Randy Chandler
Blue cheese is a common type of cheese known for its strong smell and distinct flavour. It is made using Penicillium, a type of mould that's responsible for its unique taste, smell, and appearance. While blue cheese is rich in nutrients and provides a variety of health benefits, it also has high levels of sodium, calories, and fats. This has led to debates about the health benefits of blue cheese and whether it can get you high.
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is made using a type of mould called Penicillium roqueforti
The mould Penicillium roqueforti is non-toxic and safe for human consumption. Unlike other types of mould, it does not produce toxins. However, blue cheese can still go bad if it is not stored properly. Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface of blue cheese may indicate that it has spoiled. A strong ammonia-like odour may also be a sign of spoilage. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning and increase exposure to harmful mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain moulds.
To prevent food poisoning and other negative side effects, it is important to store blue cheese properly. When wrapped and refrigerated, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks. It can also be frozen to extend its shelf life. However, freezing may slightly alter the texture and appearance of the cheese.
Blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food, containing high levels of calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients provide various health benefits, including improved bone density, reduced risk of osteoporosis, and potential anti-obesity mechanisms. However, blue cheese also contains high levels of sodium, saturated fat, and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation.
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It's rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals
Blue cheese is a type of cheese with a strong smell and distinct flavour. It is rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals, which offer a variety of health benefits.
Firstly, blue cheese is an excellent source of calcium, even compared to other types of cheese. A one-ounce serving of blue cheese contains 150 mg of calcium, while most adults should consume a minimum of 1,000 mg per day. Calcium is essential for healthy teeth and bones, and the high calcium content in blue cheese helps improve bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
Secondly, blue cheese contains vitamins and minerals that may promote immune, cardiovascular, and cognitive functioning. For example, blue cheese is a source of vitamin B12, which is important for maintaining a healthy nervous system and producing red blood cells. It also contains vitamin A, vitamin B2, niacin, and vitamin D, which contribute to overall health.
Thirdly, blue cheese has a rich nutritional profile and is a good source of protein, which is beneficial for muscle development. However, it is important to note that blue cheese should be consumed in moderation due to its high levels of saturated fat, calories, and sodium. Excessive consumption of blue cheese can lead to weight gain, increased cholesterol levels, and blood pressure issues.
In conclusion, blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food that offers a variety of health benefits due to its rich content of calcium, vitamins, and minerals. However, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet to avoid potential negative health impacts.
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It's high in fat, calories, and sodium
While blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food that can be part of a healthy diet, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high levels of fat, calories, and sodium.
Firstly, blue cheese is high in fat, specifically saturated fat. Excess consumption of saturated fat is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and high cholesterol levels. Therefore, it is recommended that healthy adults on a 2,000-calorie diet should not derive more than 7% of their daily calories from saturated fat.
Secondly, blue cheese is calorie-dense, and overconsumption of calories can lead to weight gain. For those aiming to cut down on calories or follow a low-calorie diet, switching to low-fat cheese may be advisable.
Finally, blue cheese is high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure levels. A high-sodium diet can make it difficult to control blood pressure, and healthy individuals are advised not to consume more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. To manage sodium intake, it is also important to avoid adding salt to dishes prepared with blue cheese.
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It can be stored in the freezer
Blue cheese is a common type of cheese known for its strong smell and distinct flavour. It is made using Penicillium, a type of mould that is responsible for its unique taste, smell, and appearance. While blue cheese can be stored in the freezer, it is important to note that improper storage can cause it to spoil.
Blue cheese should be stored properly to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage. When stored in the refrigerator, it is recommended to keep the cheese tightly wrapped. Properly wrapped blue cheese can last for 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. However, if you need to extend its shelf life even further, you can opt to store it in the freezer. Freezing blue cheese can help preserve it indefinitely, although it may slightly alter its texture and appearance.
To freeze blue cheese, start by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the package with the date, so you know when it was frozen. Place the wrapped cheese in the freezer, where it will remain safe to consume indefinitely.
When you are ready to use the frozen blue cheese, simply remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator. It is important to note that freezing and thawing may affect the texture and appearance of the cheese, making it slightly crumbly or dry. However, it will still be safe to consume and use in various recipes.
In summary, blue cheese can be stored in the freezer to extend its shelf life. Proper wrapping and storage techniques are essential to maintain the quality of the cheese during freezing and thawing. By following these steps, you can enjoy your favourite blue cheese varieties for a more extended period while also reducing food waste.
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Spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning
Blue cheese is a type of cheese with a strong smell and distinct flavour. It is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mould. While most types of mould produce compounds called mycotoxins, which are toxic to humans, the varieties of Penicillium used to produce blue cheese do not produce toxins and are safe to consume.
However, blue cheese can still go bad if it is not stored properly. Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots growing on the surface of blue cheese may indicate that it has gone bad. Additionally, cheese that develops a strong odour similar to ammonia may be spoiled. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. Therefore, blue cheese should be discarded if there are any changes in its appearance or smell.
To prevent food poisoning, it is important to store blue cheese properly. Blue cheese should be tightly wrapped and refrigerated. If stored properly, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator. Blue cheese can also be frozen to extend its shelf life. Although freezing blue cheese may slightly alter its texture and appearance, it remains safe to consume indefinitely when frozen.
Blue cheese is a rich source of calcium, even when compared to other types of cheese. A once-ounce serving of blue cheese contains 150 mg of calcium. Regular consumption of calcium-rich foods such as blue cheese can help protect bone health and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. Additionally, the calcium in blue cheese may be linked to anti-obesity mechanisms that reduce body weight from fat.
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Frequently asked questions
No, blue cheese does not get you high. However, it is rich in calcium, which is essential for healthy teeth and bones.
Blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food that contains vitamins, minerals, and natural compounds that are beneficial to health. Some of the vitamins found in blue cheese include vitamin A, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
Blue cheese should be consumed in moderation due to its high levels of saturated fat, calories, and sodium. Overconsumption of blue cheese can lead to weight gain, increased cholesterol levels, and blood pressure issues.
