Cheese is one of the healthiest foods ever invented by mankind.
This article will focus on what determines the beneficial properties of cheese, what valuable substances it contains.
In addition, to whom it is useful, and under what features it can harm.
At the end of the article are helpful tips and recommendations for choosing cheese in the store.
It also provides tips for proper storage of the product at home.
Useful properties of cheese
Beneficial features cheese is largely due to the benefits of its original product (that is, milk).
According to the great physiologist of the past I.I. Pavlov, milk is one of the most magnificent products bestowed by nature itself.
So, why is a familiar food product so useful?
- Cheese contains up to 30% fat, up to 22% protein (this is even more than meat).
- Cheese contains essential amino acids: tryptophan, methionine, and lysine.
- The concentration of nutrients in cheese is 10 times greater than in milk.
- Increases appetite, has a positive effect on the digestive tract.
- It plays a huge role in the normalization of fat metabolism in the body.
- Promotes well-coordinated work intestines.
- Sanitizes oral cavity(that is, destroys bacteria). For moldy cheeses.
Useful material
What vitamins are in cheese?
Groups of vitamins found in cheese:
- Group B ( , , , , , B12);
trace elements
Cheese contains the following trace elements: zinc , iron , copper , sulfur .
Macronutrients
Macronutrients rich in this product: magnesium , calcium , potassium , sodium , phosphorus .
Cheese Contraindications
Despite the fact that cheese is an extremely nutritious product and has high palatability, it should not be used by the following people:
- For those who are found milk protein intolerance.
- Persons whose body is prone to edema and fluid retention, as well as various hypertensive phenomena and heart diseases.
- people suffering from kidney disease and increased acidity of the stomach (it is better to use cottage cheese instead of cheese).
- Concerning blue cheese, it should not be consumed by pregnant women, as the bacteria contained in this product can cause listeriosis. And listeriosis, in turn, leads to the most terrible consequences - premature birth, abnormalities in the development of the child, and even miscarriage.
- Patients with urolithiasis.
- Patients with acute pyelonephritis.
Important: before you try the cheese, you should find out in advance whether there are contraindications to its use. If there are any, then the question of the advisability of eating a certain amount of cheese or completely abandoning it should be agreed with the attending physician.
Video: "All about the benefits and dangers of cheese"
Who is this product useful for?
Cheese is incredibly nutritious and useful product for teenagers, children and pregnant women, as it contains a lot of valuable proteins and mineral salts.
It is also desirable to use cheese people involved in serious physical labor (athletes, builders, and so on).
For students, schoolchildren and teachers, cheese can also be a great helper in the fight to maintain high mental ability, good memory, quick reaction and productive brain activity.
Besides, cheese is great for people who want to get rid of excess weight. There is even a special cheese diet on which a person can lose a significant amount of kilograms.
Cheese also helps all those who are "lucky" to encounter tuberculosis.
Calorie and nutritional value
Calorie content in general depends on the type of cheese. Average 100 grams contains 350 calories.
Cheese, as already mentioned, is a rather fatty product (almost 30 g of fat). Despite this, the amount of carbohydrates is only 1% (0.9 g). Protein per 100 g - 24 g.
Good to know
How to choose the right cheese?
There are a great many types of cheese, but they are all evaluated according to certain criteria:
Important: if the cheeses are imported, then the eyes should be no more than 5 mm in size. Domestic cheeses are allowed to have eyes, the shape of which is far from ideal and resembles a gap (however, the eyes should not be connected into paths!).
Video: "How is cheese made?"
Product storage rules
It should be remembered that cheese is a product that easily absorbs foreign odors.
For example, if you store it next to meat, it will even change its taste and aroma. The same goes for any other food that has a strong smell.
The best solution is to keep the cheese next to vegetables or dairy products.
When choosing cheese in a store, you should pay attention to the fact that the product does not lie next to sausages and fish.
Areas of use for cheese
Cheese is a fairly popular product among vegetarians, which is absolutely justified: cheese contains more protein than meat or
Calcium is one of the most important components of cheese. It has great benefits for both adults and children. Even eating 100 grams of cheese, which contains a whole gram of calcium, a day has a beneficial effect on the human body. Calcium is very useful for children whose bone tissue is just being formed. But it is no less important for an adult, since it has a beneficial effect on the condition of human hair, nails and skin.
Another very important trace element found in cheese is zinc. 100 grams of cheese contains 4 mg of zinc, and daily rate the use of this trace element - 10-15 mg. Zinc is very useful for the human immune system, and also takes part in the formation of red blood cells. The use of zinc is very important for men, as it affects the production of testosterone.
Very often, people who are on a diet or are overweight exclude cheese from their menu, but this is not entirely correct. The fats found in cheese are healthy fats. Fat is a building material for female and male hormones. As you know, hormonal failure is not very fun, so a little cheese will not hurt anyone.
Don't forget that cheese is protein. It is digested well enough, while all useful vitamins, trace elements and minerals remain in the body and nourish it, unlike, for example, fish or meat.
If we talk about the dangers of cheese for the human body, then there are hardly any serious or specific contraindications. Cheese should be excluded from the diet for those people who have an individual intolerance to the product. If a person is obese, then he is also recommended to either exclude cheese or reduce consumption to a minimum.
You should always look at the date of manufacture of cheese, it is undesirable to use cheeses with mold, because absolutely any mold is a fungus, and mold on cheese is by no means an exception.
Salted cheeses, as well as smoked cheeses, do not have contraindications as such, but they do not contain those vitamins that are found in ordinary cheese. After all, the process of processing cheese during smoking simply kills, if not all, then most beneficial vitamins and micronutrients. And salty cheeses, for example, Brynza, retain fluid in the body.
In any case, if you do not have intolerance to the product, you do not need to exclude it from the menu, however, as well as overeat, since everything is good in moderation.
How to store cheese
As mentioned above, you should always pay attention to the date of manufacture of cheese and buy it from trusted stores and from trusted suppliers. Cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, which, of course, will extend its shelf life. But it is always better to buy a fresh product than to consume it after a long period of time. You also need to pay attention to how much this or that type of cheese is generally stored, because some of them need to be consumed within a few hours after its manufacture (for example, Mozzarella), while others can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
Since cheese is a vitamin cocktail that is so beneficial for any person, it is a frequent ingredient in the preparation of a variety of dishes, both cold and hot. There are many recipes for salads and appetizers with cheese. Cheese goes very well with fruit and wine.
There is hardly a person who does not like cheese. And how many varieties! Everyone deserves to be tried, especially since, in addition to taste, the product will give the body vitamins and minerals necessary for health. But if you look, cheese is a simple product of dairy production. It contains milk (cow, goat or sheep), enzymes and valuable bacteria. Only a few are flavored with herbs, olives, spices, nuts, and even deli meats.
High-quality cheese, depending on the variety, differs in cooking technology, aging period and storage conditions. The output is a product of different structure - perforated, homogeneous, layered (suluguni, for example), with mold, colors - from white to rich yellow and black (some varieties of parmesan), aroma, taste - from neutral, salty and sweet (Mazdamer).
A special category of cheese is noble varieties. You cannot buy such a product in every counter market, and there is it in the form simple sandwich also not good. Their feature is a long aging period, high requirements for raw materials and storage conditions. The result is beyond praise. This is the realm of taste, aroma, texture and benefits. One example of such a product is the French Beaufort, made from Alpine milk.
There is another side of the "medal" - a huge amount of the so-called "cheese product". This is an analogue made from vegetable and milk fats. It only looks similar to the popular varieties of hard cheese. Its nutritional value is practically zero.
So, if you want to get the benefits of eating cheese, choose quality products from trusted brands at an appropriate price.
Soft, hard, melted - a source of valuable protein, which forms the basis of the product and is necessary for a person to build new cells. Together with proteins, amino acids are contained, which literally build proteins. In cheese, they are represented by tryptophan, lysine and methionine.
Fats are in second place. This is a quality animal fat that is not harmful to health, subject to moderate cheese consumption, and is a source of energy.
Important! Despite the fact that cheese is a high-calorie and fatty product, its adequate consumption does not harm the figure, since there are no added sugars here either..
The crown of the composition is minerals and vitamins. The former are represented by calcium, phosphorus, potassium, chlorine, sulfur, magnesium and sodium. The second is a group of vitamins B, A, C and E. Thanks to this composition, eating cheese will improve the functioning of the thyroid gland. And most importantly, listed vitamins in cheese per 100 grams cover the daily rate of calcium, which means strong bones and teeth, normal lipid metabolism in the body.
Vitamin composition of cheese and the role of each of them for human health
Vitamin A and E is a protector of the skin and mucous membranes, normalizes the functions of the visual organ, is responsible for the process of human growth, protects against diseases by strengthening the immune system.
Vitamin B regulates the respiratory function of all tissues of the body, increases blood circulation, thereby preventing tissue hypoxia.
Vitamin B1 is essential for the health of the nervous system.
Vitamin B12 is a source of cobalt, a well-known regulator of metabolic processes. B6 is also responsible for this.
Ascorbic acid is a source of antioxidants that resist early aging.
Each type of cheese is filled with vitamins and minerals, so you should not deny yourself this delicacy. Depending on the variety, you can get different valuable substances.
There is a large selection of such cheese - City, Dutch, Amber and so on. Depending on this, its nutritional and energy value. The average amount of fat in 100 grams is 45g. But with moderate consumption, such a product will not lead to the formation of excess fat in the body.
Perhaps there are people in the world who claim that they do not like cheese, but this is fixable, since there are more than 800 types of cheeses, and recipes for dishes that contain this ingredient simply cannot be counted, and each person can pick up something to your liking.
The taste of cheese can be really different - fresh Adyghe, which is actively used in diet food, sharp ripe Parmesan, so beloved by gourmets, spicy, soft Munter, sweetish Brie.
Enumerate the features and flavors of the product (Adyghe, Suluguni, with mold, goat, mozzarella, chechil or melted) can be endless, probably this is the only product that differs so much in taste, consistency, fat content and cooking method. It is made from cow's, goat's and sheep's milk, using various methods of preparation in brine, in barrels and even in limestone caves like Roquefort cheese.
Varieties such as suluguni, Adyghe, goat, melted or chechil (pigtail) can ripen up to 5-7 days, and such varieties as moldy cheeses up to 10 years, while becoming tastier every year. Some very exotic species This product with mold has a specific smell, but even it has its connoisseurs. With mold, as well as Adyghe, we love many, and have in abundance all the vitamins and minerals necessary for life.
People came up with some types of cheese by accident, as they were forced to keep the dairy product for as long as possible and when transporting it in wineskins (sheep stomachs containing enzymes), the milk coagulated, turning into a mass similar to something like cheese, Adyghe, mozzarella or Feta. Other varieties, especially in France, appeared due to long improvements in production technologies (for example, melted, pigtail, molded or goat), since each village considered it an honor to give the product its own name.
Be that as it may, the benefits of cheese lie not only in its excellent taste, but also in nutritional properties, as well as in the contained minerals and vitamins.
First of all, it is a dairy product that has an almost similar composition to other dairy products. Only in concentrated form, one hundred grams contains as many and the same minerals and nutrients as in a liter of milk. The fat content of cheese is determined by the dry residue without water, that is, if the cheese has, say, a fat content of 30%, this does not mean that a third of it consists of fat. Solid (adegei, suluguni, goat or moldy) can also be fatty, so the percentage of fat does not affect the structure of the product at all.
Cheese with mold falls into the category of high-calorie cheese, the benefits of which for the body are in a unique set of amino acids, as well as in a high content of phosphorus. But blue cheese is harmful for daily use, and it is also not recommended for pregnant and lactating women. But melted is useful and shown to everyone, it improves lactation.
The nutritional value
The benefit of cheese lies in its nutritional value. The protein content in cheese depends on its fat content, so the fatter the cheese, the less protein it contains and vice versa.
Composition of the product:
For example, low-fat lactose-free cheese can surpass even meat products in terms of protein content. So, for example, tofu cheese is made from soy milk, and its main benefit is in a large amount of protein and almost no fat. The calorie content of hard cheese (suluguni, goat or Adyghe) is on average 355.6 kcal.
vitamins
It should be noted that the vitamins in the product are both water-soluble, such as PP, B1, B12, B2, B6, B9, H, and vitamins A, E and D, which can only be absorbed together with fats and can accumulate in the body. Also, cheese (melted or chechil-pigtail) contains choline, a vitamin-like substance necessary for the normal functioning of internal organs.
Vitamin composition of cheeses, see table:
| per 100 grams of product | vitamin content mg |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 0.26 |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.3 |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.0014 |
| Vitamin C | 0.7 |
| Vitamin E | 0.5 |
Minerals
The product contains minerals, for example, in 100 grams of cheese (for example, Adyghe), they are practically enough to cover the daily requirement of an adult in calcium and 30% in phosphorus. Also in products such as Adyghe, Suluguni, goat, melted and chechil (pigtail) there are minerals such as potassium, sodium, chlorine and sulfur, presented in the form of organic compounds.
What minerals are in cheese, see the table:
Benefits for the body
Cheeses, like other products, cannot bring only health benefits, since in some diseases they have contraindications for use (with mold), and they can also be harmful if consumed in excess (Adyghe) or in combination with certain products (processed). Let us consider in detail some popular varieties, as well as their benefits and harms to health.
Sulguni cheese
Suluguni is a low-fat variety, produced in Georgia from cow's or sheep's milk, and its name sounds like the Georgian greeting "With heart and soul." This type of fermented salty product, like suluguni, contains a lot of calcium, since about 10 kg of milk is consumed to produce 1 kg. Suluguni is also useful for those who are on a diet, since its composition is able to support the body, deprived of a variety of foods with all the necessary vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
The harm of suluguni can manifest itself if there is an allergy to lactose - the milk protein contained in cow's milk, in which case it is necessary to eat lactose-free cheeses from sheep and goat milk(such as Adyghe), the benefits of which are low in lactose, harmful to people with poor enzyme production. Goat is useful for diets, exhaustion, nervous strain. Goat cheese can be given even to children, the harm of this cheese is only in the calorie content, which is higher than that of a product made from cow's milk.
Mozzarella
This snow-white cheese originally from Naples has several varieties, the rarest and most useful is “Mozzarella de buffalo” made from black buffalo milk, respectively, this delicacy contains a minimum of lactose and casein, which means vitamins, minerals and hypoallergenic and is completely absorbed by the body. Mozzarella from cow's milk can be ordinary or smoked, in the second version, the cheese can be stored much longer than usual.
Mozzarella in its qualities resembles tofu cheese, the benefits of which lie not only in its rich composition, but also in its low calorie content and low salt content. Such a product contains many essential amino acids that have a beneficial effect on various processes in the body, as well as strengthens bones, improves mood. Mozzarella is a cheese whose benefits and harms are justified even from a scientific point of view. It is absolutely harmless to children and pregnant women, provided that the storage periods are observed. Real Mozzarella will keep for several days.
Chechil cheese
Pickled cheese, similar in taste and composition to suluguni, chechil (pigtail), but differs in a high salt content and lower fat content (in percentage terms, like processed cheese). In addition, Chechil, which means “tangled” in Armenian, is made by manually pulling threads and further ripening in brine. Chechil or pigtail cheese, the benefits and taste of which have already been appreciated by lovers of beer and this aromatic dairy variety, with moderate consumption, positively affects the functioning of the intestines, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and bone tissue.
Do not forget that real Chechil cheese (pigtail) is prepared only in its homeland in compliance with all technologies.
Possible harm
The harm to the product is due to the high salt content, as well as the use of liquid smoke producers in the manufacture of certain types of smoked cheeses.
processed cheese
Processed cheese is very popular and loved by many, but not everyone knows that it is made from hard and soft varieties, as well as butter, emulsifiers and melting salts. Sometimes, during production, the percentage of a natural product is underestimated and it is more likely to have to talk about the dangers of processed cheese than about its benefits. Besides processed cheese contains less vitamins and calcium, but it still contains fluorine, zinc and iodine.
A unique dairy product that has come to us from time immemorial and still has not lost its relevance is cheese. Probably, many in childhood watched Walt Disney cartoons and remember the unforgettable Rocky the rat. He lost his head, smelling the aroma of his favorite product, and at that moment there were no barriers for him to get the scented cheese and eat it. You know, it turned out that Rocky was right in his love for this fragrant product. And all because the vitamins contained in cheese brought the hero a lot of things necessary for the body. It should be noted: Rocky had quite an advanced age.
Now we will take a closer look at this dairy product. We will find out what its benefits for the body are. We will definitely list useful trace elements and find out what vitamins are found in cheese and make it a product necessary for health.
When you see a cheese plate on your table with beautifully cut and neatly arranged pieces of several types of cheese, know that this is not just a plate of food. Here, before your eyes, lies a huge range of useful substances needed by the body. They are essential for both men and women. Cheese is also useful for both children and adults.
About vitamins and their benefits
For nerves and resistance to stress
The very first we will call vitamin B. It is he who is responsible for nervous system person. Yes, cheese contains a vitamin of cheerfulness and optimism, which gives a person normal functioning, in the sense that a person who uses this product on a regular basis strengthens his nervous system in such a simple way. But how many bonuses does a cheese lover get, charged with B vitamins! His nerves are strong, which means that he is confident in the future and does not experience increased anxiety.
Also, this vitamin in cheese allows you to save high level energy, which, you see, is very important at the moment. After all, life does not stand still and requires constant movement from a person. Tired and "sluggish" people, our life is easily able to throw on the "roadside".
To improve memory
Since cheese contains vitamin B, which is useful for brain activity, it means that the product can also strengthen memory. What is important during the delivery of responsible exams and tests, for students and schoolchildren. Good memory will never be superfluous, and you can get it very in a simple way- regularly eat cheese.
This vitamin in cheese is even involved in hematopoiesis and increases hemoglobin. It is also important for protein metabolism.
Appearance and health of internal organs
The unique dairy product contains a vitamin that contributes to the preservation of youth. What vitamins in cheese act as rejuvenating and restoring beauty? The well-known vitamin A gives our skin strength for quality recovery. The fact is that he is actively involved in the formation and growth of new cells. Not only skin, but also hair, eyes and internal organs grateful to the man for keeping cheese on his table.
The body well assimilates the received and necessary minerals with microelements contained in cheese. Vitamin D, as a true ally, helps him in this.
immune system and bones
Vitamin C is the main defender of our immunity from infections. It is also contained in cheese in sufficient quantities to remain healthy and not prone to colds and other misfortunes.
Protein for muscles
Let's continue the list of useful trace elements that make up the cheese. I must say that the product is almost one hundred percent absorbed by the body and gives the body a lot of benefits (as noted by the composition of vitamins). Now it is necessary to emphasize the presence of protein in cheese, which will give itself to the body faster and better for its normal functioning than just milk.
Proteins are useful for people engaged in physical labor. Also, protein is necessary for athletes and those who want to have an elastic body. Which, however, is not surprising, protein is the building material of everything. human body.
calcium and phosphorus
Phosphorus and calcium are present in cheese in the ratio that is most preferred for the human body. These trace elements improve thought processes, strengthen bones and teeth.
Other equally necessary and useful elements
Cheese contains such substances necessary for a person as zinc, potassium, iron, selenium and iodine. They help in the process of blood restoration and improve the functioning of the heart, blood vessels and brain.
Benefits for digestion
Cheese is quite acceptable to use even with some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. If your digestion process is disturbed, then a couple of pieces of cheese will not only do no harm in this situation, but will even help mitigate the problem. This product is recommended for people with poor appetite. It also contributes to the inhibition of harmful putrefactive microorganisms in the intestines. Just do not get carried away with spicy cheeses in case you have similar problems.
It is permissible for people who are lactose intolerant to introduce blue cheese varieties into their diet. Soy cheese (tofu) is more preferable for those who are contraindicated in lactose in any form.
Calories from cheese are not harmful
Many deny themselves the pleasure of eating cheese, believing that this product is very fatty and, accordingly, its benefits are less noticeable than high calorie content. However, these sacrifices were in vain. In everything you need to know the measure, and cheeses are no exception to the rule. It is enough to consume up to five pieces of this useful and easily digestible product per day to enjoy its beneficial effect on the body. And the calorie content of the product in such an amount will not affect the figure of a cheese gourmet in any way.
Do not be afraid that regular consumption of cheeses will make you a more magnificent person. Give preference to unsweetened cheeses. They don't have huge amount carbohydrates. However, they contain a storehouse of milk fats and protein, which are so necessary for any organism for normal functioning and development.
For children
Children especially need cheese delicacies. The composition of the product is such that it contributes to the normal growth of bone tissue and the strengthening of tooth enamel. For children, this is very important. But remember that only unsalted varieties of this product are allowed in the children's menu. A large amount of salt for a child's body will not be useful.
Despite the fact that cheese is useful and the right product, it is permissible for children to give it no earlier than two years. For the first acquaintance, you need cheese that is not sharp and does not have a pronounced aroma (which the child may not like).
hard and soft
Gradually, we moved on to the question of which kind of cheese is preferable for a person. Here, as in any other business, it is necessary to rely on your taste and your needs. But what is the difference between hard and soft cheeses for the body, we will now find out.
Solid
Varieties are rich in tryptophan, methionine, lysine. In hard cheeses, the amount of protein is many times higher than the amount of this element in cheeses of softer varieties.
Soft
These varieties are considered to be more useful. Soft cheeses hide whey proteins that are not found in hard cheeses. Cheeses with mold have a beneficial effect on digestion. Soft cheese is absorbed by the body almost completely.
Contraindications for eating cheese
No matter how useful and easily digestible this product is, it also has contraindications:
- It is undesirable to introduce hard types of cheese into the diet of people with gastritis with high acidity, gastrointestinal ulcers. Also, hard varieties should be abandoned for those who suffer from excessive puffiness and hypertension.
- Soft cheeses with mold should not be used by expectant mothers and nursing mothers in order to avoid allergic reactions in the child.
- Allergy to any component of the product. It can be lactose, or it can be spices and spices found in cheese.
Consumption rates
How much cheese per day can be eaten without harm to the body:
- it is enough for women to consume fifty grams daily;
- men can eat up to one hundred grams, especially if they have a lot of physical activity;
- children from two years - no more than twenty grams.