Behind the deliciousness, the benefits of cheese are very diverse. Various nutritional content in it can provide good for body health, from maintaining bone strength to healthy digestive tract.
Cheese is a dairy product that can be consumed as a snack or processed into various types of food and pastries. Not only delicious, cheese is also known as a good source of nutrients for the body.
However, some people are afraid to eat it because of the fat and salt content in it. In fact, when consumed properly, cheese can provide many health benefits.
Nutritional Content in Cheese
The various benefits that can be provided by cheese certainly cannot be separated from the nutritional content in it. The following are some of the nutrients contained in cheese:
- Carbohydrate
- Fat
- Protein
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Phosphor
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
Not only that, cheese also contains omega-3, the amino acid cysteine, as well as various types of antioxidants, such as riboflavin, beta carotene, and glutathione.
Health Benefits of Cheese
There are several benefits that can be obtained by regularly consuming cheese, including:
1. Maintain bone strength and health
As a type of dairy product, cheese is known to be beneficial for maintaining bone strength and health. This is thanks to the abundant calcium and protein content in it.
Not only calcium, protein content, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin K, in cheese are also known to be good for maintaining bone health. With adequate intake of these nutrients, you can avoid various bone problems, such as osteoporosis.
2. Maintain dental health
Not only maintain bone strength, cheese is also beneficial for maintaining healthy teeth. This is supported by several studies that prove that cheese can protect teeth from the risk of cavities.
In fact, there are also studies that show that children who consume more dairy products, including cheese, have a lower risk of cavities than children who do not consume milk and other dairy products.
3. Healthy digestive tract
Cheese is a type of food that is processed by fermentation. This processing method makes cheese contain probiotic bacteria which are known to be good for maintaining a healthy digestive tract.
However, eating too much cheese can actually cause constipation. Not only that, in some people who can't digest lactose, cheese can cause digestive problems, such as diarrhea.
4. Lowering blood pressure
Cheese is thought to control blood pressure and prevent hypertension. This is due to the high calcium content in it. In order to get the benefits of cheese to lower blood pressure to the maximum, it is recommended that you choose cheese that is low in fat and salt, such as cheese ricotta and cheese cottages.
5. Reduce the risk of heart disease
Several studies have shown that adequate consumption of dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and stroke.
However, further research is still needed on the effectiveness and safety level of cheese consumption to maintain heart health.
6. Relieves inflammation in the body
Until now, dairy products, including cheese, were considered a type of food that could trigger inflammation in the body.
In fact, some studies show that cheese contains linoleic acid, a type of fatty acid known to reduce inflammation. In fact, this fatty acid is also believed to be able to lose weight.
In addition to the above benefits, cheese is also believed to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. However, further research is still needed to confirm the various claims for the benefits of this cheese.
Healthy Ways to Enjoy Cheese
The nutrients that can be obtained from cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese you consume. The following are some types of cheese and the main nutrients in them:
Mozzarella
Cheese mozzarella is a cheese that contains a lot of water and is lower in salt and calories than most other types of cheese. Cheese mozzarella It also contains many probiotic bacteria which are good for digestive health.
Blue cheese
Blue cheese It can be recognized by its pungent odor and appearance which is white with blue or gray hues. This type of cheese is considered high in nutrients and contains more calcium than other types of cheese.
Feta
Feta is a type of cheese that is usually made from goat's or sheep's milk. This type of cheese is high in salt, but lower in calories than some other types of cheese. Feta also rich in content linoleic acid which is good for the body.
cottage
Cheese cottage is a type of cheese that is high in protein and low in calories. Therefore, this cheese is often recommended for consumption by people who are losing weight.
Parmesan cheese
Cheese, which is often used as a topping for pizza, contains high calcium and phosphorus so it is good for consumption to maintain bone strength and health.
In addition, there are also several other types of cheese, such as cheese ricotta, swiss cheese and cheese cheddar.
To get the maximum benefits of cheese, it is recommended that you choose cheese that does not go through a lot of processing. If in doubt, read the nutritional value information label of cheese products before buying them.
After choosing the cheese that you will consume, try to mix the cheese with a variety of other healthy foods, such as lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. This method can help you to meet your daily nutritional needs.
If you still have questions about the health benefits of cheese or want to find out which diet suits your health condition, don't hesitate to consult with your doctor.