Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a popular dairy product made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and protein, which promote bone health. Feta cheese also contains vitamins A and K, and B vitamins. Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells, protein, and DNA, making it crucial for normal growth and maintaining optimal health. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to fatigue, anemia, neurological problems, and other health issues. Feta cheese is a suitable source of vitamin B12 for vegetarians, and its inclusion in the diet can help prevent deficiencies and maintain overall health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does feta cheese contain vitamin B12? | Yes |
| How much vitamin B12 does feta cheese contain? | 1-ounce serving: 8% of the RDI, 1-cup serving: 2.5ug or 110% for adults |
| What are the benefits of vitamin B12? | Essential for normal growth and maintaining optimum health, production of red blood cells, protein, DNA, and SAMe, supports immune system, produces neurotransmitters, may help improve depression, and may be prescribed to relieve pain from osteoarthritis |
| What are the consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency? | Tiredness, weakened sense of concentration, poor memory, irritability, depression, trouble sleeping, mania, psychosis, fatigue, anemia, numb hands and feet, and neurological problems |
| What are other good sources of vitamin B12? | Nutritional yeast, egg yolk, coconut milk, blue cheese, boiled egg, cheddar cheese, fried egg, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Swiss cheese, Gjetost, Mozzarella, Tilsit, Brie, Gouda, Gruyere, Muenster, and provolone |
| What are the other benefits of eating feta cheese? | Good source of calcium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, K, folate, pantothenic acid, iron, and magnesium, promotes bone health, contains probiotics, and is lower in fat and calories compared to other cheeses |
| What are the potential downsides of eating feta cheese? | Feta cheese is a dairy product, which may cause allergies or intolerance in some individuals due to the presence of casein, potential link between dairy consumption and chronic inflammation, and unpasteurized cheese may be more susceptible to foodborne illnesses |
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What You'll Learn
Feta is a good source of B vitamins
Feta cheese is a good source of B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12. In fact, it is one of the top vegetarian foods that are rich in vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells, protein, and DNA, making it crucial for normal growth and maintaining optimal health. It also supports the immune system, produces neurotransmitters, and may help improve depression.
Feta cheese, made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk, is a brined cheese that is shaped into cubes. It is stored in a salted solution, or brine, and matured for two months to preserve its freshness. This process of brining gives feta its distinctive salty flavour.
In addition to being a good source of vitamin B12, feta cheese also contains higher levels of calcium and phosphorus than other cheeses, contributing to bone health. It is also a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin, selenium, and other essential nutrients. Furthermore, feta has been shown to contain Lactobacillus plantarum, a beneficial bacteria that promotes immune system and gut health by protecting the intestinal tract from harmful bacteria.
The inclusion of feta cheese in one's diet can be a tasty and nutritious way to increase vitamin B12 intake. It is a versatile cheese that can be added to salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and various other dishes. However, it is important to note that while feta is a good source of B vitamins, excessive consumption may contribute to excess calorie and fat intake, so moderation is key.
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Feta is lower in fat and calories than aged cheeses
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek cuisine and the Mediterranean diet. It is made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. Feta is known for its soft, crumbly texture and salty flavour.
Feta cheese is lower in fat and calories than aged cheeses like cheddar or parmesan. Specifically, one ounce (28 grams) of cheddar or parmesan contains more than 110 calories and 7 grams of fat, whereas one ounce of feta has only 74 calories and 6 grams of fat. This makes feta a low-calorie, low-fat cheese option.
In addition to being lower in fat and calories, feta cheese also contains beneficial bacteria and fatty acids. It is a good source of B vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health. Each serving of feta provides almost twice as much calcium as phosphorus, a proportion that has been shown to positively impact bone health.
However, it is important to note that feta cheese is relatively high in sodium, with 312 mg of sodium in a 1-ounce serving, contributing to 13% of the recommended daily intake. Excessive sodium in the diet has been linked to high blood pressure and ongoing health issues such as kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. For this reason, it is recommended to consume feta cheese in moderation.
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Feta is made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk
Feta cheese is a good source of vitamin B12, providing 8% of the recommended daily intake per ounce. It is also a rich source of calcium, phosphorus, and protein, which promote bone health.
Feta is a Greek brined white cheese that is soft, crumbly, and slightly grainy. It is typically made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk, with goat's milk not exceeding 30% of the mixture. This combination of milk sources is what gives feta its distinctive aroma and flavour.
The process of making feta involves separating the whey from the curds, which are made of the protein casein. The curds are then shaped by draining the whey and placing them in moulds for 24 hours. After the curds are firm, they are cut into cubes, salted, and placed in wooden barrels or metal containers for up to three days. The blocks of cheese are then placed in a salted solution and refrigerated for two months to mature. Finally, the cheese is packaged in brine to preserve its freshness.
The use of sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk in feta production is legally protected within the European Union and other territories. Feta made in other countries with different milk combinations cannot be labelled as "feta" due to this regulation.
In summary, feta cheese, made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk, is a nutritious and tasty option that provides a good source of vitamin B12, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Its production process and unique flavour have contributed to its popularity and protected status within the EU.
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Feta has been linked to promoting bone health
Feta cheese, a traditional Greek cheese, is made from sheep's and/or goat's milk. It is a soft, white, brined cheese with a salty, tangy flavour. Feta is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and protein, all of which are essential for bone health.
Calcium plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy teeth and bones. Phosphorus is an important component of bones, and consuming phosphorus and calcium together has been linked to improved bone density and osteoporosis prevention. Feta cheese contains almost twice as much calcium as phosphorus, a proportion that has been shown to have positive effects on bone health.
In addition to calcium and phosphorus, feta cheese is also a good source of protein. Protein helps maintain bone density and prevents osteoporosis. Therefore, incorporating feta cheese into your diet can help support bone health due to its high content of these essential nutrients.
It is worth noting that while feta cheese has several bone health benefits, it is also high in sodium and saturated fat. As such, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, pregnant women should avoid unpasteurized feta cheese, as it may contain bacteria that can be harmful to the fetus.
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Feta is a good source of vitamin B12
Feta cheese is a good source of vitamin B12. In fact, it is one of the top vegetarian foods that are rich in vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells, protein, and DNA, making it crucial for normal growth and maintaining optimal health. Feta, made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk, is a great option for those seeking to add nutritious cheese to their diet.
Feta cheese is a brined cheese that is shaped into cubes. It is stored in a salted solution and matured for two months. This process helps preserve its freshness. Feta is not only a good source of vitamin B12 but also provides other health benefits. It is lower in fat and calories compared to aged cheeses like cheddar or parmesan. This makes it a healthier option for those conscious of their calorie intake.
In addition to its B vitamin content, feta cheese is also a good source of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health. It contains more of these nutrients than other cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese, or goat cheese. Incorporating feta into your diet can help you achieve the recommended daily intake of calcium. Calcium and phosphorus work together to promote bone health, and feta provides an excellent balance of these nutrients.
Feta cheese also contains beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus plantarum, which accounts for about 48% of its bacteria. These probiotics can promote immune system and gut health by protecting the intestinal tract from harmful bacteria. Additionally, they have anti-inflammatory properties and can increase the production of compounds that inhibit the inflammatory response. Feta's nutritional profile and health benefits make it a valuable addition to various dishes, such as salads, pizzas, and sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, feta cheese contains vitamin B12.
Feta cheese contains 8% of the RDI of vitamin B12 per ounce (28 grams). In 1 cup, feta cheese contains 2.5ug of vitamin B12, which is about 110% of the RDI for adults.
Feta cheese is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A and K, folate, pantothenic acid, iron, and magnesium. It also contains probiotics, including Lactobacillus plantarum.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells, protein, and DNA, making it crucial for normal growth and maintaining optimal health. It helps prevent fatigue, anemia, neurological problems such as numb hands and feet, depression, and memory issues.
