Frederic Melton
Blue cheese is a popular dairy product with a distinctive appearance and a bold, tangy taste. It is made using mould cultures, specifically Penicillium roqueforti, which give it its characteristic blue or grey veins. But does blue cheese have nutritional value? The answer is yes — blue cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, it is also high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutrient Density | Low |
| Vitamins | B12 (cobalamin), A, D, E, K, B5 (pantothenic acid), B2 (riboflavin) |
| Protein | Yes, 6 grams per ounce |
| Calcium | Yes, 150 mg per ounce |
| Fat | Yes, 8.1 grams per ounce, of which 5.3 grams are saturated fatty acids and 2.2 grams are monounsaturated fatty acids |
| Calories | High |
| Sodium | High |
| Potassium | High |
| Phosphorus | High |
| Lactic Acid Bacteria | Yes |
| Fatty Acids | Yes |
| Peptides | Yes |
| Spermidine | Yes |
| Lactose | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is a good source of calcium
The distinctive flavour, smell, and blue or grey veins of blue cheese come from the Penicillium roqueforti mould cultures used in its production. This mould is believed to have originated in a cave in Roquefort, France, and is combined with milk to begin the fermentation process. Blue cheese is typically made using full-fat cow's milk, although there are over 1,000 types of cheese made from the milk of various animals, each with its own unique flavour and nutrient profile.
Blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food, providing not only calcium but also protein, vitamins, and other minerals. It is especially rich in vitamin B12 (cobalamin), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), and phosphorus. The protein in blue cheese comes from dairy and makes up 24% of the total calories in a 1-ounce serving, with 6 grams of protein per ounce.
While blue cheese offers nutritional benefits, it is also high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories. Those with high blood pressure or on a low-sodium diet should be mindful of their intake, as excess sodium can increase the risk of heart disease. Similarly, those with kidney disease should consult a specialist before consuming blue cheese due to its high potassium and phosphorus content. Blue cheese should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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It contains vitamins B2, B5, B12, protein, phosphorus, and more
Blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food that contains vitamins, minerals, and natural compounds that are beneficial to health.
Firstly, blue cheese contains vitamins B2, B5, and B12. Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is important for maintaining healthy skin, boosting the immune system, and promoting growth. Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is involved in energy metabolism and the production of red blood cells. Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is crucial for brain health and the formation of red blood cells.
Secondly, blue cheese is a good source of protein. Protein is essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of the body, and blue cheese provides 6 grams of protein per ounce. The protein in blue cheese is in the form of casein, a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids.
Thirdly, blue cheese contains phosphorus, which is important for bone health and energy metabolism. It also contains calcium, another key mineral for bone health. A once-ounce serving of blue cheese contains 150 mg of calcium, contributing to the recommended daily value of 1,000 mg for most adults.
In addition to the above, blue cheese also contains other beneficial compounds. It is a source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), which are heart-healthy fats that can help protect against cardiovascular disease. Blue cheese also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has potential health benefits.
While blue cheese offers these nutritional benefits, it is also high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Blue cheese is high in sodium and should be consumed in moderation
Blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food, offering a variety of health benefits. It is a good source of calcium, which promotes bone health and helps prevent osteoporosis. It also contains a compound known as spermidine, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Blue cheese is also a source of protein and vitamins, including vitamin B12.
However, blue cheese is high in sodium, and those with high blood pressure or on a low-sodium diet should consume it in moderation. The recommended daily sodium intake is less than 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams per day. Blue cheese is also high in fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The high sodium content in blue cheese is due to the salting process during cheese production. After the curds and whey are separated, the curds may be further processed by cutting them into smaller pieces to expel liquid, heating, stretching, or washing them. Finally, the cheese is salted, which not only adds flavour but also acts as a preservative.
While blue cheese is high in sodium, it can still be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. It is recommended to be mindful of portion sizes and to balance blue cheese intake with other nutritious foods.
Additionally, blue cheese has a strong and distinctive flavour, so a little can go a long way in enhancing the taste of dishes. It can be added to salads, pizzas, burgers, or used as a topping for crackers and bread.
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It may help prevent cardiovascular disease
Blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food that delivers a surprising variety of health benefits. One of the most notable advantages of consuming blue cheese is its potential to help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Firstly, blue cheese contains a compound called spermidine, which has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular issues. Spermidine has been found to positively influence cardiac muscle cells and other components of the cardiovascular system. This discovery has led health experts to explore the "French Paradox," a phenomenon where French people experience lower rates of cardiovascular mortality despite consuming more saturated fat on average.
Secondly, blue cheese is a good source of unsaturated fats, specifically monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). These healthy fats are known to protect the heart and promote cardiovascular health. While blue cheese does contain saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels, the presence of unsaturated fats provides a balanced profile of fatty acids.
Additionally, blue cheese is a rich source of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), providing 21% of the daily value per 1.5-ounce serving. Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining healthy blood and nerve cells, and it may also contribute to overall cardiovascular health.
Moreover, blue cheese is a fermented cheese that contains lactic acid bacteria, fatty acids, and peptides. These components have been linked to potential cognitive benefits, including boosting brain function and protecting against age-related memory decline and dementia.
While blue cheese offers these potential benefits for cardiovascular health, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high-fat content, particularly saturated fat. Excessive consumption of saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, enjoying blue cheese as part of a balanced diet and being mindful of portion sizes are key to reaping its potential cardiovascular advantages.
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Blue cheese is made using a type of mould
The use of mould in blue cheese is believed to have originated from the contamination of cheese stored in the caves of Roquefort, France. Today, cheesemakers use mould extracts to create the distinctive blue veins, bold flavour, and pungent smell of blue cheese.
Blue cheese is a notable cheese that delivers a surprising variety of health benefits. It is rich in nutrients and provides health advantages, such as high calcium content. Blue cheese is an excellent source of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), providing 21% of the daily value per 1.5-ounce serving. It is also a good source of protein, with 6 grams of protein per ounce, and contains other essential vitamins and minerals.
However, blue cheese is also high in sodium, and those with high blood pressure or on a low-sodium diet should consume it in moderation. It is also high in fat, particularly saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Despite this, some studies suggest that the fat in blue cheese may have a neutral or even positive effect on cardiovascular health.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food, containing vitamins, minerals, and natural compounds that are beneficial to health. It is particularly rich in vitamin B12, protein, calcium, monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin B5, conjugated linoleic acid, phosphorus, and vitamin B2.
Blue cheese can help promote bone health, dental health, and heart health. It may also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and has been linked to anti-obesity mechanisms that reduce body weight from fat.
Blue cheese is high in sodium, so people with high blood pressure or on a low-sodium diet should consume it in moderation. It is also high in fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
