Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is known for its distinctive flavour and blue veins. It is made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk and uses a type of mould that contributes to its signature taste and colour. Blue cheese is known to be high in sodium, with one ounce (28 grams) containing 14% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of sodium. It is also a source of potassium, providing 2% of the RDA in a one-ounce serving. However, the amount of potassium in blue cheese is relatively low compared to other cheeses, and it is generally considered to be a low-potassium food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Potassium Content | 73 mg of potassium per ounce, which is considered low-potassium |
| Sodium Content | High sodium content |
| Calories | 100 calories per ounce |
| Fat | 8.1 grams of fat per ounce |
| Protein | 6.1 grams of protein per ounce |
| Carbohydrates | 0.7 grams of carbs per ounce |
| Cholesterol | 21 mg of cholesterol per ounce |
| Histamine | High levels of histamine |
| Calcium | 10% of the recommended daily calcium intake per ounce |
| Vitamin D | Less than 1% of the recommended daily vitamin D intake per ounce |
| Lactose | Low lactose content |
| Gluten | Does not contain gluten, but may be grown on a gluten-containing medium |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is high in potassium
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is known for its distinctive blue veins, which are created during the cheese-making process. These veins are formed by mould, which also gives the cheese its signature flavour and colour. Blue cheese is typically made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk, and it is often cultured on breadcrumbs that contain animal rennet derived from the stomachs of calves.
The high potassium content of blue cheese is particularly relevant for individuals with kidney disease or high potassium levels. For these individuals, it is recommended to consult a kidney specialist or renal dietitian before consuming blue cheese or other high-potassium foods. This is because the kidneys play a crucial role in filtering excess potassium from the blood, and if they are unable to do so effectively, it can lead to health complications.
In addition to its high potassium content, blue cheese is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and vitamin A. It is high in fats and low in carbohydrates, making it a popular choice for those following a ketogenic diet. However, it is important to note that blue cheese is also high in cholesterol and sodium, so individuals watching their intake of these nutrients may need to consume blue cheese in moderation.
Blue Cheese and Lactose: A Dietary Concern?
You may want to see also
It has 73mg of potassium per ounce
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is known to have high levels of histamine, sodium, and cholesterol. It is made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk and uses a type of mold that gives it its signature flavour and blue colour. An ounce of blue cheese contains around 21 mg of cholesterol, which is about 7% of the recommended daily value. It also has 73 mg of potassium per ounce. This means that blue cheese is a low-potassium food, with only 2% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of potassium in a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving.
Potassium is a chemical element that is essential for life. A deficiency, also known as hypokalemia, is very rare because potassium is found in most foods. The body regulates the concentration of potassium on both sides of the cell membrane, as the difference in intracellular and extracellular potassium concentrations allows nerves to fire. The kidneys filter excess potassium from the blood to maintain stable concentrations.
Since blue cheese is made from milk, it is reasonable to suspect that it contains potassium. Milk and yoghurt are high-potassium foods, according to the National Kidney Foundation. However, different cheeses have different levels of potassium, so the answer is a little more complex. In general, cheeses with larger serving sizes, such as cottage cheese and ricotta cheese, tend to be higher in potassium. On the other hand, cheeses that are customarily eaten in small servings, like cheddar and blue cheese, are considered low-potassium foods.
It is important to note that blue cheese is a high-sodium food, so those with high blood pressure or on a low-sodium diet should consume it in moderation. Additionally, blue cheese is not recommended for those with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance unless they can find dairy-free options.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: Keto-Friendly Superfood?
You may want to see also
It's also high in sodium, histamine, and cholesterol
Blue cheese is a good source of calcium, which is necessary for optimal bone health and can help prevent osteoporosis. However, blue cheese is also high in sodium, histamine, and cholesterol.
Firstly, blue cheese is high in sodium. This is a concern for some consumers, especially those who need to monitor their salt intake, such as people with high blood pressure. High sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure and water retention, which can be detrimental to overall health.
Secondly, blue cheese is high in histamine and inhibits DAO, the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine in the body. Histamine is a compound involved in immune and inflammatory responses, and some individuals may experience adverse reactions to high histamine foods. The effects of histamine-rich foods can vary from person to person, and some people may need to follow a low-histamine diet to manage conditions like Histamine Intolerance (HIT) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
Lastly, blue cheese is high in cholesterol. While cholesterol is essential for the body's cell structure and certain hormones, excessive cholesterol intake can increase the risk of high LDL cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke. For individuals with risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, maintaining a low-cholesterol diet is crucial.
It's important to note that the impact of these nutrients on health can be complex and dependent on individual factors. While blue cheese may be high in sodium, histamine, and cholesterol, it can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet by being mindful of portion sizes and considering one's unique dietary needs and restrictions.
Blackberries and Blue Cheese: A Match Made in Heaven?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It's suitable for a keto diet
Blue cheese is a suitable food for a keto diet due to its high fat and low carb content. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of blue cheese provides 8 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 1 gram of carbs, making it an excellent cheese to enjoy when following the keto diet.
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet often used to promote weight loss. It traditionally limits carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day to maintain ketosis, a state in which the body uses fat instead of carbohydrates as its main fuel source. Therefore, certain foods are better suited for the keto diet than others. In particular, cheese is an ideal keto food due to its high-fat content, moderate protein, and low-carb content.
Blue cheese is also a good source of potassium, with 73 mg of potassium per ounce. However, it is important to note that portion control is crucial as consuming too much blue cheese can introduce too much potassium for people who need to restrict their potassium intake, such as those with kidney issues.
When it comes to store-bought blue cheese dressings, it is important to be cautious as they may contain added sugars, artificial flavors, and unhealthy fats that can derail a keto diet. However, making a homemade blue cheese dressing is a great option, as it allows you to control the ingredients and ensure they align with your keto diet goals.
Blue Cheese and FODMAP: What's the Lowdown?
You may want to see also
It's not suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies
Blue cheese is a type of cheese made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk and uses a type of mold that contributes to its signature flavour and blue colour. The cheese itself does not contain wheat, barley, or rye—the grains that contain gluten. However, blue cheese is not vegan and is therefore not suitable for those adhering to a vegan diet. In addition, those with dairy allergies should also avoid blue cheese and other milk-based products unless they are able to find dairy-free options.
Blue cheese is known to have high levels of histamine, with aged varieties containing between 250 to 2,489 mg of histamine per kilogram. However, it is important to note that the recommended daily intake of histamine has not been established as histamine intolerance varies from person to person. Blue cheese is also relatively high in cholesterol, with one ounce of blue cheese containing around 21 mg of cholesterol, which is approximately 7% of the recommended daily value. As such, individuals watching their cholesterol intake may want to consume blue cheese in moderation.
Furthermore, blue cheese is high in sodium, with one source classifying it as a "higher sodium cheese". Those with high blood pressure or on a low-sodium diet should be mindful of their consumption of blue cheese, ensuring that their overall daily sodium intake remains within the recommended limit of 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams per day.
While blue cheese does contain potassium, with one ounce providing 2% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), it is important to note that it is not considered a high-potassium food. High-potassium cheeses are those with more than 200 mg of potassium in a single serving, and blue cheese typically contains 73 mg of potassium per ounce. However, individuals with kidney disease or high potassium levels should consult a specialist before consuming blue cheese or other high-potassium foods.
Blue Cheese and Buffalo Wings: A Match Made in Heaven
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, blue cheese contains potassium. A 1-ounce serving of blue cheese provides 2% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of potassium. However, it is considered a low-potassium food as it only has 73 mg of potassium per ounce.
Since blue cheese is a source of potassium, it may not be suitable for people with kidney problems. The National Kidney Foundation recommends that kidney patients monitor their milk and yoghurt intake as they are high-potassium foods. As cheese is made from milk, it is reasonable to suspect that it contains high levels of potassium as well. Therefore, it is best to consult a kidney specialist before consuming blue cheese if you have kidney disease.
Cheeses that are customarily eaten in small servings, such as cheddar, are considered low-potassium foods. For example, 1 ounce of cheddar only has 28 mg of potassium. Other low-potassium cheeses include low-fat cream cheese, which has 28 mg of potassium per tablespoon, and ricotta, which has 205 mg of potassium per 2/3 cup.
