Andy Montoya
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and Turkish cuisines, among others. It is made by curdling sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. Feta is a natural source of several important nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, which offer health benefits. However, feta cheese is also high in sodium and contains lactose, so it may not be suitable for everyone. So, how healthy is feta cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Source | Milk from sheep, goats, or cows |
| Vitamins | B12, B6, A, riboflavin |
| Minerals | Calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, selenium |
| Nutrients | Probiotics, protein, histidine, fatty acids |
| Health Benefits | Supports bone health, boosts immunity, improves digestive health, enhances brain function, lowers risk of anemia, supports weight management, improves heart health |
| Fat Content | Lower than other cheeses |
| Sodium Content | High |
| Lactose Content | Low |
| Allergies | May need to be avoided by those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Feta cheese is a good source of vitamins and minerals
Secondly, feta cheese is a good source of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin essential for immunological function, eyesight, reproduction, and cellular processes. The fat content in feta cheese aids in the better absorption of vitamin A in the body. Feta is also a source of riboflavin, which offers antioxidant protection and promotes eye health.
Feta cheese is also high in B vitamins, including vitamin B12, which supports normal energy metabolism, healthy blood and nervous system function, and cognitive function. Additionally, feta contains vitamin B6, which is essential for converting food into energy, metabolising fats and proteins, and maintaining good eye, hair, skin, and liver health.
Furthermore, feta cheese contains probiotics, such as Lactobacillus plantarum, which are beneficial for gut health. These probiotics may include Lactobacillus casei, L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus, and others, all of which contribute to overall health. Feta cheese is also a natural source of other nutrients, including zinc, selenium, and iron, offering additional health benefits.
However, it is important to note that feta cheese is also high in sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Feta Cheese and Kosher: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
It can help improve bone health
Feta cheese is a rich source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. The greater your peak bone mass, the lower your risk of osteoporosis and other conditions involving bone mass loss. Feta's calcium content can help strengthen bones and improve overall bone health.
Feta cheese also contains phosphorus, which is beneficial for bone health. In addition to calcium and phosphorus, feta cheese is a good source of protein, which is important for bone health as well. The protein in feta cheese can help you feel fuller for longer, aiding in weight management.
Feta cheese is also a source of vitamin B12, which is important for maintaining the health of the blood and nervous system. Vitamin B12 also supports normal energy metabolism. Feta cheese is lower in fat than other cheeses, and its fat content allows the body to better absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Feta cheese is a fermented food that may contain probiotics, which promote healthy gut function and improve digestion. These probiotics can help balance gut bacteria and protect against disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. Overall, feta cheese can be a valuable addition to your diet, offering various health benefits, including improved bone health.
Whipping Feta Cheese: Easy, Quick, and Delicious!
You may want to see also
Feta contains probiotics that can aid digestion
Feta cheese is a traditional Greek cheese made mostly from sheep and goat milk. It is known for its soft, crumbly texture, salty flavour, and slight tang. Feta is lower in fat and calories than aged cheeses like cheddar or parmesan. It is also a good source of B vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining bone health.
Feta cheese also contains probiotics, which are live, friendly bacteria that can aid digestion and promote a healthy gut. These probiotics can help protect the intestinal tract from disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. Additionally, they can increase the production of compounds that inhibit the inflammatory response, providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Test-tube studies have shown that the bacteria and yeast strains in feta can survive extreme conditions in the gut, such as bile acid.
The probiotics in feta cheese may also support immune system function. Researchers are studying whether probiotics can help with symptoms of diarrhoea and constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Feta's calcium content, combined with its high protein levels, can also help control blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes.
However, it is important to consume feta cheese in moderation due to its high sodium and saturated fat content. Excessive sodium intake has been linked to high blood pressure and related health issues such as kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. Rinsing feta cheese with water before consumption can help reduce its salt content.
Feta Cheese Carbohydrates: How Many Carbs Are There?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It may help boost your immune system
Feta cheese contains a combination of histidine and vitamin B6, which are essential for boosting immunity. Histidine is an essential amino acid that the body does not produce and must be obtained from food. Vitamin B6, on the other hand, is crucial for converting food into energy, metabolising fats and proteins, and maintaining good eye, hair, skin, and liver health. When combined, histidine and vitamin B6 produce histamines, which are part of the body's inflammatory response to injury and disease. This means that eating feta cheese can help strengthen your immune system, especially when paired with other antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
Feta cheese is also a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for immunological function, eyesight, reproduction, and cellular processes. The fat content in feta cheese allows for better absorption of vitamin A in the body. Additionally, feta cheese is a fermented food that may contain probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health and can promote healthy gut function.
The probiotics in feta cheese, such as Lactobacillus plantarum, are good bacteria that live in the digestive tract and protect against harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. Feta cheese made from sheep's milk also contains a fatty acid called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to improve body composition by reducing fat mass and increasing lean body mass. CLA may also help lower the risk of diabetes.
By including feta cheese in your diet, you can benefit from its immune-boosting properties, thanks to the combination of histidine, vitamin B6, vitamin A, and probiotics. However, it is important to consume feta cheese in moderation as it is high in sodium.
Feta Cheese and Dogs: A Safe Treat?
You may want to see also
Feta is lower in fat than other cheeses
Feta is a soft, white cheese with a creamy texture and a tangy, sharp flavour. It is made from sheep and goat's milk, with goat's milk not exceeding 30% of the mixture. It is a staple in Greek cuisine and the Mediterranean diet.
Feta cheese is lower in fat than many other cheeses, containing around 20% fat and 14% saturated fat. For comparison, mozzarella ball contains about 18% fat and 12% saturated fat, while ready-grated mozzarella has around 21% fat and 13% saturated fat. Feta also has less fat than goat cheese, which has a higher fat content per ounce.
Feta is a good source of nutrients like calcium and protein, which can help control blood sugar levels and lower the chances of getting diabetes. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid found in animal products, which has been shown to improve body composition by decreasing fat mass and increasing lean body mass. CLA may also help prevent diabetes and has shown anti-cancer effects.
While feta is lower in fat than other cheeses, it is still considered a high-fat food, and it is recommended to limit saturated fats to less than 10% of your daily calorie intake. Reduced-fat feta is a healthier option, although it is still high in salt. Feta is also high in sodium, so it is important to avoid adding additional salt when cooking with feta.
The Aging Process of Feta Cheese
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that offer health benefits. It is lower in fat than other cheeses, but it is also high in sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Feta cheese contains calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. It also has probiotics that support digestive health and boost the immune system. Feta is also a good source of Vitamin B12, which supports normal energy metabolism and keeps the blood and nervous system healthy.
Feta cheese is made by combining lactic acid bacteria with milk from sheep or goats to produce probiotics such as Lactobacillus plantarum. These probiotics are beneficial bacteria that protect against disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
Yes, feta cheese has about 33% fewer calories than other types of cheese, making it a good choice for weight loss. The protein in feta cheese can also help you feel fuller for longer, aiding in weight loss efforts. However, it is important to note that feta cheese is high in sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.
