goat cheese
This soft, creamy cheese has a number of health benefits, mainly due to the fact that it is made from (you guessed it) goat’s milk. Goat milk is high in vitamin A and riboflavin (vitamin B2), and also contains less lactose than cow’s milkwhich is good news for those of us who are lactose intolerant.
Additionally, according to Trout, “goat milk…has a higher concentration of short-chain fatty acids compared to bovine milk.” These fatty acids may result in that “deep, tangy flavor…associated with goat milk cheese,” but they are also more “metabolically reactive,” meaning they are less likely to be stored as excess fat in the body. According to Kim Yawitz, RD and owner of Two Six Fitness in St. Louis, Missouri, these smaller fat molecules are “digested more quickly… which can help you feel full faster,” leading to “eating less.” calories in subsequent meals.” “A cheese that comes with built-in portion control assistance? Yes, please.
Curd
This creamy cheese, rich in protein and loaded with valuable vitamins B and B12, has been a well-known health food for years. According to Yawitz, “one cup…contains 24 grams of muscle-building, belly-filling protein,” making it a “recommendation” for people who “struggle to get enough protein.”
Yawitz shares that many brands of cottage cheese also “contain bacteria that can help support the immune system and improve digestion.” Maybe it’s time to give it that viral. cottage cheese cookie dough a shot! Or, if you’re not in the mood for sweet, try this spicy one. pasta with cottage cheese.
Parmesan
With a huge 10 grams of protein per ouncePlus, real Parmesan cheese is also very low in lactose, making it easier to digest than most cow’s milk cheeses. It is also rich in calcium, with 335 mg per ounce service. Parmesan is quite high in sodium, so eating it in large quantities is not recommended, especially if that worries you, but fortunately it has such a flavor that most of us don’t consume large chunks in one sitting. .
Swiss cheese
This famous cheese with holes was originally shortlisted as a superfood in 2017, when Korean researchers discovered that it contains a valuable probiotic called propionibactirium freudenriechii. According to Yawitz, studies have suggested that this probiotic can “help decrease inflammation, fight infections, and even slow the aging process.” Beyond the benefits of this probiotic, Yawitz shares that Swiss cheese is also rich in other key nutrients, such as “vitamin b12, calcium, and phosphorus.” It’s also “a good source of protein and calcium, which are good for bone health,” Altman said. When was the last time you had a Ruben Sandwich? You might want to come back to that.
Which cheese is the healthiest? It depends on what is most important to you. If you’re looking for more protein in your diet, check out your local grocery store for cottage cheese and parmesan. If you’re concerned about the amount of sodium in your diet, grab a ball of mozzarella. And if you want to feel stronger, healthier, and possibly even live longer, opt for that block of Swiss.
Assistant Food Editor
Taylor Ann Spencer is the assistant food editor at Delish, where she develops recipes, creates recipe videos, and designs meals. With a background in writing and theater, as well as professional cooking, she enjoys sharing her love of global flavors and all things baking through informative posts, hosted videos, and just everyday conversations. When she’s not cooking, she thinks about her next culinary combination. Mac and Cheese Stuffed Chiles, anyone?