We’ve got great news for cheese lovers
If you Havarti a self-proclaimed love for cheese, it doesn’t get much cheddar than this: Cheese curd actually be gouda for you!
All cheesy jokes aside, a study reveals that cheese may not be as much of a nutritional villain as historically thought. In fact, the study suggests that consuming whole-fat dairy foods may help to reduce body fat. And who better to speak on the matter than a physician hailing from the majestic dairy empire that is Wisconsin?
“Obviously, you can overdo something, right? If you’re eating an overabundance of cheese every day, you’re not going to see magnificent health results,” says Dr. Janna Kroiss, family medicine physician at Aurora Health Center in Two Rivers, Wis. “But what we need to do is work on ditching the misguided theory that ‘calories in’ equals ‘calories out’. It’s simply not that simple.”
It turns out cheese is actually packed with healthy nutrients and substances, like protein and calcium. Here are some cheeses to consider when on your next grocery shopping excursion:
- Mozzarella and swiss – contain less sodium and fat than most cheeses
- Cottage cheese – high in protein, but be sure to opt for the full-fat version
- Parmesan – rich in calcium and phosphorus
- Cheddar – great for bone and heart health, thanks to a rich source of vitamin K
- Muenster, blue and brie – great choices for those with an intolerance to lactose
The list goes on. But there are a couple types of cheeses Dr. Kroiss recommends against.
“One thing to keep in mind is that processing foods removes or destroys some of their nutritional value and loads them with preservatives,” says Dr. Kroiss. “So I advise staying away from foods like cheese singles or cheese sprays.”
The unfortunate truth is that, even though it could be good for you, cheese still contains a lot of saturated fat, which can adversely affect your cholesterol. Dr. Kroiss encourages people to seek the personalized advice from their doctor before making any dietary changes.
“Another important aspect of cheese consumption is to remember to enjoy it,” she says. “Try to limit yourself to no more than about four ounces of cheese per day. And take the time to savor it, because cheese should be a pleasant, delightful treat and not your sole source of nutrition.”
Are you trying to find a doctor? Look here if you live in Illinois. Look here if you live in Wisconsin.
Related Posts
Comments
10 Comments
About the Author
health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
I like a few cubes of cheese any time but specially at bedtime.
Just wondered, why not 2% cottage cheese?
Thank you!
Why “Cottage cheese – high in protein, but be sure to opt for the full-fat version?”
Why not 2% cottage cheese?
Same question as someone else, why full fat cottage cheese?
Full fat dairy products are high in vitamin K, which is not present in low fat/skim milk.
Vitamin K is a necessary nutrient.
It is found in vegetables, greens, like kale.
Vitamin K, B, D are all fat soluable vitamins. Your body will process and absorb them better when consumed in a medium that contains healthy fats. You need some fat to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. They do not dissolve in water. That is why many people take such high doses of vitamin B and D supplements. The body can not absorb it all.
Healthy fats are actually good for you. Sugar is the real monster. Fat is bad when in the presence of insulin resistance.
Curious to why you advise people for full fat dairy? Isn’t that increasing saturated fat for people, which is something dieticians across the board try to minimize?
Also, do you have information regarding the inflammatory response of dairy products, including cheese? Although it does provide calcium and other nutrients, the benefits of these that are found in cheese can be found in healthier food products.
Would you be able to rate gouda cheese, should I eat it or stay away from it?
When it comes to Cottage Cheese I always watch for the kind that does not have any preservatives in it. There is a well know brand that I purchase because of the fact that there are only 2 to 3 ingredients listed on the label and the ingredients are easily recognizable.
4 oz. Seems like a lot to be able to eat every day
What about Feta cheese? I thought that was a healthy cheese. Is this true?