Randy Chandler
Roquefort cheese is a rich, creamy, tangy, and salty sheep milk blue cheese from southern France. It is considered the king of cheeses and is beloved by many. But how healthy is it? While it is high in salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol, it also has several health benefits. For instance, it contains anti-inflammatory properties and is a great source of calcium, which can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. It also contains a compound called spermidine, which may delay ageing and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, moderation is key when consuming Roquefort cheese due to its high salt and fat content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Strong, salty, rich, creamy, tangy |
| Origin | France |
| Type of milk used | Sheep milk |
| Health benefits | High calcium content, anti-inflammatory properties, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, great for gut health, may reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, may delay aging |
| Unhealthy components | High in salt, saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
High salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol content
Roquefort cheese is a sheep milk blue cheese from southern France. It is white, tangy, creamy, and slightly moist, with veins of blue mould. It has a strong flavour, even by blue cheese standards, thanks to its exceedingly high salt content. In fact, some forms of Roquefort have a higher salt content than saltwater.
The cheese also has a high saturated fat content. A 100-gram serving of blue cheese contains a variety of beneficial vitamins and minerals. However, it also provides 95% of the daily recommendation of saturated fat, 25% of daily cholesterol, and 50% of daily sodium.
While the vitamins and minerals in blue cheese portray it as healthy, its high fat, salt, and cholesterol content paints a different picture. Therefore, moderation is key when consuming Roquefort cheese.
Despite its high salt and saturated fat content, blue cheese, in general, has been linked to several health benefits. It is a great source of protein and calcium. The calcium in blue cheese helps achieve healthier bone density and protect bone health. It may also be linked to anti-obesity mechanisms that reduce body weight from fat. Studies have found that blue cheese consumption helps manage levels of visceral fat in the abdominal area and maintain gut health.
Grapes and Cheese: Healthy Snack or Unhealthy Indulgence?
You may want to see also
Cardiovascular health benefits
While Roquefort cheese is notoriously high in fat, sodium, and cholesterol, it also has some profound anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory compounds in the rich, tangy cheese were found to work best in acidic environments like the human digestive tract.
Researchers at Lycotech, a biotech company in Cambridge, England, believe that the anti-inflammatory compounds in Roquefort cheese can be extracted to create drugs that fight cardiovascular disease. The researchers' discovery may also help to explain the so-called "French Paradox," which has baffled medical researchers for years.
Roquefort cheese is made with the help of bread. Cheesemakers leave bread in the caves for six to eight weeks until the bread is completely covered in a mould known as Penicillium roqueforti. Once the bread has completely moulded, different strains of Penicillium roqueforti spores are added to ewe's milk at the dairy. The distinct veins of blue mould that run through the moist, crumbly cheese are formed in this way.
The French call Roquefort "the King of Cheese." While it is high in cholesterol, eating mould may have health benefits. In addition to its potential to prevent cardiovascular disease, Roquefort is great for gut health and may slow down arthritis and signs of ageing, such as cellulite.
Healthy Chicken: Hannaford's Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
You may want to see also
Anti-inflammatory properties
Roquefort cheese is a rich, creamy, tangy, and salty sheep milk blue cheese from southern France. It is considered the "king of cheeses" or the "cheese of kings" in France.
Roquefort cheese has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of anti-inflammatory compounds in the cheese was confirmed by a 2012 study. Another study from 2013 found that proteins from Roquefort cheese inhibit chlamydia propagation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leukocyte migration.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Roquefort cheese are attributed to the Penicillium roqueforti mould that gives the cheese its distinctive character. This mould is found in the soil of the local caves in Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where the cheese is traditionally ripened. In the past, the mould was extracted by leaving bread in the caves for six to eight weeks until it was consumed by the mould. The interior of the bread was then dried to produce a powder. Today, the mould can also be grown in a laboratory, allowing for greater consistency.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Penicillium roqueforti have been recognised for centuries. In country districts, shepherds would apply Roquefort cheese to wounds to prevent gangrene.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, Roquefort cheese is also rich in calcium, which is important for bone health and may be linked to anti-obesity mechanisms that reduce body weight from fat. However, it is important to note that Roquefort cheese is also high in salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Healthy Bean and Cheese Tacos: Good or Bad?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
High calcium content
Roquefort cheese is a rich, creamy, tangy, and salty sheep milk blue cheese from southern France. It is considered the "king of cheeses" or the "cheese of kings" and is famous for its distinctive veins of blue mould.
Roquefort cheese is known for its high calcium content. A serving of 100 grams of blue cheese contains 530 milligrams of calcium, while a once-ounce serving contains 150 milligrams. While the recommended daily value for calcium varies based on age and sex, most adults should consume a minimum of 1,000 milligrams per day. The high calcium content in Roquefort cheese can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. Additionally, calcium may be linked to anti-obesity mechanisms that reduce body weight from fat. Studies have shown that consuming blue cheese can help manage levels of visceral fat around the abdominal area and maintain gut health.
The calcium content in Roquefort cheese contributes to its overall nutritional profile. However, it is important to note that the cheese also has a high content of salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Therefore, while enjoying the flavour and nutritional benefits of Roquefort cheese, it is recommended to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Cashew Cheese: Healthy or Unhealthy?
You may want to see also
Safe storage and serving
When storing Roquefort cheese, it is important to maintain proper storage conditions to ensure its safety and quality. Here are some guidelines for the safe storage and serving of Roquefort cheese:
Keep Roquefort cheese refrigerated at all times. It is best to store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually the bottom shelf, where temperatures are more consistent. Wrap the cheese properly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from other foods. You can wrap it in wax paper, cheese paper, or even aluminium foil. Make sure to store it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent the cheese from absorbing unwanted flavours.
Roquefort cheese can be stored for several weeks if properly refrigerated. Check the best-before date on the packaging for guidance, but generally, if stored correctly, it should last for 2-3 weeks after purchasing. Always inspect the cheese before consuming; if it shows signs of mould (beyond the natural veining of the cheese), discolouration, or an off smell, it is best to discard it.
When serving Roquefort cheese, remove it from the refrigerator about an hour before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. This will enhance the flavour and texture of the cheese. Provide a separate knife for cutting the cheese to avoid cross-contamination with other foods.
Serve Roquefort cheese in thin slices or crumbled, depending on your preference and the dish you are preparing. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own, paired with crackers or bread, or used as an ingredient in recipes. When using Roquefort cheese in cooking, add it towards the end of the cooking process as prolonged heat can affect its flavour and texture.
To maintain food safety, ensure that any leftovers are promptly refrigerated. Store leftover Roquefort cheese separately, wrapping it in fresh wax paper or cheese paper. This will help maintain its quality and extend its shelf life. Always use clean utensils when handling Roquefort cheese to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
By following these safe storage and serving practices, you can enjoy the unique flavour and health benefits of Roquefort cheese while minimising any potential risks associated with improper handling and storage.
Egg and Cheese: Healthy or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Roquefort cheese is a sheep milk blue cheese from southern France. It is rich in nutrients, including calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, it is also high in salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol. While it may offer some health benefits, such as potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and improving bone density, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high-fat and salt content.
Eating Roquefort cheese has been linked to several potential health benefits, including:
- Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the presence of secondary metabolites found in Penicillium roqueforti.
- Improving bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis due to its high calcium content.
- Slowing down signs of ageing and improving gut health.
While Roquefort cheese offers potential health benefits, it also has some risks. It is high in salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol, which can negatively impact health if consumed in excess. Additionally, it should be stored properly to prevent the growth of dangerous moulds. As with all foods, moderation is key to maintaining a healthy diet.
