There are many types of cheese but what are the healthy ones? They come in different varieties and they differ in texture and taste. Cheese is a dairy product that is typically made from milk, enzyme, salt, and a starter culture. Then, the cheese undergoes an aging process on a specific time, temperature, and humidity to reach its optimal ripeness.

Many of us have been using cheese to enhance the flavour and taste of our meal and snacks.  Cheese has a ton of health benefits and eating it can be addictive.

Many people may be concerned about their diet because cheese is high in fat and calories but the nutrition of cheese depends on how it was made and how milk is used.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella is a soft, white, less-aged cheese with high moisture content. Because it’s less-aged, it does not contain too much sodium compared to other types of cheese. Mozzarella originated in Italy and is usually made from Italian buffalo’s milk or cow’s milk.

It is a cheese you commonly see on pizza. You can also add it on omelets, sandwiches, or salads. Mozzarella contains about 15% of the recommended daily allowance of calcium per serving. Packed with nutrients, this cheese calcium and protein which is good for developing strong bones.

Parmesan

Compared to the soft Mozzarella, the Parmesan cheese is a hard-grating cheese. This aged cheese just gets better as it ages. The lactose content of Parmesan diminishes as it ages longer which makes it a great option for those people who are lactose intolerant.

This type of cheese is high in calcium, protein, and phosphorus – perfect for those who are looking for an active lifestyle or love to engage in physical activities.

Goat Cheese

Compared to cow’s milk, there is less lactose in goat’s milk. This is the best option if you have sensitivities in lactose. It also contains A2 casein for better digestion, unlike cow’s milk’s proteins which can lead you to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Called Chèvre in French name, goat cheese comes in different varieties – from young to mature, crumbly to creamy, or mild to tangy. This cheese is also a good source of Vitamin A which helps in improving our immune system and provides powerful antioxidant properties.

Ricotta

Ricotta (meaning recooked) is an Italian cheese made from goat, cow, buffalo, and sheep’s milk. The cheese is produced by recooking the leftover from the production of other cheeses. Ricotta contains mostly whey protein which is a good source of amino acids. This promotes muscle growth and strengthens the bones.

Cheddar cheese

Cheddar cheese originates from England and is typically made from cow’s milk matured for several months. Aside from being rich in protein and calcium, cheddar is also rich in Vitamin K which is important for bone and heart health. Other varieties involved a longer aging process for extra sharp in flavour.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is a semi-hard cheese that originated from Switzerland. Famous for its signature holes that are formed by bacteria during the aging process, the cheese features a mild, nutty taste.  It is lower in fat and sodium which makes it ideal for people who have high blood pressure. Swiss cheese is high in calcium and vitamin B12 promoting better nerve, cell, and muscle function.

To add this type of cheese to your diet, you can add it to burgers, egg bakes, sandwiches, and snacks.

The Bottomline

With so many varieties of cheese available in the market today, it is important to keep an eye on the sodium content. Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium and other health benefits. It helps promote bone health, improves digestion, aids in gut health, and builds strong muscles. The important thing is keeping a balanced cheese diet and consume it in moderation.