Andy Montoya
Ricotta cheese is a delicious and nutritious food with a range of potential health benefits. It is made from various kinds of animal milk, including sheep, goat, or water buffalo, and is also often made with whey, milk, and an acid like vinegar or citrus. A half-cup serving of whole milk ricotta cheese contains approximately 204 calories, with 14.2 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, and 10 grams of protein. Sixty-one percent of the calories in ricotta cheese come from fat, with the remaining calories derived from protein and carbohydrates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Serving size | 0.25 cup (57 g) |
| Calories | 100 |
| Total fat | 7 g |
| Saturated fat | 8 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8.9 g |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0.3 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Calcium | 10% |
| Iron | 0% |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- A half-cup serving of whole milk ricotta cheese contains 204 calories
- Sixty-one percent of the calories in ricotta cheese come from fat
- Ricotta cheese is high in calcium and vitamin B12
- Whole milk ricotta is high in saturated fats and cholesterol
- Part-skim ricotta is a lower-calorie option, with 171 calories per half-cup
A half-cup serving of whole milk ricotta cheese contains 204 calories
Saturated fats are known to contribute to the risk of heart disease, and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that only 20% to 35% of your total daily calories come from fat, with the majority being unsaturated. For a 2,000-calorie diet, this means keeping saturated fat intake to 20 grams or less. A half-cup of whole milk ricotta would account for a significant 40% of your recommended intake.
However, it's important to note that not all saturated fats are equal in terms of their health effects. The type of saturated fat found in dairy products like ricotta cheese may have a less negative impact on heart health than other sources of saturated fat. Additionally, ricotta cheese is a good source of protein, with 10 grams per half-cup serving, providing a complete amino acid profile.
Ricotta cheese also offers other nutritional benefits, including high levels of calcium and vitamin B12, which is involved in metabolism regulation, the formation of red blood cells, and maintaining central nervous system health. It is also a source of vitamin A and provides some carbohydrates, with 8.9 grams of carbohydrates per half-cup serving, although the glycemic index of ricotta cheese is low at 27.
Cheese Lovers: Know Your Calories
You may want to see also
Sixty-one percent of the calories in ricotta cheese come from fat
Ricotta cheese is a versatile and nutritious food with a light and creamy texture. It is made from various kinds of animal milk, including sheep, goat, or water buffalo milk. The whole milk variety is known for its relatively high saturated fat content, with 14.2 grams of fat per half-cup serving, of which 8 grams are saturated. This amounts to 61% of the calories in ricotta cheese, which is significantly higher than the recommended intake of 20% to 35% of daily calories from fat suggested by the American Heart Association (AHA). For individuals on a 2,000-calorie diet, consuming a half-cup of whole milk ricotta cheese would provide 40% of their recommended fat intake for the day.
While saturated fats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, recent insights suggest that they may not be as unhealthy as once believed. Nevertheless, it is advisable to opt for a mix of low-fat and full-fat dairy options to maintain a balanced diet. Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein, with 10 grams per half-cup serving, contributing to bone health along with the calcium content of the cheese. Additionally, it is rich in vitamin B12, providing 44% of the daily requirement on a 2,000-calorie diet. Vitamin B12 is essential for metabolism, red blood cell formation, and the health of the central nervous system, as well as brain development and function.
The nutritional profile of ricotta cheese also includes carbohydrates, with 8.9 grams per half-cup serving, and a negligible amount of sugars, at only 0.3 grams. With a glycemic index of 27, ricotta cheese is considered a low glycemic index food. When it comes to cholesterol, a half-cup serving of whole milk ricotta cheese provides 25 milligrams. This contributes to 8% of the daily value, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. It is worth noting that the calorie content of ricotta cheese can vary depending on the serving size and the specific product, with some brands offering 100 calories per 0.25-cup serving.
In summary, while ricotta cheese offers a range of nutritional benefits, it is important to be mindful of its high-fat content, especially for those watching their saturated fat intake. Consuming ricotta cheese in moderation and as part of a balanced diet that includes low-fat options can help ensure a healthy and nutritious lifestyle.
Cheese Tortellini Alfredo: Calories and Nutrition Facts
You may want to see also
Ricotta cheese is high in calcium and vitamin B12
A half-cup serving of whole milk ricotta cheese provides 204 calories, according to the USDA. The same quantity of ricotta cheese made from whole milk contains 216 calories, according to another source. Approximately 20% of the calories in ricotta come from protein, 19% from carbohydrates, and 61% from fat.
Ricotta cheese is a great source of several important nutrients. It is high in calcium, which contributes to healthy bone formation and maintenance. Adults up to the age of 50 require 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day, while women over 50 and men older than 70 should aim for 1,200 milligrams. Ricotta cheese is also a good source of vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.
Vitamin B12 is present in high amounts in ricotta cheese, providing about 7% to 44% of the daily requirements based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Vitamin B12 is vital for metabolism regulation, the formation of red blood cells, maintaining central nervous system health, brain development, and functioning. The best sources of B12 are animal-based, including meat and dairy. For those who consume little or no meat, dairy products like ricotta cheese are an excellent source of vitamin B12.
Ricotta cheese is often considered one of the healthiest cheese varieties. It contains all nine essential amino acids and is high in protein, calcium, and selenium, as well as several other important vitamins and minerals. It is also incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes.
Calories in Manchego: Slice by Slice
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Whole milk ricotta is high in saturated fats and cholesterol
A 1-cup serving of whole milk ricotta cheese contains 428 calories, with 32 grams of fat. Out of this, 20 grams are from saturated fat. This means that 61% of the calories in ricotta cheese come from fat, with the remaining 20% from protein and 19% from carbohydrates. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that only 20% to 35% of your total daily calories should come from fat, and that saturated fat intake should be limited to 20 grams or less for a 2,000-calorie diet. This makes a half-cup serving of whole milk ricotta account for 40% of the recommended intake.
Whole milk ricotta cheese is, therefore, considered to be relatively high in saturated fats and cholesterol. A half-cup serving of whole milk ricotta contains 14.2 grams of fat, of which 8 grams is saturated fat. While ricotta cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin B12, the high saturated fat content can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by raising blood cholesterol levels. This can further lead to an increased risk of heart disease, high LDL cholesterol, and stroke.
However, it is important to note that cholesterol in food does not necessarily raise blood cholesterol levels. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion's 2015-2020 dietary guidelines, the body produces the amount of cholesterol it needs. Nevertheless, if you have a history of high cholesterol, it is advisable to consult a doctor and consider limiting your intake of foods high in saturated fat.
To maintain a heart-healthy diet, you can opt for low-fat or non-fat versions of ricotta cheese, which have significantly lower saturated fat content. Additionally, you can try using part-skim ricotta, which has less fat and calories per serving, or fat-free ricotta, which contains no fat. These alternatives can help reduce your saturated fat intake while still enjoying the taste and nutritional benefits of ricotta cheese.
Del Taco Bean Burrito: Calories and Nutrition Facts
You may want to see also
Part-skim ricotta is a lower-calorie option, with 171 calories per half-cup
A half-cup serving of whole milk ricotta cheese contains 204 calories, according to the USDA. Sixty-one percent of the calories in ricotta cheese come from fat, 19% from carbohydrates, and 20% from protein. Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein, with 10 grams in a half-cup serving. It also contains 14.2 grams of fat, 8 grams of which are saturated.
Saturated fats are known to contribute to the risk of heart disease, and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that no more than 35% of your total daily calories come from fat, with a preference for unsaturated fats. A half-cup of whole milk ricotta would account for 40% of your recommended intake on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Ricotta cheese is a versatile and nutritious option, often used in Italian dishes, desserts, or even as a topping for fruits and vegetables. It can be a good source of protein and calcium, contributing to bone health, and it also provides vitamin B12, essential for metabolism, red blood cell formation, and nervous system health.
La Vache Qui Rit: Calories and Nutrition Facts
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A half-cup serving of whole milk ricotta cheese contains 204 calories, according to the USDA.
Sixty-one percent of the calories in ricotta cheese come from fat. For a 2,000-calorie diet, it is recommended to keep saturated fat intake to 20 grams or less. A half-cup of whole milk ricotta would account for 40% of your recommended intake.
Whole milk ricotta cheese is high in calcium, vitamin B12, and protein. It also contains vitamin A, carbohydrates, and saturated fats.
