Andy Montoya
Feta cheese is a soft, white-colored cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is one of the oldest cheeses in the world and is known for its rich aroma and slightly sour taste. While feta cheese is a good source of nutrients like calcium and protein, it also has high amounts of sodium and saturated fat. The cheese-making process involves adding salt to the curd, and the finished block of cheese is stored in a brine of up to 7% salt. This results in a high-sodium product that can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure, kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. Additionally, feta cheese has a higher lactose content than some other cheeses, and when made with unpasteurized milk, it carries a risk of Listeria contamination, which can cause gastrointestinal issues, including pain, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Value | Feta cheese is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, protein, and probiotics. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fatty acid. |
| Health Benefits | Feta cheese promotes bone health, improves body composition, and may help prevent diabetes. The probiotics in feta support gut and immune system health. |
| Potential Drawbacks | Feta cheese is high in sodium and can be high in lactose, which may cause digestive issues for some individuals. It can also be contaminated with Listeria bacteria if made with unpasteurized milk. |
| Sensitivities and Allergies | Some people may be allergic or intolerant to lactose or milk proteins in feta cheese, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as pain, diarrhea, and constipation. |
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What You'll Learn
- Feta cheese is high in sodium, which can cause high blood pressure and kidney issues
- It is a source of probiotics, which may have anti-inflammatory benefits
- Feta cheese is a low-calorie food, but it is high in saturated fat
- It is rich in calcium and protein, which are beneficial for bone health
- Feta cheese can cause digestive problems for those with lactose intolerance
Feta cheese is high in sodium, which can cause high blood pressure and kidney issues
Feta cheese is a soft, white-coloured cheese typically made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is one of the oldest cheeses in the world and is known for its rich aroma and slightly sour taste. While feta cheese is a good source of nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and protein, it also has a high sodium content.
During the cheese-making process, salt is added to the curd, and the cheese block is then submerged in a brine solution of up to 7% salt during storage. This results in feta cheese containing 312 mg of sodium per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving, contributing to up to 13% of an individual's Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of sodium.
Excessive sodium intake has been linked to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for serious health issues such as kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. Therefore, the high sodium content of feta cheese can be detrimental to individuals with hypertension or those at risk of developing kidney-related issues.
It is important to note that the impact of sodium on blood pressure varies across individuals, and some people may be more sensitive to salt intake. For those concerned about their sodium intake, reducing the amount of feta cheese consumed or rinsing the cheese with water before eating can help lower salt consumption. Additionally, feta cheese made with unpasteurized milk carries a higher risk of Listeria contamination, which can cause flu-like symptoms, including muscle pain and fatigue.
In conclusion, while feta cheese offers nutritional benefits, its high sodium content can be a cause for concern, particularly for those at risk of high blood pressure and kidney issues. Moderation and conscientious consumption are key to enjoying feta cheese while mitigating potential health risks associated with excessive sodium intake.
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It is a source of probiotics, which may have anti-inflammatory benefits
Feta cheese is a soft, white-coloured cheese typically made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is one of the oldest cheeses in the world, known for its rich aroma and slightly sour taste. Feta is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and protein, which are essential for bone health. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid that may offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Fermented foods like feta cheese are a source of probiotics, which are live, friendly bacteria with potential health benefits. Probiotics promote a healthy gut and support immune system function. Feta has been found to contain Lactobacillus plantarum, a beneficial bacteria strain. Test-tube studies suggest that the bacteria and yeast strains in feta can survive extreme conditions in the gut, exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects.
The presence of probiotics in feta cheese may contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties. These beneficial bacteria promote a balanced gut microbiome, which is increasingly recognised for its role in reducing inflammation throughout the body. A diverse and robust population of healthy gut bacteria is associated with a lower risk of inflammatory conditions.
While feta cheese offers potential anti-inflammatory benefits, it is important to consider its sodium and lactose content. Feta is high in sodium due to the addition of salt during the cheese-making process and the subsequent brining step. This high sodium content may be a concern for individuals with high blood pressure or related health issues. Additionally, as an unripened cheese, feta has a higher lactose content, which may be problematic for individuals with lactose intolerance or sensitivity.
When consumed in moderation and when suitable for one's dietary needs and restrictions, feta cheese may offer anti-inflammatory benefits due to its probiotic content. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered nutritionist to determine if feta cheese aligns with your specific dietary requirements and health goals.
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Feta cheese is a low-calorie food, but it is high in saturated fat
Feta cheese is a soft, white-coloured cheese, typically made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is one of the oldest cheeses in the world and is known for its rich aroma and slightly sour taste. While feta cheese is an excellent source of nutrients like calcium and protein, it also has high amounts of sodium and saturated fat.
Secondly, while feta cheese is lower in fat than many other cheeses, it still contains saturated fats, which should be limited to less than 10% of your daily calorie intake. Excessive consumption of saturated fat can contribute to health issues. For example, some studies have shown that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid found in feta cheese, can negatively affect sugar metabolism and cholesterol levels. However, CLA has also been shown to help improve body composition by decreasing fat mass and increasing lean body mass.
Despite the presence of saturated fat, feta cheese can be included in a healthy diet in moderation. It is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health. Feta also contains friendly bacteria that promote immune and intestinal health and have anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, feta is a good source of protein, which, along with calcium, can help control blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of diabetes.
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It is rich in calcium and protein, which are beneficial for bone health
Feta cheese is a rich source of calcium and protein, which are essential for maintaining bone health. Calcium and protein work together to maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis, a condition characterised by weak and brittle bones. Feta cheese, made from sheep's or goat's milk, contains higher levels of calcium and phosphorus compared to cow's milk cheeses. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to increase their calcium intake and improve their bone health.
Calcium is a vital mineral for bone health, as it is the primary building block of bones and teeth. It helps to build and maintain strong, healthy bones throughout life, from childhood to old age. Protein, on the other hand, is essential for bone formation and repair. It provides the framework for bones and contributes to bone mass and strength. Together, calcium and protein work synergistically to keep bones strong and resilient.
In addition to its high calcium and protein content, feta cheese also boasts a significant amount of phosphorus. Phosphorus plays a crucial role in bone health as well. It is an essential component of bone tissue, contributing to the bone's structure and strength. The combination of calcium and phosphorus in feta cheese has been linked to improved bone density, further emphasising the beneficial effects of this cheese on skeletal health.
While feta cheese offers these bone-strengthening benefits, it is important to note that it also has a high sodium content. Excessive sodium intake has been associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure and related health issues such as kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. Therefore, it is advisable to consume feta cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
For those looking to incorporate feta cheese into their diet for bone health, it is recommended to opt for feta made from sheep's or goat's milk, as these contain higher levels of calcium and phosphorus. Additionally, rinsing the cheese with water before consumption can help reduce the sodium content. Overall, feta cheese can be a nutritious addition to one's diet, providing a good source of calcium and protein to support bone health, but it should be consumed in moderation due to its high sodium levels.
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Feta cheese can cause digestive problems for those with lactose intolerance
Feta cheese is a soft, white-coloured cheese typically made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is one of the oldest cheeses in the world and is known for its rich aroma and slightly sour taste. While feta cheese is an excellent source of nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and protein, it also contains high amounts of sodium and saturated fat.
Feta cheese is generally considered easier to digest than other cheeses because it is traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk rather than cow's milk. However, it is important to note that feta cheese has a higher lactose content than some other cheeses. Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products, and some people have difficulty digesting it due to lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose in the small intestine. This can lead to digestive problems such as bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain when consuming lactose-containing foods like feta cheese. People with lactose intolerance may experience varying levels of tolerance to lactose, with some being able to tolerate small amounts while others needing to avoid lactose entirely.
Unripened cheeses like feta tend to have higher lactose content than aged cheeses. Additionally, feta cheese is often made with unpasteurized milk, which can carry bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes. This type of bacteria can cause mild flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches, fever, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals with lactose intolerance or sensitivity to dairy avoid consuming unripened cheeses, including feta, to prevent digestive problems and potential bacterial infections.
It is worth noting that feta cheese also contains friendly bacteria that can promote intestinal health and have anti-inflammatory effects. However, for those with lactose intolerance, the benefits of these bacteria may not outweigh the potential digestive issues caused by the lactose content. As such, individuals with lactose intolerance should exercise caution when consuming feta cheese and consider alternatives with lower lactose content or opting for dairy-free options.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is a dairy product, so it can cause digestive problems in lactose-intolerant people, such as bloating, flatulence, nausea, and stomach cramps. However, feta cheese has also been shown to contain probiotics, which have anti-inflammatory benefits and can promote a healthy gut and immune system function.
Feta cheese is high in sodium, so excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure and kidney-related issues. Feta also contains tyramine, which has been linked to blood pressure spikes, heart palpitations, and severe headaches in people taking certain drugs.
People who are allergic to dairy should avoid consuming feta cheese, as it is made using dairy milk.
There is limited information on feta cheese directly causing muscle pain. However, in one instance, a person who consumed questionable feta cheese experienced lower GI pain, diarrhea, and muscle aches.
