It is a common misconception that cheese is bad for you. Most people believe that cheese is delicious but fattening. A food to be eaten cautiously or as a treat but not to be indulged in too frequently or you run the risk of piling on the pounds.
Well, if you are a cheese lover (and who isn’t?) then we have some extremely good news for you. Cheese offers a whole range of health benefits. Now we’re not claiming that cheese is calorie free or some sort of diet super food but eaten in moderation it offers some genuine benefits.
Cheese is good for your teeth. The calcium in cheese is good for teeth but eating cheese after a meal can help also help neutralise the build up of acid in your mouth. This means cheese can help to protect the enamel on your teeth. Hard cheese eaten after a meal is particularly good for this.
Cheese is good for your teeth. The calcium in cheese is good for teeth but eating cheese after a meal can help also help neutralise the build up of acid in your mouth. This means cheese can help to protect the enamel on your teeth. Hard cheese eaten after a meal is particularly good for this.
Cheese is good for your teeth. The calcium in cheese is good for teeth but eating cheese after a meal can help also help neutralise the build up of acid in your mouth. This means cheese can help to protect the enamel on your teeth. Hard cheese eaten after a meal is particularly good for this.
Cheese is good for your bones. Cheese is high in calcium and can help maintain and build strong bones. It should be included in a balanced diet to help build strong bones in growing children. If you have a family history of osteoporosis then including a cheese which is high in calcium in your diet such as parmesan or cheddar could help.
Cheese can help you lose weight. Sound farfetched? This isn’t the first time scientists have carried out research that suggests cheese could actually aid weight loss. The theory has been around for a while. Research has shown that butyrate, found in many cheeses may help boost metabolism.
Cheese is good for building muscle. Cheese is high in protein so eaten as part of a balanced diet can support muscle growth. Experts recommend ricotta which is a great source of whey protein.
Cheese doesn’t have to be high in fat or calories We assume that cheese is high in fat and a high calorie food but cheeses vary. Feta for example is naturally low in fat and contains only 6 grams of fat and 70 calories per ounce. Perhaps surprisingly mozzarella contains only 85 calories and 6 grams of fat per ounce so that pizza may not be quite as fattening as you think.
Cheese can make you feel happy. Now I always assumed that it was the taste of delicious cheese that made me happy or cheered me up if I was feeling down but there could be more to it than that! Many cheeses contain an amino acid called tyrosine. Tyrosine makes us feel content and can help reduce feelings of stress. The fat in cheese also makes our brains produce extra dopamine, a natural feel good chemical which makes us feel happy.
Experts are always exploring the health risks as well as the health benefits of cheese and dairy products. People love cheese but it is often categorised as unhealthy and fattening. Obviously it is important to eat healthily but we think the above makes a strong argument for enjoying cheese regularly as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
