Many of us have an ever-flourishing love for and addiction to cheese. The fattiness and salt content causes our bodies to release happy hormones (endorphins and dopamine) whenever we eat it.
Some people are concerned with the fat, sodium, and calories in cheese. But cheese is also an excellent source of calcium, protein, and many other nutrients. It may even help prevent heart disease and osteoporosis. However, some cheeses are healthier than others.
Let’s take a look at three of the healthiest types of cheeses:
High Protein-to-Fat Content
With a few exceptions, most cheeses are high in protein, with up to 11 grams per ounce. Many also have a high fat content, up to 10 grams per ounce. On average, five or six of those grams will be saturated fat.
However, the healthier cheeses contain more protein and less fat, offering a better balance of macronutrients. Types of cheese that are high in protein and lower in fat include:
- Low-Fat Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Romano
- Jarlsberg
Probiotic Cheeses
Cheese, in general, will undergo some fermentation, but not all contain probiotics. Probiotics are essential to gut health. When consumed from different sources, you’ll have a diverse profile of good bacteria to fight against harmful bacteria in your gut microbiome. These types of cheeses are high in probiotics:
- Cheddar
- Cottage cheese
- Feta
- Gouda
Grass-Fed Cheeses
Cheese made from grass-fed milk contains higher omega-3 content, vitamin K2, and other nutritional benefits than grain-fed cheeses. The types we’ve mentioned can usually be bought as a healthier grass-fed version. Check the label, as the description should say that the cheese was made from grass-fed milk.
A Healthier Cheese Snack
Cheese is high in essential nutrients like protein, fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. But not all types have the same nutritional benefits, and some can be pretty bad for you if you overeat them.
For a healthy cheese snack, consider trying types with high protein-to-fat and probiotic content and ones made from grass-fed milk. There are plenty of tasty options to choose from within these categories to satisfy your cheese fix.
