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Many of the ultimate comfort foods are oozing with cheese. mac and cheese, Lasagna, enchiladas, stuffed shells… just thinking about cheese that foams with the perfect amount of pull is drool-inducing. But are dairy-rich foods like these healthy? Or is there such a thing as healthy cheese?
Cheese is healthy, according to registered dietitians, but not all cheeses are created equal, and it’s important to know which ones are the healthiest. “It really depends on the individual and the source of the cheese,” says registered dietitian Sarah Neumann, RDIn general, cheese is a good source of nutrients such as protein, fat, calcium, potassium, vitamin K and phosphorus, she says. “Consuming cheese is a quick and convenient way to add calcium to your diet,” Neumann says. These people want to minimize their intake, as it can manifest as a tolerance. (In that case, there are plenty of alternative cheeses out there for you!)
Related: Do dairy products cause inflammation?
Even though cheese contains many beneficial nutrients, registered dietitians Ellis Harlow, RDsays some cheeses are high in sodium and saturated fat, which are bad for heart health. According to scientific researchshe recommends buying organic cheese when possible, because non-organic cheese tends to be high in saturated fat. “It could be related to,” she says.
Harlow says so Scientific research shows No significant health difference diet With or without cheese.
Feel good about not having to cut your cheese life How to live your best and healthiest life? The problem here is that the healthiest cheese I have. Keep reading to see how RD ranks.
Top 10 Healthiest Cheeses According to RD:
1. Mozzarella
If you like cheese, but also want to watch your calorie and fat intake, Harlow says mozzarella is a good option. says. Neumann adds that mozzarella cheese also tends to be low in sodium.
2. Manchego
Manchego is a Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk and is very low in lactose, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance, says Neumann. “Sliced manchego her cheese pairs well with fresh fruit such as prosciutto, pears, olives, figs and walnuts,” she says.
3. goat cheese
Both RDs say goat cheese might be a good option for people who don’t like cow’s milk cheese. “That’s because the casein protein in goat cheese doesn’t cause the inflammatory effects associated with other types of dairy,” says Neumann. Goat cheese is also rich in seleniuma nutrient that helps protect the body from inflammation.
Related: 25 foods that are good for your heart
4. Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese has more protein than most other cheeses,” says Harlow on why Parmesan is the number one pick. Parmesan cheese has twice the amount of protein as goat cheese For example, Harlow also says that this is another low-lactose cheese, making it another good choice for those with sensitivities.
5. Switzerland
“Swiss cheese contains various compounds that help lower blood pressure,” says Neumann. One in particular is Vitamin B-12Swiss cheese contains more of this nutrient than any other cheese. Vitamin D.
6. Cheddar
Many cheddar cheeses at the grocery store are heavily processed, so when buying, remember Harlow’s original advice about choosing organic to keep your cheddar cheese low in sodium. “Real cheddar cheese turns off-white or mild he orange when you add spices,” he says. Eating high-quality cheddar cheese will help you get enough vitamin K, an important nutrient for bone health, digestion, and the heart, she says. Pro tip: Full-fat cheddar cheese pleasehas more vitamin K than low-fat cheddar cheese.
Related: What are the four best fats to eat?
7. Pecorino Romano
Pecorino Romano is an Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk. CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)has been associated with reducing inflammation and supporting heart health.
8. Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano, as the name suggests, is an Italian cheese, but unlike Pecorino Romano, it is made with raw cow’s milk instead of sheep’s milk. “Raw milk comes from grass-fed cows that are nutritious with high levels of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K,” he says.
9. Feta cheese
Feta cheese has fewer calories than most other cheeses, so it’s a good option for those with weight loss health goals in mind, says Harlow. increase. “Feta cheese is also delicious crumbled and put on top of a salad. pasta Or pair it with a sweet element like watermelon salad,” adds Neumann.
10. Cottage cheese
Harlow says cottage cheese has more protein than most other cheeses. 8 grams of nutrients per servingCottage cheese can be added to smoothies, topped with fruit or granola, or used as a substitute for sour cream in savory dishes.
Clearly, this top 10 list shows that cheese can be part of a healthy diet. “Cheese lovers can increase their dietary satisfaction by including cheese in their meals. This is an area that is often overlooked when people are trying to eat healthy,” says Harlow. “Sometimes when people are trying to improve their nutrition, they eat so healthy that they don’t really enjoy the food they’re eating. This causes someone to ‘give up’ on the diet.” and may experience binge eating. ” With this in mind, enjoy your cheese and nutritionist order!
next, Check out this list of the 40 best foods to eat while trying to lose weight.
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