What Are The Healthiest Cheeses?

The cheeses are tasty, versatile and present on the plates of many of us. They are an excellent source of calcium and protein, but in some cases also have a high salt or fat content. To help you make the best choice, we present below the healthiest cheeses. In the end, you will want the cheese to never be missing from your fridge.

Consume cheese in moderation

The cheese is consistent and filling and combines excellently with many foods, helping to create very delicious recipes. For example, what would be the taste of pasta without grated cheese on top? Or potatoes without a little melted cheese?

As we well know, cheese is made from milk, an extraordinary source of calcium. In addition, this food contains proteins and amino acids (including tryptophan). Therefore, cheeses are recommended for people of all ages. However, these products are not “perfect”, as they have many calories and a high salt content. Therefore, we should consume them in moderation.

In the right amounts, cheeses are good for health. Of course, it is important to choose assortments that are as natural and less processed as possible, which also contain a smaller amount of salt. But these aspects depend more on the producer than on the assortment of cheese.

For example, if you are on a weight loss diet, you should consider that fresh cheeses have a lower salt and fat content than matured ones. This category also includes assortments without salt and low calories from stores.

At the same time, in general, cheeses made from sheep’s or goat’s milk are healthier than those made from cow’s milk. They have more vitamins and nutrients, which are more easily assimilated by our digestive system.

We must also not forget that, in most cases, cows from which commercial milk is obtained are treated with hormones and artificial feed (cereal-based, instead of grass). Therefore, the healthiest cheeses are those made from organic milk.

What are the healthiest cheeses?

Cheese is often seen as a dangerous “enemy” in diets. The reason is the high number of calories and high sodium content. In reality, some varieties are healthier than others. It is good to know which are the healthiest cheeses to add to your daily diet without remorse.

1. Ricotta

Ricotta is rich in protein, vitamins A and B and zinc. In addition, this cheese has a low content of sodium and even fat, if you choose the right assortment.

Ricotta is obtained by reprocessing whey from milk. It has a whitish color, a grainy texture and a fine taste.

Ricotta cheese can be added to both sweet and savory dishes. In Italy, this assortment is frequently used for filling pasta.

2. Pecorino Romano

Pecorino Romano is an assortment obtained from sheep’s milk. This hard and salty cheese comes from the Italian region of Lazio and is used in sauces, for the preparation of melted cheese or grated over pasta.

Pecorino Romano is a saltier cheese than other varieties in the same range, such as Pecorino Toscano or Sardo.

3. Cow’s cheese

Fresh cottage cheese is prepared with curd. It can be more or less greasy, depending on how it is prepared.

As we well know, cottage cheese is available in several varieties: creamy, fine, without salt or without lactose. This product is rich in protein and other nutrients such as calcium, selenium and phosphorus.

A cup of cottage cheese has 28 grams of protein. Therefore, this food is recommended in diets.

4. Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is one of the healthiest cheeses from Italy. As its name suggests, this assortment comes from the Parma region and is distinguished by its hard and granular texture.

Parmesan cheese is obtained by processing cow’s milk belonging to the Holstein or Reggiana breeds. The maturation period must not be less than one year. The most consistent assortments are left to mature even for 3 years.

Some believe that parmesan can only be added to pasta or soup. In reality, you can consume this type of cheese as an appetizer if you cut it into cubes and serve it with fruit or sausages.

In its country of origin, Parmesan cheese is recommended for pregnant women, the elderly, children and athletes. In addition, it is important to note that it is easier to digest than any other type of cheese.

5. Matured Cheddar cheese

Lactose intolerance can be a very annoying problem, as many preparations contain dairy products, including cheese. Fortunately, cheddar is one of the healthiest cheeses and has a lower lactose content. You can ask the opinion of a specialist to find out if you can consume this food or you can try it on your own.

6. Feta cheese

Generally, feta is made from sheep’s or goat’s milk. This salted cheese has a unique taste and a creamy and crumbly texture.

Real feta cheese is made in Greece. Other quality assortments are those produced in Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Denmark.

Feta cheese can be used to prepare a salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and olive oil. This recipe is ideal for summer.

7. Panel

This white, fresh and fine cheese is made from pasteurized cow’s milk. The panel is among the healthiest cheeses and is usually served as an appetizer, cut into small pieces.

At the same time, the panel absorbs other flavors, such as garlic. This cheese is rich in protein, but in order to be considered as healthy as possible, you must choose an assortment with a low content of sodium and fat.