It’s enjoyed by many around the world, but not all cheeses are created equal. Some are high in fat and calories, while others are lower in fat and calories. This article explores the health benefits of different types of cheese and helps you choose the healthiest option for your diet.
What is the healthiest cheese? When it comes to cheese, experts say the softer the better. “Soft cheeses that are lower in fat and sodium such as goat cheese and mozzarella are easy to digest and provide nutritional benefits,” says Cassandra Padula Burke, RDN, CPT, a registered dietitian nutritionist, triathlon coach and owner of Catalyst Performance Lab. She adds that “cottage cheese and ricotta offer a higher protein content with fewer calories per serving compared to other cheeses.” Cottage Cheese LauriPatterson Aside from being tasty whether you eat it with fresh fruits or vegetables, cottage cheese boosts a great calorie-to-protein ratio. The USDA reports that a one-cup serving of low-fat cottage cheese contains about 183 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 23 grams of protein.
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A. The Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese
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B.
* Cottage cheese is a versatile food that can be enjoyed in various ways. * It is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. * Cottage cheese is a popular choice for people looking for a healthy and affordable option. * It is a versatile food that can be enjoyed in various ways.
Mozzarella If you thought you had to ditch mozzarella to be healthy, think again! It’s another soft cheese and is “lower in fat and calories compared to many other cheeses,” says Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, fitness and nutrition advisor at Fortune Recommends Health. Mozzarella also has a high protein content and is good for bone strength due to its calcium. Mohr suggests avoiding processed varieties and going for fresh mozzarella instead. “For those concerned with heart health, look for cheeses labeled as ‘part-skim’ or those with reduced fat content.” Goat Cheese As a standout cheese on this list, goat cheese offers a unique health benefit. A 2017 study published in Nutrients found that goat cheese is perfect for controlling a person’s appetite compared to cheeses made with cow’s milk. The author of the study believes this is due to types of fatty acids found in goat’s milk.
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A. The Health Benefits of Goat Cheese
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B.
Goat cheese is a type of cheese made from goat’s milk. It is lower in lactose than cow’s milk cheese, making it a good option for people with lactose intolerance. Goat cheese also contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health.
Parmesan Image Source Experts agree that while not a creamy cheese, parmesan is one of the healthiest cheeses. It’s a little higher in sodium but Dr. Stanford says this goes a long way which may allow people to use less resulting in less fat and calories. Parmesan can also help keep you satiated. How so? It’s full of protein! “Parmigiano Reggiano has the most protein, ounce for ounce, and even more than chicken, pork or beef,” shares Mohr. What should you look for when eating cheese? Ingredients are key when it comes to selecting cheese. “When considering cheese as part of a balanced diet, choose cheeses that are lower in sodium and contain minimal ingredients other than those necessary to make cheese including milk, salt and cultures,” says Burke.
This means choosing cheeses that are high in protein, low in saturated fat, and rich in calcium. Here are some examples of cheeses that fit these criteria:
* **Cheddar:** A versatile cheese with a sharp, tangy flavor. It’s high in protein and calcium, and low in saturated fat. * **Mozzarella:** A soft, milky cheese with a mild flavor.
