Is Mozzarella Cheese Healthy
Cheese is a nutrient-dense food that offers many health benefits, such as reducing the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. One study also found that it can help improve cholesterol levels, thanks to nutrients like calcium and vitamin K. While many people think that cheese is high in fat, sodium and calories, you may change your mind after learning more about the nutritional breakdown of mozzarella cheese.
Ask Dr Dairy: Does The Source Of Calcium Matter
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Yes, the source of calcium matters and while people may know that adequate calcium contributes to bone health, many Americans are not getting enough.
Nutrition experts agree its best to get your nutrients, including calcium, from foods. Thats because whole foods like calcium-rich milk, cheese and yogurt contain several vitamins, minerals and other components associated with promoting health. But when medical or practical reasons make it difficult to get enough calcium from foods that are naturally rich in calcium, calcium-fortified foods or calcium supplements can help fill the gap.
Dairy foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, are the main food source of calcium for most people in the U.S. In fact, on average, milk is the top food source of calcium, vitamin D and potassium for Americans age 2 and older. USDA determined serving sizes for milk, yogurt and cheese based on calcium content. One cup of milk or yogurt and 1 ½ ounces of natural cheese each contain about 300 mg of calcium. Milk contains nine essential nutrients, including calcium, important for bone health.
Other food sources of calcium include vegetables such as kale, broccoli and Chinese cabbage bony fish like canned sardines and salmon and calcium-fortified foods such as breakfast cereals, fruit juices and soy beverage.
A Great Source Of Protein
Protein is the building blocks for your muscles, tissues, skin, and hair. You need it for the growth, repair, and proper functioning of your cells .
Proteins from animal sources, such as Swiss cheese, are higher quality than plant protein because theyre nutritionally complete, meaning that they contain all nine essential amino acids. Your body cant make these on its own, so you need to get them through food (
12 ).
A 3-month study in 118 adults with overweight compared the effects of a high protein diet 0.6 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day with a standard protein diet of 0.36 grams per pound of body weight daily .
Those in the high protein group saw a 7% decrease in body weight compared with 5% in the standard protein group and a significant drop in blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels .
Additionally, some studies show that eating high protein, dairy-based snacks leads to better appetite control and a subsequent decrease in food, compared with high fat or high carb snacks (
9 ).
Your body absorbs calcium from dairy much more readily than calcium from most plant foods, such as broccoli or spinach .
A review of 59 studies showed that calcium intake in excess of 800 mg per day contributed to a slight increase in bone mineral density .
Additionally, calcium intake in excess of 1,000 mg per day has been linked to improvements in insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure .
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Is Cottage Cheese Or Greek Yogurt A Healthier High
Picking healthy snacks at the grocery store can feel pretty confusing. There are thousands of foods, many touted as beneficial or nutritional, to choose from. We put two popular high-protein snacks-cottage cheese and plain Greek yogurt-head-to-head in terms of nutrition to find out. Which is healthier: this or that?
Winner: Greek yogurt. But when it comes to high-protein snacks, its close to a draw!
Greek yogurt, with fewer calories and sodium, and more nutrition coming from calcium and probiotics, ultimately takes the win, as Joyce Hendley originally reported for EatingWell.
Protein-Rich Snacks: Theyre both rich in lean protein, with cottage cheese having slightly more. Nonfat cottage cheese has 24 g of protein per cup, while Greek yogurt comes in just under at 20 grams. Both the yogurt and cottage cheese are available in low-fat and fat-free versions.
Calcium: But Greek yogurt has a slight edge in calcium-a mineral most people need more of. A cup has 150 mg, while a cup of cottage cheese only has 125 mg.
Lower in Calories: Greek yogurt contains fewer calories-120 per cup, vs. 160 for cottage cheese. Its also more likely to contain probiotics .
But one clear distinction steers the choice: Cottage cheese can be loaded with sodium. Just 1 cup of cottage cheese can deliver more than 5 times the sodium found in Greek yogurt.
Cheese Can Prevent Osteoporosis
Our parents always instructed us to drink our milk as children, telling us that the calcium and vitamin D would help us to build strong bones. The truth is our bone mass continues to grow throughout childhood and adolescence, reaching its peak density around age 30. From there, the aging process begins to thin our bones over time. It is easy to see that the greater your bone density is at this point, the less effect aging will have on your skeletal integrity.
Unfortunately, inadequate bone mass can contribute to the development of osteoporosis later in life. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by fragile, porous bones, and it affects over 10 million Americans, 80% of which are women. It is the leading cause of fractures, with 1.5 million estimated each year . The cause can be attributed to low consumption or poor absorption of calcium, which causes the bones to slowly break down .
Balanced nutrition can help you avoid the development of osteoporosis. You need to ensure you are receiving adequate amounts or protein, calcium, and vitamin D. The World Health Organization recommends a minimum daily intake of 400 to 500 mg of calcium per day for people over 50 and at risk for fractures . Dairy products, particularly cheese fortified with vitamin D, can be a great way to consume the correct balance of vitamins and minerals.
Bottom Line: Increasing your calcium and protein intake with cheese can keep your bones strong, and help prevent osteoporosis.
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How To Enjoy Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is just as versatile as it is nutritious. It is widely used in Italian and American cuisines for how easily it melts and its delicious flavor. The white soft cheese pairs with everything from sweet to savory, making it well-loved by chefs and home cooks alike. Pair it with tomatoes, pesto, fruits and more for a nutritious meal or snack. Mozzarella is also a perfect slicing cheese for pizzas, Caprese salad and flatbreads.
Melt it over toast or your favorite protein, add it to breakfast with our Sun-Dried Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Cheese quiche, or use it to top roasted vegetables. Our favorite is the Roasted Bell Pepper Salad with Mozzarella and Basil. The possibilities are endless!
You can also simply eat them as is, in the form of mozzarella sticks. Some people also enjoy mozzarella sticks as comfort food by rolling them with panko and an egg wash and frying them with oil. While mozzarella cheese is relatively low in fat, the calories and total fat add up once fried with cooking oil. For a healthier option, you can try our Air-Fry Mozzarella Sticks over the traditional frying method. Despite the cooking method you choose for the fried mozzarella sticks, enjoy them in moderation.
Calcium And Dairy Food
Australians receive most of their calcium from dairy foods. If milk and milk-based foods are removed from the diet, this can lead to an inadequate intake of calcium. This is of particular concern for children and adolescents, who have high calcium needs.Calcium deficiency may lead to disorders like osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become fragile and brittle later in life. Osteoporosis affects both men and women.
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Is Cottage Cheese Keto Heres What You Need To Know
Although many cheeses can be incorporated into a keto diet because of their fat and protein content, some cheeses may be a better option than others.
Because keto or ketogenic dieters need to monitor their carbohydrate intake, some cheeses may be higher in carbohydrates, knocking you out of ketosis.
Other Leafy Greens High In Calcium
- 21% DV in 1 cup of cooked collards
- 15% DV in 1 cup of turnip greens
- 13% DV in 1 cup of Scotch kale
- 8% DV in 1 cup of turnip greens
Note: Some claim that oxalates in leafy green vegetables impair calcium absorption. Studies on the effect of oxalates are mixed. In general, leafy greens as part of a balanced diet are a good source of calcium.
See the list of high calcium vegetables.
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How Much Calcium Is In Fat
You may have noticed that Canadas Food Guide now specifically references dairy products that are lower in fat.
New research has shown that some saturated fat, the type found in cheese, could actually be good for your heart. But there are personal reasons why someone would want to reduce their overall fat intake from the foods they eat.
If you want to reduce your overall fat intake but are concerned that youll miss out on other nutrients, you can still turn to dairy!
Low fat cheeses are still sources of calcium, its just less concentrated.
- Partially-skimmed mozzarella cheese or marble cheddar are a good source of calcium
- Half a cup of cottage cheese and 50 grams of ricotta cheese are sources of calcium, providing about 8% and 12% RDI respectively
Fat-free cheeses have the least calcium of all cheeses, but you can still get a small portion of your daily intake.
19 g of a typical fat-free cheddar cheese slice provides the least calcium, around 10% RDI
To learn about other sources of calcium, read our resource on Calcium-Rich Foods. And dont miss our guide to how calcium absorption works.
What Is Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is a type of cheese that is made from buffalo or cow’s milk. It is a soft, white cheese that can get more firm with age. Many people love this Italian-originated cheese for its smooth and creamy texture with a mild flavor and a hint of acidity. It is stringy but becomes smooth when melted, making it perfect for a variety of dishes from salad to pasta.
You can find different forms of mozzarella cheese in grocery and specialty food stores, including buffalo mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, smoked mozzarella, mozzarella balls and mozzarella sticks.
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What Is The Best Source Of Calcium 26 Calcium Sources
Calcium is a vital mineral your body needs to build strong bones, maintain muscle health, promote normal blood clotting, and boost heart health. Not consuming enough calcium can lead to osteoporosis and other health problems.
Here are 26 of the best sources of calcium, both dairy and nondairy.
Cheese Is Good For Your Thyroid Health
Your thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, is probably not something you think about often, but it should receive special attention when it comes to your health. The hormones it produces regulate nearly all of the bodys metabolic functions. Too much or too little production of these hormones can set your body off balance.
A thyroid disorder can have a vast array of symptoms. These include weight gain, fatigue, and infertility with hypothyroidism, and anxiety, insomnia, and rapid weight loss with hyperthyroidism. Both are cause for concern, and can lead to more serious problems in the future.
More than 30 million Americans suffer from a thyroid disorder, and over half of them are undiagnosed. Chances are even higher of an issue developing with your thyroid if you are female, making it about 30% more likely .
There are many things you can do to prevent developing a thyroid disorder, such as nutrition. Selenium is an essential mineral, as there are many benefits that result from daily intake. You can experience boosted immunity, as it counteracts the development of viruses, and it regulates thyroid function by aiding in the production of thyroid hormones .
Changing your diet can be the first step to avoiding a thyroid disorder. Adding cheese to your diet can help. Hard cheeses, like cheddar, can be a great source of selenium. In a 100-g serving, you can get over 50% of your recommended daily value .
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Spaghetti Squash With Bacon Spinach And Goat Cheese
With the gluten-free trend on the rise, this recipe is a great trend for those looking for pasta without the carbs.
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking pan with either parchment paper or foil. Prep your spaghetti squash by cutting off both ends, slicing it into 1-inch thick rings, and cutting out the seeds in the middle. Drizzle oil onto your lined baking pan, and spread out the squash rings, making sure both sides are coated with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper. Allow to bake for about 30 minutes, and cool for 10 minutes when it is finished.
Heat a large pan and cook about 6 strips of bacon until it is browned and crispy. At this point, stir in a tablespoon of red wine vinegar and a tablespoon of maple syrup. Add a bag of fresh spinach to the pan, one handful at a time, while stirring over low heat. Once the spinach is wilted, remove from heat.
Peel the skin from your squash, then, using a fork or your fingers, separate the spaghetti strands. Add the squash to your skillet and toss together.
Top with goat cheese crumbles and serve warm.
Fast Facts On Cheese:
- There are thousands of types of cheese. Cheese-flavored food is not considered one of them.
- Many cheeses are high in sodium and fat, but the benefits may outweigh the disadvantages.
- Natural, low-fat, low-sodium cheese can make a healthful addition to most diets.
- Anyone with a lactose allergy should not eat any type of cheese, but some types may be suitable for those with a lactose intolerance.
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Allergies Intolerances Sensitivity And Interactions
Lactose intolerance: A person with a lactose intolerance lacks the enzyme needed to break down and digest the sugar found in milk. Consuming milk and dairy products may result in bloating, flatulence, or diarrhea.
Tolerance levels depend on the individual. One person may be able to tolerate aged dairy with low levels of lactose, such as yogurt and hard cheeses, while others experience a reaction to even a small amount of dairy produce.
Soft, fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella, may trigger a reaction in a person with a lactose intolerance. However, harder cheeses, such as cheddar and parmesan, have lower levels of lactose. People with a lactose intolerance may find that a small amount of these cheeses can be safely consumed.
An allergy occurs because of an abnormal immunologic reaction to certain triggers, such as milk protein, whether casein or whey. The bodys immune system produces an allergic antibody, immunoglobulin E antibody, when exposed to the trigger.
Allergy symptoms include post-nasal drip, wheezing, diarrhea, and vomiting. In more severe cases, a person may develop asthma, eczema, bleeding, pneumonia, and anaphylaxis, or shock. This can be serious, and even life-threatening.
Anyone with a milk allergy must avoid all dairy products, including cheese.
A sensitivity to casein, a protein found in milk, can trigger inflammation throughout the body, producing symptoms such as sinus congestion, acne flares, skin rash, and migraines.
Top 10 Foods Highest In Calcium
Calcium is a mineral necessary for the growth and maintenance of strong teeth and bones, nerve signaling, muscle contraction, and secretion of certain hormones and enzymes.
While rare, a deficiency in calcium can lead to numbness in the fingers and toes, muscle cramps, convulsions, lethargy, loss of appetite, and abnormal heart rhythms. A long-term deficiency can lead to bone loss and fragile bones .
Conversely, excess calcium can lead to kidney stones, calcification of soft tissue, and increased risk of vascular diseases like stroke and heart attack.
High calcium foods include tofu, milk, yogurt, cheese, leafy greens, beans, clams, okra, trout, and acorn squash. The daily value for calcium is 1300mg.
While there is some evidence that phytic acid and oxalic acid in beans and greens can hinder calcium absorption, green vegetables and beans are still a good source of calcium, and the calculated daily value already takes into account absorption and bio-availability. For more info, see the section on calcium absorption.
Below is a list of high calcium foods by a common serving size, for more see the nutrient ranking of over 200 foods high in calcium. Also see the lists of high calcium vegetables, and high calcium fruits.
Only tofu prepared with calcium sulfate is high in calcium. Most tofu will provide between 10% – 40% DV calcium per cup. Check ingredient labels.
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Which Cheese Is High In Protein
While cheese is widely known for its calcium, the protein in cheese is often underappreciated.
What proteins do is that they build, strengthen, and repair cells such as antibodies, enzymes, casein, and collagen.
Whats more, cheese protein is derived from milk protein, which is a complete protein that contains all 9 essential amino acids.
This list of cheeses was carefully selected based on the cheese protein amount, calories, calcium, sodium, and other nutrients making them the healthiest cheeses on the market.
