Which cheese is better for you

Ricotta cheese is made from whey protein, which contains amino acids that are beneficial for muscle health and growth. A gram serving of ricotta cheese contains:. Compared to other cheeses, Swiss is naturally lower in sodium, Siegel says, which makes it a good choice for people with hypertension or at risk of heart disease who are watching their sodium intake.

According to the FDA , adults should limit their sodium intake to less than 2, mg per day. A one-ounce serving of Swiss cheese contains:. Cheddar is usually naturally aged , says Siegel. This is beneficial for those sensitive to lactose since the longer a cheese is aged, the more the remaining lactose breaks down. Calcium is crucial for healthy bones. A one-ounce serving of cheddar cheese contains:. Gouda is semi-hard and aged, with a sweet and nutty taste.

It is typically made from unpasteurized milk, which means it is packed with probiotics , Siegel says. Probiotics are a type of "good" bacteria that can promote a healthy gut by balancing the good and bad bacteria in the gut, which can. A one-ounce serving of gouda cheese contains:. Siegel says the main benefits of parmesan are that it's packed with calcium and protein.

Plus, a small amount of parmesan cheese packs a lot of flavor, so you'll end up eating few calories for all the flavor that you get, says Siegal. A one-tablespoon serving of parmesan cheese contains:. Each slice hovers around calories, so it's a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Packed with nutrients, especially calcium and phosphorus, both of which are important for bone health. Additionally, harder cheese like parmesan tends to be lower in fat and higher in protein about 9 grams per serving , and while they may also be higher in sodium, the beauty of a cheese like parm is that just a little goes a long way.

The aging of Parmesan also significantly reduces the lactose content of the cheese; making it a good option for those who suffer from lactose related GI symptoms. While blue cheese tends to be higher in sodium, it provides more calcium than other options, which is a nutrient essential for optimal bone health.

Much like parm, you'll only need a few crumbles to add flavor to salads, soups, or any homemade appetizer. Higher in protein than other cheeses while staying on the low end for calories, cottage cheese is a great choice for adding to meals and snacks. Cottage cheese also contain selenium, which is a key antioxidant that helps to reduce risk of chronic inflammation.

Originating in England, and perhaps the most popular cheese on the planet, cheddar cheese is made from cow's milk and ranges from mild to extra sharp in flavor. Sharp varieties undergo a lengthier aging process, so cheddar is another potentially good option for people who are lactose intolerant, says Cording. Cheddar typically contains a decent amount of vitamin K2 as well, which is essential for keeping calcium out of soft tissues like those surrounding the heart, so it can be used appropriately to build strong bones, etc.

Deficiencies in vitamin K2 are relatively common, as it's not found in many foods, but full-fat dairy is generally a good source. Originating in Switzerland, Swiss cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a nutty, mildly funky taste. Fun fact: Its signature holes are a result of carbon dioxide being released by bacteria during the aging process. But what really sets it apart is its high levels of vitamin B12 , a nutrient that's crucial for the health of your nerves, red blood cells, and DNA.

Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese made from cow's milk consisting of loose curds. Like mozzarella, it doesn't undergo an aging process to develop flavor, so it's quite mild. It's also a protein powerhouse: "Cottage cheese is a fantastic source of protein at up to 15 g of protein per half-cup," says Largeman-Roth. Keep in mind, cottage cheese does tend to be a bit higher in sodium, but low-sodium options are available if that's a concern. Relatively new to the cheese scene in the U.

It's made like other cheeses, but during the curdling phase, it's continually stirred to give it a creamy texture. Quark is somewhat similar to plain Greek yogurt or Icelandic skyr in texture and flavor, but it's a bit less tart. Depending on its moisture level, quark can be eaten with a spoon like yogurt or used as more of a spread. Because quark is cultured, it can be a good source of probiotics.

It's also high in protein, with 13 grams per half-cup serving. Compared to other cheeses, quark is a bit higher in carbs—so if you're on a low-carb or keto diet , take note.

Sure, blue cheese may be an acquired taste, but before you write off this creamy, funky, mold-striped cheese, you should know that it packs quite the nutritional punch. Compared to other cheeses, blue cheese particularly the Stilton variety has even higher levels of vitamin K2 than cheddar. Vitamin K2 is the vitamin that helps keep calcium from building up in soft tissues surrounding the heart so it can be used to build strong bones and power other bodily processes.

It's a bit higher in sodium than some of these other varieties, but a little blue cheese goes a long way, so you probably won't overdo it. Lactobacillus helveticus has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may prevent diseases as well as reduce fatigue and muscle damage.

Learn about lactic acid in food here. Blue cheese is made from Penicillum mold cultures. It has a strong taste and smell and has blue veins running through it. According to the National Health Service , a person should only consume up to 2. Blue cheese is high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. Calcium is known for keeping bones healthy and promoting bone strength as a person ages. It also helps the blood clot normally. Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese with a mild flavor and creamy texture.

Cottage cheese is rich in vitamin B Vitamin B helps to keep the nerve and blood cells healthy. Getting enough vitamin B can also help prevent megaloblastic anemia, which makes people feel tired and weak. Unpasteurized cheeses may not be safe to eat during pregnancy, as pregnant people are 10 times more likely to get listeriosis, which is food poisoning from bacteria that can grow in unpasteurized milk.

While soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, and feta are often pasteurized in the U. The following cheeses are good options for a pregnant person:. A person should avoid the following types of cheese if they wish to keep their fat or sodium intake low:. There are thousands of different types of cheese and they all vary in their nutritional content and health benefits. Some cheeses, such as cottage cheese, are very healthy because they are low in calories and fat but high in calcium.

Others contain a lot of sodium and should only be eaten in small amounts.