Frederic Melton
Feta cheese is a Greek staple, known for its soft, white, and brined characteristics. It is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. While feta cheese is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, it is also high in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat. So, how many calories are in those delicious feta cheese cubes?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in 1-ounce (28-gram) serving | 76 calories |
| Calories in 1 cup | 398 calories |
| Carbohydrates | 0 grams |
| Protein | 5 grams |
| Cholesterol | 21 milligrams |
| Sodium | 258 milligrams |
| Calcium | High |
| Phosphorus | High |
| B vitamins | High |
| Saturated fat | High |
| Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) | Present |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese is a good source of calcium and protein
Feta cheese is a soft, white, brined cheese that originated in Greece. It is typically made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. Feta cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, offering several health benefits when consumed in moderation.
A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of feta cheese contains various essential nutrients. It is an excellent source of calcium, providing more calcium than many other types of cheese. Calcium is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and bones, and consuming it alongside phosphorus, which is also present in feta cheese, has been linked to improved bone density and osteoporosis prevention.
Feta cheese is also a good source of protein, with 5 grams of protein in a 1-ounce serving. This accounts for approximately 43% of your daily protein intake. Protein, along with calcium, plays a vital role in supporting healthy bone growth and preventing bone fractures, making feta cheese particularly beneficial for mature individuals concerned about bone health.
In addition to calcium and protein, feta cheese contains several B vitamins, which support a healthy nervous system, skin health, and energy production. It also contains beneficial bacteria, fatty acids, and probiotics, which can aid digestion. The presence of these nutrients makes feta cheese a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
However, it is important to note that feta cheese is high in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat. Excessive sodium intake has been linked to increased blood pressure and long-term health issues. Therefore, feta cheese should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Soaking feta cheese in water before use can help reduce its sodium content.
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It is also rich in B vitamins and phosphorus
Feta cheese is a soft, white, brined cheese with a creamy texture. It is a staple of Greek cuisine and is used in many Mediterranean dishes. Feta cheese is typically made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk.
Feta cheese is a good source of B vitamins, which support a healthy nervous system, skin, and energy production. B vitamins are essential for overall health and well-being. They play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including metabolism and maintaining healthy skin and nervous system.
Feta cheese also contains high levels of phosphorus, which is an important mineral for bone health. Phosphorus is a key component of bones and plays a vital role in maintaining bone density and strength. Consuming adequate amounts of phosphorus, along with other essential nutrients like calcium, is important for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
In addition to its high B vitamin and phosphorus content, feta cheese is also a good source of calcium, protein, and probiotics. These nutrients work together to promote bone health and support overall well-being. However, it's important to note that feta cheese is also high in sodium and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Overall, feta cheese is a delicious and nutritious addition to a healthy diet, offering a good balance of essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Its distinctive flavour and texture make it a versatile ingredient that can enhance the taste and nutritional value of many dishes.
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Feta is a low-calorie cheese
Feta cheese is a soft, white, and brined cheese that originated in Greece. It is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. Feta is a low-calorie cheese, with one ounce (28 grams) containing 76 calories. It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, protein, and B vitamins.
Compared to other cheeses, feta has a lower calorie count and fat content. However, it is important to note that feta has a high sodium content and is also high in saturated fat. Despite being lower in fat than some other cheeses, it is still considered a high-fat food, with fat comprising about 10% of its weight. As such, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
The calorie count of feta cheese can vary slightly depending on the specific producer and production method. For example, feta made from sheep's milk tends to have a higher fat content and, therefore, a slightly higher calorie count. On the other hand, French feta, made from specific breeds of female sheep, is a milder variety with a lower fat content.
While feta is a good source of calcium, which supports bone health, it also contains high levels of phosphorus. Consuming large amounts of phosphorus along with calcium has been linked to improved bone density and osteoporosis prevention. However, for individuals with kidney disease, the phosphorus in feta may have negative effects on bone health.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, feta cheese is a versatile ingredient used in many Mediterranean dishes, ranging from appetizers to desserts. It has a tangy and sharp flavour when made with sheep's milk and a milder taste when made with a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. Overall, feta is a delicious and healthy addition to most people's diets when consumed in moderation.
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However, it has a high sodium content
Feta cheese is a soft, white cheese with a rich aroma and a slightly sour taste. It is typically made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. While feta cheese offers various nutritional benefits, it also has a high sodium content.
A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of feta cheese contains approximately 258 milligrams of sodium. This contributes to the cheese's salty flavour, but it is important to consider the potential health implications of excessive sodium intake.
Sodium, or salt, plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's fluid balance and supporting nerve and muscle function. However, consuming too much sodium can lead to water retention and increased blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels and put additional strain on the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease.
According to dietary guidelines, it is recommended that adults consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. For individuals with certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, or those at risk for heart disease, a lower sodium intake of 1,500 milligrams per day may be advised. Therefore, it is important to monitor sodium intake and consume feta cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
To reduce the sodium content of feta cheese, one simple method is to soak the cheese in water for a few minutes before use. This allows some of the salt to dissolve and be absorbed by the water, resulting in a lower sodium content in the cheese.
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Feta is made from sheep's or goat's milk
Feta cheese is a low-calorie, soft, white, and brined cheese. It is a staple of Greek cuisine and is used in many Mediterranean dishes. Feta is typically made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep's and goat's milk. Goat's milk typically does not exceed 30% of the mixture.
Feta is one of the oldest cheeses in the world, known for its rich aroma and slightly sour taste. It is often described as tangy, salty, and mildly sour, with a spicy finish. The cheese is formed into large blocks and aged in brine. The flavour of feta varies depending on the type of milk used. It is tangier and sharper when made with sheep's milk, and milder when made with a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk.
Feta is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, protein, B vitamins, phosphorus, and fatty acids. It is lower in fat than many other cheeses and is considered a reasonable option to consume in moderation. However, it has high amounts of sodium and saturated fat, which should be limited to less than 10% of your daily calorie intake.
When purchasing feta cheese, it is important to note that genuine feta is made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk. In the United States, labelling rules specify that cow's milk can be listed simply as "milk," while other types of milk must be identified, such as "goat milk". Therefore, if the package does not explicitly state "made from goat (or sheep) milk," it is likely made with cow's milk and is not traditional feta cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of calories in feta cheese cubes depends on the volume of the cubes. Feta cheese made from sheep’s milk has a higher fat content, so the calorie count per serving may be slightly higher. On average, a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of feta cheese contains 76 calories. A cup of feta cheese cubes, which is about 8 ounces, contains 398 calories.
Feta cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is also lower in fat than many other cheeses and is considered a reasonable option to eat in moderation. However, feta cheese has a high sodium content and is high in saturated fat, so it should be eaten in moderation.
Feta cheese is a soft, white, and brined cheese that is a staple of Greek cuisine. It is typically made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. Feta is aged in brine, giving it a slight graininess and a salty, tangy flavor.
