Is Cheese really Healthy? Know about the possible Benefits.
While so many of us think cheese as a not-so-healthy food, it is not really so. Surprised? Yes. That’s really it is. We often think cheese to be an occasional snack that is ‘sometimes’ eaten with guilt. However, researches show that cheese can be a staple food in our regular diet. So many statements we encounter about cheese are often myths and misconceptions. In Australian countries, cheese is one of the healthy foods they enjoy daily. So what could be the possible benefits of eating cheese? Read ahead to know.
As we know, cheese is a dairy product that can actually benefit health in variety of ways. In fact, it can improve long-term health. Cheese is primarily made of fat and protein. It also contains lots of vitamins and minerals that benefit health. A 100 Gms of cheddar cheese gives around 406 calories. It contains 24 g of protein, 1.3 gm. of carbs and 33.8g of fat.
Health benefits of eating cheese
- As known, cheese is an excellent source of protein. The proteins in cheese are casein, a form a milk proteins. These are easily digestible and are rich in essential amino acids. It promotes lower blood pressure and provides increased absorption of minerals during digestion.
- The fat content in cheese varies depending on its type. For instance cottage cheese has 1-34% while cream cheese has higher amounts of fat. The cheese fat is complex with various fatty acids present in it. It contains good amounts of monounsaturated fat and around 70% of saturated fat.
- Cheese contains good dietary source of calcium to benefit bone health. It also prevents the risk of fractures and fights against osteoporosis.
- The presence of vitamin B12 and cobalamin benefits the functioning of the nervous system.
- Cheese is good for heart health. Regular consumption of milk products is always beneficial for heart as it reduces hypertension.
Overall, cheese is quite easier among the dairy products to take into a meal. You can use it as a core ingredient, or a side dip, or even a topping.
However, for those having lactose intolerance and milk allergy, cheese consumption has to be kept an eye on. The presence of lactose in cottage cheese and cream cheese are higher when compared to aged cheese. So, it is better for such people to avoid fresh cheese.
For children with milk allergy, casein and whey protein are the culprits. Since Cheese contains traces of these two compounds it is better to avoid such milk products.