The Benefits of Cheese It's a Pity to Skip

For some people, cheese is a food that needs to be avoided because of the fat and salt content in it. Or because they don't like the taste. But, actually cheese also has a number of nutrients that are good for the body. Some people might like cheese and even make it a snack, but there are also some people who actually feel afraid to consume it. Cheese is a food product made from animal milk such as cows, goats or sheep. Different types of cheese, different nutritional content. But in general, cheese is rich in calcium, protein, vitamins A, B12, phosphorus, riboflavin, magnesium, and zinc (zinc) which are important nutrients for the body.

Health Benefits of Cheese

One slice of cheese weighing 40 grams contains almost the same amount of calcium as a cup of milk or yogurt. As long as it is not consumed in excess and sufficient to meet the nutritional needs every day, the content contained in cheese can provide you with various benefits. The following are some of the health benefits of cheese for you to know.

• The benefits of cheese for pregnant and nursing mothers

Cheese contains nutrients that are needed by mothers and babies. Because Mother's Milk (ASI) is an important source of nutrition for babies, it is recommended to consume cheese during the breastfeeding period to assist in providing the nutrients needed by your baby. For pregnant women it is recommended to only consume hard textured cheese like cheddar, semi-soft cheese like mozzarella, or cheese that has gone through the process of pasteurization (not cheese made from raw milk). Some types of cheese are not safe for consumption by pregnant women because they are prone to developing dangerous Listeria bacteria. You can combine cheese with other healthy foods such as salads, soups, or bread.

• The benefits of cheese for dental health

Some studies claim that bacteria found in cheese can help prevent tooth decay or friability. Cheese made without added sugar is also thought to increase calcium and phosphorus content in tooth enamel, thereby reducing the risk of cavities.

• The health benefits of cheese

A study shows children who regularly eat cheese have higher bone density than those who do not. Cheese can be a more natural source of calcium compared to supplements or vitamins.

In addition to some of the benefits above, cheese is also thought to be one way to protect yourself from certain diseases, such as cancer, obesity (if you consume low-fat and not excessive type of cheese), and heart disease. Other studies have also shown that consuming dairy products that go through the fermentation process, such as cheese and yogurt, can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. But the results of this study are still controversial and need further investigation. You can discuss recommendations for serving cheese or other dairy products with your doctor before taking them.

Cheese and Healthy Ways to Enjoy It

Cheese has a variety of types and textures, such as semi-soft cheese, hard cheese, fresh cheese, blue cheese, cheese whose skin is washed, and processed cheese. Each cheese has a different nutritional content, for example cottage cheese which is included in the type of fresh cheese, has a lot of casein, which is a protein needed by muscle tissue. Some types of cheese also have a higher calcium content compared to other cheeses. To get the optimal benefits of cheese, it helps you be more careful in assessing the content that is in the cheese you consume. Choose low-fat cheese if you want to avoid intake of calories and high fat. After choosing which cheese you will consume, try to mix it with a variety of other healthy foods, such as lean meat, fruit and vegetables. For example, mixing low-fat cheese with broccoli and salmon, semi-soft cheese with apples, or with pieces of bread and chicken breast. Cheese is not only delicious, but also has many health benefits for the body. Consumption of cheese can help meet the needs of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and vitamins and minerals the body needs. However, some types of cheese also contain high calories, fat, and salt. Therefore, remain careful in choosing and eating cheese.