Dairy is one of the four basic food groups. The American Food guide suggests several servings of Dairy each day. But sometimes cheese gets a bad rap. It’s true that it can be fattening. However, it can also be very healthy. Here we will discuss the health benefits of cheese.
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Cheese Protein
Cheese is an excellent source of protein. For example, an ounce of cheddar cheese equals 7 grams of protein. An ounce of part skim mozzarella cheese equals 8 grams of protein.
A cup of cottage cheese equals 9 grams of protein. So you can enjoy cheddar cheese as a snack with crackers. And the mozzarella cheese is what makes pizza okay to dine on once in a while. Remember, protein is what helps to boost your metabolism and, by extension, helps you to lose weight.
Cheese Calcium
Calcium is also very important in your daily diet. As we know, calcium is what strengthens our bones and teeth. Let’s take that same sample of cheddar, cottage and mozzarella cheese.
The cheddar cheese contains 200 mgs of calcium, the cottage cheese 180 mgs and the mozzarella cheese 207. As you can see, cheese offers a healthy dose of calcium too. Consuming a regular regimen of cheese can help to fight osteoporosis .The trick is to consume low fat cheese.
Prevent Cancer
Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Spingolipids are two substances that you probably haven’t heard of. But now you have. They help to prevent cancer. And cheese is an excellent place to find both. So as long as you eat your cheese in moderation, you can help to decrease your risk of cancer.
Improve Body Functions
Fiber is usually a good way to improve your body functions. But so is Vitamin B. Cheese has plenty of that as well. So if you consume a reasonably amount of cheese, you can take advantage of a great source of vitamin B, improve your body functions and fight off disease.
Lower your Blood Pressure
There is a possibility that consuming more cheese (and dairy products in general) can help to lower your blood pressure. A study in Spain found that adults who consume more dairy are 54% less likely to develop hypertension. This study involved more than 5, 000 adults. Granted that is dairy in general, but cheese is still an integral part of dairy.
Now that you know the basics, be sure to add cheese to your diet. It doesn’t have to be a fancy kind. Just make sure that it is low in fat. Good luck!
