Cheese is a great addition to your meal. But, in recent years there has been conflicting information about consuming it. Is it good for you? Bad for you? The truth is, eating cheese in moderation is good for your health.
The Nutrients and Benefits
There are many types of cheese available all over the world. And each type consists of these main nutrients.
The first is protein. Cheese is loaded with protein. According to the US Department of Agriculture, cheddar cheese contains approximately 23 grams of protein per 100 grams.
The dominant protein in dairy is casein. It is slow-digesting and releases amino acids slowly. It is also a popular supplement for bodybuilders because this slow action helps them reduce recovery and possible muscles breaking down while they sleep.
Another nutrient that dairy products carry is fat. Although many dieters try to stay away from fat, it’s not the enemy. Instead, your body needs a certain amount of fat in your diet to function properly.
Additionally, the actual fat content depends on the type of cheese you eat. And both saturated and monosaturated fats can be present.
Likewise, dairy also contains its own brand of trans fats, called ruminant trans fats. Unlike the other trans fats that are in processed food, this version of trans fat is good for you when eaten in moderation, too.
The ruminant trans fats that are the most available are conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and vaccenic acid. Studies show that CLA may even promote weight loss in people that are overweight.
Next, cheese contains varying amounts of carbohydrates. Milk sugar, or lactose, is the main carbohydrate in milk.
Many people have an allergy or intolerance to this milk sugar. However, the amount of lactose in each type of cheese also varies. So, if you are lactose intolerant it would be good to check which cheeses you can comfortably eat.
And finally, cheese is full of vital vitamins and minerals. It includes zinc, and vitamins A and K2. These nutrients help a variety of health function including bone and heart health.
Final Thoughts
Eating cheese in moderation is good for your health. And, a great addition to your diet. If you are concerned about carbohydrates or fats, do your research. Find out which ones have the fat and carb content you feel comfortable with, and incorporate them into your meals.
