Randy Chandler
Parmesan cheese is a hard Italian cheese with a strong, nutty flavor and grainy texture. It is made from cows' milk and has a low lactose content, making it a good option for those with lactose intolerance. Parmesan is highly nutritious, containing protein, calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B2. While generally considered healthy, overconsumption of Parmesan cheese can lead to excessive fat and sodium intake, which may cause negative side effects such as dehydration, dizziness, stomach cramps, and nausea. However, when consumed in moderation, Parmesan cheese can be beneficial for gut health and may even be recommended for those with sensitive stomachs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Benefits | High in protein and calcium, easy to digest, packed with vitamins A, B12, and B2, highly nutritious |
| Nutritional Concerns | High in sodium, high in fat due to overconsumption |
| Suitability for Upset Stomachs | Virtually lactose-free, safe for those with lactose intolerance, low in lactose, may help regulate digestion |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan is a hard, low-lactose cheese
The cheese is made through a process called rennet coagulation, which uses a group of animal enzymes to start the coagulation or solidifying process. Calf rennet is the most commonly used type of animal rennet. Parmesan is also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, and it has a strong, nutty flavor and a grainy texture that can vary depending on the maturation period. The ripening time for Parmesan cheese can range from 12 to over 40 months, during which the cheese develops its characteristic flavor and texture.
Being a hard cheese, Parmesan is low in lactose, with a maximum lactose content of 0.10 milligrams per 100 kilocalories. This makes it a good option for people with lactose intolerance, as it is considered safe for them to consume. However, it is important to consume Parmesan in moderation, as overconsumption can lead to an excessive intake of sodium, which may cause dehydration, dizziness, stomach cramps, and nausea. Additionally, some brands of Parmesan cheese in the United States add ingredients like cellulose powder and potassium sorbate, which can cause diarrhea if consumed in large quantities.
Despite these potential drawbacks, Parmesan cheese is highly nutritious and offers several health benefits. It is a good source of calcium, protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B2. It is also easy to digest and can be paired with fiber-rich foods to improve digestion and prevent GI symptoms. For those who are sensitive to cow's milk, goat or sheep milk cheeses may be better tolerated as they have lower lactose content.
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It's highly nutritious, even in small amounts
Parmesan cheese is highly nutritious, even in small amounts. It is a hard cheese, traditionally produced in specific regions of northern Italy, and is considered a functional food by some. The traditional manufacturing process dates back to the Middle Ages, when monks developed a dry-paste cheese assembled into large wheels weighing up to 39 pounds (18 kilograms) each, making them suitable for long-term preservation.
Parmesan is made from rennet coagulation, a group of animal enzymes used to start the coagulation or solidifying process. Calf rennet is the most commonly used type of animal rennet. The cheese is then salted, which reduces its moisture content. The maturation or ripening period can range from 12 to over 40 months, during which the cheese wheels are submerged in saltwater or brine, allowing for salt absorption. The total maturation time determines the final texture and flavour of the cheese.
Just two ounces of Parmesan cheese provides 67% of the recommended daily amount of calcium and 41% of the value needed for protein. It is also a good source of Vitamin A, which is necessary for eyesight, skin, teeth, and body tissue, as well as Vitamin B12, important for the nervous system and blood formation, and Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin, a powerful antioxidant.
In addition, Parmesan is virtually lactose-free, with a maximum lactose content of 0.10 milligrams per 100 kilocalories. This makes it a safe option for those with lactose intolerance, who may experience digestive issues such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, flatulence, and bloating when consuming lactose. However, it is important to note that Parmesan cheese is quite high in sodium, with 780 mg per two ounces, which can lead to symptoms such as dehydration, dizziness, stomach cramps, and nausea if consumed in large amounts.
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It's rich in protein, calcium, vitamins A, B12, and B2
Parmesan cheese is a lactose-free cheese that is rich in protein, calcium, vitamins A, B12, and B2. It is a complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot produce and must be obtained from food. The protein in Parmesan is easily digestible, as it undergoes a process similar to pre-digestion during the maturation period.
The calcium in Parmesan has a high bioavailability, meaning it is easily absorbed by the body. This is due to the presence of casein, which leaves mineral residues that enhance the absorption of calcium and other minerals such as iron and zinc. Calcium is essential for bone health and can help prevent osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones. It also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy blood pressure by helping blood vessels contract and relax.
Vitamin B12, also found abundantly in Parmesan, may have cancer-protective properties by potentially supporting folate metabolism and assisting in DNA repair. Hard Parmesan cheese is also a good source of vitamin A, which has various health benefits.
In addition to its rich nutritional profile, Parmesan cheese is also a good source of energy due to its protein and fat content. It provides a high number of calories per serving, making it an energy-dense food. However, it is important to note that Parmesan is not lacto-vegetarian, as it is typically made with animal rennet. Nevertheless, vegetarian options are available, such as the BelGioioso brand, which produces Parmesan without animal rennet.
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Parmesan is virtually lactose-free and safe for the lactose intolerant
Parmesan cheese is a hard Italian cheese with a strong, nutty flavour and a grainy texture. It is traditionally produced in specific regions in northern Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Mantua. This cheese is made exclusively with the milk of cows bred in the same area—a mix of Italian Frisona, Bianca Modenese, brown, and red cows.
Other low-lactose cheeses include brie, feta, mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, provolone, and goat cheese. These cheeses can be enjoyed in small portions by those with lactose intolerance, although the amount tolerated may vary depending on individual sensitivity. It is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist if dairy continues to upset your stomach, as there may be underlying issues such as lactose intolerance, dairy allergy, or other conditions.
While Parmesan is safe for the lactose intolerant, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high sodium content. Excessive sodium intake can lead to dehydration, dizziness, stomach cramps, and nausea. Additionally, some commercially produced Parmesan cheeses may contain additives such as cellulose powder and potassium sorbate, which can cause diarrhea in large quantities. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for high-quality Parmesan cheese and consume it in moderate amounts to avoid any potential negative side effects.
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Overconsumption may cause dehydration, dizziness, and nausea
Parmesan cheese is a hard Italian cheese with a strong, nutty flavour and grainy texture. It is traditionally produced in specific regions of northern Italy, such as Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Mantua. The manufacturing process dates back to the Middle Ages, when monks developed a dry-paste cheese assembled into large wheels weighing up to 39 pounds (18 kilograms). This traditional cheese is made exclusively with the milk of cows bred in the same area—a mix of Italian Frisona, Bianca Modenese, brown, and red cows.
Parmesan cheese is highly nutritious and considered a good source of protein and calcium. It is also virtually lactose-free, with a maximum lactose content of 0.10 milligrams per 100 kilocalories, making it a suitable option for those with lactose intolerance. However, overconsumption of Parmesan cheese may lead to certain adverse effects.
While Parmesan cheese is generally nutritious and well-tolerated, excessive consumption may result in dehydration, dizziness, and nausea. This is primarily due to the high sodium content of Parmesan cheese, with approximately 780 mg of sodium per two ounces of cheese. Ingesting large amounts of sodium in a short period can lead to an imbalance in the body's fluid and electrolyte levels, causing dehydration and associated symptoms such as dizziness. Additionally, the high-fat content of Parmesan cheese, if consumed in excessive amounts, can contribute to feelings of nausea and discomfort.
It is important to note that the amount of Parmesan cheese consumed plays a significant role in determining its effects on the body. Moderation is key when it comes to enjoying Parmesan cheese. Consuming small to moderate portions as part of a balanced diet is generally considered safe and can provide various nutritional benefits. However, overconsumption may lead to negative side effects, including dehydration, dizziness, and nausea. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor portion sizes and not exceed the recommended daily intake of sodium and fat to avoid these potential adverse effects.
Additionally, some individuals may experience varying levels of sensitivity to Parmesan cheese or dairy products in general. For those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, even small amounts of Parmesan cheese may trigger digestive issues, including nausea and stomach upset. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional or a nutritionist to determine suitable alternatives or adjustments to the diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese is virtually lactose-free and can be eaten by those who are lactose intolerant. It is also rich in calcium and protein and has easy digestibility. However, overconsumption of Parmesan cheese can add too much fat to your diet and it is also quite high in sodium, which can lead to dehydration, dizziness, stomach cramps and nausea. Therefore, Parmesan cheese is good for upset stomachs in moderation.
Megan Hilbert, M.S., RDN, founder of Dishing Nutrition, suggests trying small portions of hard cheeses like Parmesan first and seeing how you feel. She recommends limiting your portions to an ounce or 2 ounces at a time.
Parmesan cheese is highly nutritious, even in small amounts. It is rich in calcium, protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B2. Some people even consider it a functional food, believing that its components may improve health or reduce disease risk.
If you frequently experience gastrointestinal upset after eating cheese, you may be lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy. In this case, you can try plant-based cheese alternatives such as nutritional yeast and vegan cashew or almond cheese. You can also try cheeses made from goat or sheep milk, as goat cheese has a lower lactose content than cheese made from cow's milk.
