Cheese can be a nutritious and delicious addition to your diet, but not all cheeses are created equal. Some cheeses are higher in fat, sodium, and calories than others, so it’s important to choose wisely and pick the healthiest cheese.
But what cheese is the healthiest for you? Let’s take a look.
Top 5 Healthiest Cheese
1. Feta
One of the healthiest of cheese is feta. Feta is a crumbly, salty cheese that is low in fat and calories. It is also a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Feta is also a good choice for people who are watching their cholesterol levels, as it is relatively low in saturated fat.
Feta cheese can be crumbled over salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. It can also be used in omelets, frittatas, and quiches. It can be added to pasta dishes and soups or used as a topping for grilled vegetables, meat, or fish. You can also use it as a dip, mixed with herbs and olive oil.
Besides cooking, feta is a good option for baking. You can make savory tarts and pies.
2. Cottage Cheese
Another healthy cheese option is cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is a low-calorie, high-protein cheese that is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12. It’s also low in fat and cholesterol-free.
Cottage cheese is very versatile. It can be eaten as a snack by itself, mixed with fruits, nuts, or honey. It can be used in baking, in pancakes, waffles, or muffins. Cottage cheese can be added to smoothies, dips, and dressings. You can also use it in savory dishes such as lasagna or spaghetti. You can also add it to sandwiches, and salads or use it as a topping for crackers or toast.
3. Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is also a healthy cheese option. It is lower in fat and calories than cow’s milk cheese, and it is also a good source of protein and calcium. Additionally, goat cheese is often easier to digest than cow’s milk cheese, making it a good choice for people who are lactose intolerant.
Goat cheese can be crumbled or spread on crackers, toast, or sandwiches. It can be used in salads and pasta dishes for added flavor. It can also be melted on pizzas, sandwiches, and vegetables. Goat cheese can be paired with fruit and nuts as a simple appetizer, or used in baking to make pastries and tarts. You can also use it in dips, spreads, and dressings.
4. Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is another healthy option. It is low in fat and calories, and it is also a good source of protein and calcium.
Mozzarella cheese can be enjoyed on pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. It can be melted on top of pasta dishes, soups, and vegetables. It can be used in baking lasagnas, calzones, and other dishes. Mozzarella can also be paired with other meats and cheeses for a simple charcuterie board or as an appetizer. Mozzarella is also a good choice for grilling, on skewers, or as a topping for burgers.
5. Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is also a healthy cheese option. It is high in protein and calcium and contains beneficial probiotics. It’s also high in healthy fats and has a unique flavor that can enhance any dish.
Blue cheese can be crumbled over salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. It can be used in dips and dressings. It can be added to pasta dishes and soups for added flavor. You can also use it as a topping for grilled meats or vegetables. It can be paired with fruit, nuts, and crackers for an appetizer. Blue cheese can also be melted on burgers, sandwiches, and pastries.
Things to Remember About Cheese
It’s also important to consider the serving size when consuming cheese. Many kinds of cheese, even healthy ones, are high in calories and fat, so it’s important to eat them in moderation. A serving size of cheese is typically 1-2 ounces, which is about the size of your thumb.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many healthy cheese options to choose from. Feta, cottage cheese, goat cheese, mozzarella, and blue cheese are all nutritious choices that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. They are all high in proteins and calcium and low in fat, making them a great addition to your diet. It’s important to be mindful of serving sizes and to choose cheese that is lower in sodium and saturated fat for a healthier option.