What if I told you that you can totally eat cheese, guilt-free? Cheese gets a bad rap for being full of fat and calories, but the truth is that cheese has loads of health benefits. In addition to calcium for strong bones, cheese also contains a healthy dose of protein, which plays a big role in many of your bodily functions. Certain types of cheese also have specific health benefits and eating them is something you can do without feeling bad. Next time you have a craving, try one of these types of cheese, as recommended by Women’s Health magazine.
1. Swiss Cheese Can Stop Bloating in Its Tracks
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If you typically get bloated and uncomfortable when you eat cheese, you might find that you can eat Swiss without the same issues. When Swiss cheese is made, most of the lactose is taken out of it. Because lactose is what generally causes discomfort after eating, this reduced amount of it can help you enjoy Swiss, problem-free. Swiss cheese makes a tasty grilled cheese sandwich and also adds just the right touch of flavor to your favorite salad.
2. Take Control of PMS by Eating Parmesan Cheese
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Parmesan cheese tastes great melted on veggie soup or mixed into tomato pasta sauce. It adds just a hit of saltiness. Turns out that researchers have found that Parmesan can battle pre-menstrual syndrome. Parmesan is especially high in calcium, which can help fight the symptoms of PMS, including tiredness, food cravings and mood disturbances. So next time, PMS hits hard, have the Alfredo for dinner!
3. Boost Heart Health with an Ounce of Feta
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A serving of cheese is typically an ounce and since feta has such an intense flavor, you can get by with less of it. That’s great news for your heart. You can eat feta in moderate amounts, saving you calories, while also boosting heart health. Studies show that feta is lower in saturated fat than other types of cheese, which makes it a healthier choice for your ticker.
4. Cheddar Cheese is Great for Your Teeth
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When you nibble on some cheddar after a meal, the cheese helps neutralize the acids on your teeth, helping keep them healthy and free of cavities and other issues. The acid in your mouth contributes to decay so when you eat cheddar and cut down on the amount of acid in your mouth, you can be sure that your next dental checkup is going to be great!
5. Gruyere Can Help Prevent Diabetes
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If you’re at risk for diabetes, adding gruyere to your grocery list can slash your chances of developing the disease. Why? Because gruyere is higher in butyrate than other kinds of cheese. Butyrate has been found in research studies to help balance blood sugar, something that can cut the risk of it dramatically. Use gruyere to make the best macaroni and cheese you’ve ever had.
6. Shed Some Pounds by Eating Mozzarella Cheese
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Looking to lose some weight. Eating too much cheese can definitely get in the way of success. However, choosing part-skim mozzarella allows you indulge without hindering your weight loss goals. Use mozzarella on low-fat pizza, a grilled cheese sandwich or on a plate of scrambled eggs. Yum!
7. Get Ripped with Ricotta Cheese
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We girls all want to look toned and slim, right? Turns out eating ricotta cheese can help. Because the whey isn’t removed from ricotta, it’s much higher in protein than many other kinds of cheese. Protein is necessary for healthy and strong muscles so go ahead and have a plate of lasagna or stuffed shells.
What’s your favorite kind of cheese? Which of these will you be adding to your meal plans?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is cheese considered healthy?
- Oh, cheese is fascinating! It's packed with protein, calcium, and many vitamins. Some kinds, like Gruyere, even have unique benefits like being lower in fat or providing probiotics. And let's be honest, it tastes amazing!
- Is Gruyere cheese a good choice for health-conscious people?
- Absolutely! Gruyere is actually a pretty good option. It's full of essential nutrients and can be part of a balanced diet. Just remember, moderation is key because it's still cheese and can be high in calories.
- What's special about Gruyere cheese in terms of health benefits?
- Besides being deliciously nutty, Gruyere is a source of high-quality protein and packs lots of calcium. Plus, it's known for its lower sodium content compared to other cheeses. Great for bone health and muscle repair!
- Can Gruyere cheese be paired with wine?
- Oh, for sure! Gruyere cheese has such a lovely, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with white wines like Chardonnay. It's a match made in heaven for any cheese and wine lover!
- What should I consider when choosing a cheese for its health benefits?
- Look for varieties that offer lots of nutrients without being too high in salt or fat. Think moderation and variety. It's always fun to try new ones and find what you enjoy best!