Is Cheese Good for You? Find out if Gouda is Really for You.

There is a good reason why cheese is a main component of so many comfort dishes. Rich in flavor, it is thick and creamy. The same area of the brain that opioids light up is really activated when cheese is consumed, suggesting that cheese can be addicted.

Delicious? Absolutely. What about cheese, though? On the one hand, it is well known that cheese includes calcium, which promotes the health of bones. The majority of cheeses are heavy in fat, on the other hand. Cheese thus poses a significant health quandary. Why don't we hear from licensed dietitians?

Is Cheese Healthy?

According to Judy Simon, RD, a registered dietitian, business owner of Mind Body Nutrition, and professor at the University of Washington Nutritional Sciences Program, "Cheese offers people rich flavors and taste and readily fits into a healthy lifestyle."

Cheese can be a part of a generally healthy diet, according to registered dietitian Miranda Galati, RD. In a diet that is both well-balanced and nutrient-dense, cheese can be a beneficial addition. Galati, however, argues that there are other personal aspects to take into account. It depends on your entire diet, any particular health issues you may have, and how often you eat cheese, she says.

Simon continues by stating that people with high cholesterol or other cardiovascular issues should be aware of the amount of fat in the cheeses they eat. She explains that the fat level of cheese fluctuates, and that the majority of this fat is saturated fat.

She advises using cheese less frequently if you're attempting to reduce your intake of saturated fats, such as by grating Parmesan or sprinkling feta cheese—which has less calories than many other types of cheese—on salads or vegetables. She adds that another consideration is the salt content of processed cheese, which can be considerable.

There are many different kinds of cheeses to pick from, as any fan of cheese is aware. What considerations should one make if they wish to choose a healthy cheese when they are out shopping for cheese? A balanced and nutritious diet can contain all types of cheese. I suggest sticking to the cheeses you prefer and making an effort to include a range of plant foods in other parts of your diet, advises Galati. Although cheese is nutrient-rich and delicious, it's crucial to alternate servings with plant proteins and healthy fats for optimum health. Galati adds that because cheese is a high-calorie meal, it's also critical to be aware of how much you're eating.

With these restrictions in place, there are many ways that consuming cheese on a regular basis in moderation can be healthy for the body.

5 Health Benefits of Cheese

1. It has protein

The fact that cheese contains protein is one health benefit noted by both qualified dietitians. Cheese, according to Galati, is a quick and simple way to give carbohydrate-rich foods like crackers, fruit, and bread more satiety. However, the sort of cheese you eat will determine how much protein you get. Galati claims that stiffer cheeses, particularly lower fat versions, provide more protein. These cheeses include Parmesan, cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella. Cottage cheese is another another excellent source of protein. Ricotta and cream cheese, two softer and spreadable cheeses, provide less protein and may be less filling, the author continues.

2. Cheese is healthy for your bones.

The fact that cheese is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, all of which Simon claims directly enhance bone health, is another advantage of cheese consumption. The health of your heart and muscles depends on calcium as well. Particularly high in calcium are the cheeses Gruyere, Feta, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.

3. It could minimize depressive symptoms.

You've definitely noticed that cheese can improve your mood, but did you realize there's more to it than simply the flavor? Simon mentions that cheese contains magnesium as one of its nutrients. The symptoms of anxiety and sadness have been shown to be lessened by magnesium. Perhaps this is another factor contributing to the popularity of cheese in comfort meals.

4. Cheese consumption promotes brain health

Cheese, according to both dietitians, also contains vitamin B12. This nutrient is particularly crucial for mental health. Swiss cheese, which has the most of the nutrient of any cheese, is the best choice if you really want to increase your intake of vitamin B12.

5. Cheese is good for your eyes

Cheese, according to Simon and Galati, also includes vitamin A, a crucial ingredient for eye health. (Vitamin A helps the immune system as well.) For a meal that is exceptionally strong in vitamin A, add your cheese to a salad made with leafy greens, red bell pepper, tomato, egg, and salmon.

You now have five good reasons to consume cheese, as if you needed more. "I adore cheese and eat it frequently as a nutritionist," Galati declares. Your health will not be made or broken by a single eating decision. Please keep enjoying cheese if you like it. Just remember to vary both your overall diet and your cheese intake.