Kamil Perry
Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard Italian cheese with a strong, nutty flavor. It is produced in several Italian provinces, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Mantua, and is traditionally made through a 1,000-year-old manufacturing process. This cheese is highly nutritious, providing many health benefits, such as being rich in protein and calcium, and is considered safe for those with lactose intolerance. However, it is also high in fat, with up to 9g of fat per 30g portion. When it comes to Syns, a UK slimming program, Parmesan cheese has a relatively high Syn value. For example, 30g of grated Parmesan cheese equates to 6 Syns, which is nearly half of the daily Syn allowance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Syns in 30g of Parmesan Cheese | 6 |
| Syns in 25g of Co-op Italian Grated Parmesan (50g) | 5 |
| Syns in M&S Grated Parmigiano Reggiano Parmesan Cheese (80g) | 6 |
| Syns in Tesco Grated Parmesan Italian Cheese (50g) | 6 |
| Syns in Creamfields Grana Padano Wedge (175g) | 6 |
| Syns in Tesco Parmesan Shavings Italian Cheese (80g) | 10 for 50g |
| Syns in 1 tablespoon of Parmesan | 0.75 |
| Syns in 60g of Parmesan | 2 Healthy Extra A's |
| Nutritional Characteristics | High in protein, calcium, and fat |
| Manufacturing Process | Rennet coagulation |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Parmesan syn values vary by brand
Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard Italian cheese with a strong, nutty flavour. It is traditionally made in specific Italian provinces, using the milk of cows bred in the same area.
Parmesan is a high-syn cheese, with 30g containing 6 syns, which is nearly half of the daily syn allowance. This means that syn values must be carefully monitored to avoid accidentally exceeding the daily allowance.
The syn values of Parmesan vary depending on the brand and the quantity. For example, Tesco's Grated Parmesan Italian Cheese (50g) has 6 syns, whereas Tesco Parmesan Shavings Italian Cheese (80g) has 10 syns for 50g. Similarly, M&S Grated Parmigiano Reggiano Parmesan Cheese (80g) has 6 syns, while Co-op Italian Grated Parmesan (50g) has 5 syns for 25g.
These variations in syn values by brand are likely due to differences in production methods, ingredients, and portion sizes. It is important to note that syn values may change over time, and it is always recommended to check the most up-to-date information available.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that 30g of Parmesan can be used as a healthy extra A dairy allowance. However, exceeding this allowance will require the cheese to be synned, or one can explore lighter cheese alternatives.
Parmesan Cheese: Kraft's Aging Process Explained
You may want to see also
Parmesan is a high-syn cheese
Parmesan is a hard Italian cheese with a strong, nutty flavour that is traditionally made in the northern Italian provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Mantua. It is highly nutritious, rich in protein, and a good source of calcium. However, it is also high in fat, with up to 9g of fat per 30g portion.
When it comes to Syns, Parmesan is considered a high-Syn cheese. The Syn value of Parmesan cheese can vary slightly depending on the brand and type, but generally, it falls within the range of 5 to 6 Syns per 25g to 30g serving. For example, Tesco's Grated Parmesan Italian Cheese (50g) has 6 Syns, while M&S Grated Parmigiano Reggiano Parmesan Cheese (80g) has 6 Syns for a slightly larger quantity.
To put this into perspective, 30g of Parmesan constitutes nearly half of your daily Syn allowance. This means that Parmesan should be consumed in moderation and weighed portions to avoid accidentally using up too many Syns. For those on the Slimming World plan, it's important to note that you can include up to 30g of Parmesan as your healthy extra A dairy allowance. However, if you consume more than this amount, you will need to syn the cheese accordingly.
If you're looking for lower-Syn cheese options, there are several alternatives available. For example, Philadelphia Original Soft Cheese has 3.5 Syns per 280g, and Philadelphia Lightest Soft Cheese has 1.5 Syns per 165g. These options can help you include cheese in your diet while keeping your Syn count lower.
Parmesan Cheese on Shrimp Scampi: Yay or Nay?
You may want to see also
Parmesan is a good source of calcium
Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium. Calcium is a vital nutrient for maintaining healthy blood pressure and supporting good bone health. It also helps prevent osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones. Parmesan is also a good source of protein, which is beneficial for those who do not eat meat.
The calcium content of Parmesan cheese is approximately 242 mg per ounce (28 grams), or 335 milligrams per ounce according to another source. This means that Parmesan has a higher calcium content than other cheeses, such as Brie, which delivers less calcium per ounce. In addition to calcium and protein, Parmesan also contains various vitamins and minerals. For example, Parmesan is a good source of vitamin K and potassium, which are essential for bone health.
The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1,000 mg, or 100% of the DV (Daily Value). This amount includes calcium from all sources, including dairy, non-dairy, and fortified foods. It is important to note that the body cannot absorb this much calcium at once, and it is recommended to spread calcium intake throughout the day. Additionally, calcium absorption can vary depending on other factors such as vitamin D and magnesium levels, parathyroid gland function, and sodium intake.
While Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium, it is also high in fat and syns. Syns are a unit of measurement used in some weight loss plans, such as Slimming World. Parmesan cheese has approximately 6 syns per 30 grams, which is considered quite high. However, it can be used in weighed portions as part of a healthy extra A dairy allowance, with a maximum of 30 grams per day.
Parmesan Cheese: Friend or Foe on a FODMAP Diet?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Parmesan is a functional food
Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard Italian cheese with a strong flavour and unique nutritional qualities. It is considered by some to be a functional food, with components that may improve health and reduce disease risk.
Firstly, Parmesan is a great source of calcium. Each serving provides 26% of the daily value, or a third of your day's needs. Calcium is essential for bone health, and the casein in Parmesan enhances its absorption by the body. This means that Parmesan can help to prevent osteoporosis, a condition characterised by fragile bones.
Secondly, Parmesan is a complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids. These amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and Parmesan has a higher percentage of protein than softer cheeses like cheddar and brie due to its aging process. This makes it particularly beneficial for athletes, as sufficient calcium and protein intake helps to grow, maintain, and mend bone tissue, reducing the risk of fractures.
Thirdly, Parmesan contains many other nutrients that support bone health, including phosphorus and zinc. The cheese's fat content provides medium- and short-chain fatty acids, which are more easily absorbed and may result in less body fat accumulation.
Finally, Parmesan has a unique taste profile that includes amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals. Its flavour is best described as umami, or savoury.
In conclusion, Parmesan is a functional food with a range of health benefits, particularly for bone health and athletic performance. However, it is also high in syns and calories, so it is best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Hard Italian Cheeses: Are They All Parmesan?
You may want to see also
Parmesan is high in fat
Parmesan is a hard, dry cheese with a strong flavour, made from cow's milk in Italy. It has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages, and is sometimes referred to as the "King of Cheese". While Parmesan is known for its distinct flavour, it is also high in fat, with 30% fat, 19% of which is saturated fat. For this reason, it is often considered an indulgent food to be consumed in moderation.
A 30g serving of Parmesan contains 6 syns, which is nearly half of the daily syn allowance on a slimming plan. This amount of Parmesan also contains up to 9g of fat. As a result, those watching their weight or fat intake may want to opt for low-syn cheese alternatives or consume Parmesan in moderation.
However, it is worth noting that Parmesan's strong flavour means a little goes a long way. A small amount of Parmesan can add a lot of flavour to a dish, so it can be used sparingly. Additionally, Parmesan is a good source of calcium and protein, and it contains medium-chain fatty acids, which have been linked to potential health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
While Parmesan is high in fat, it also has several health benefits when consumed in moderation. It is a nutrient-dense food, and its unique flavour makes it a popular ingredient in various dishes, such as pasta and pizza.
Refrigerating 4C Parmesan Cheese: Is It Necessary?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
30g of Parmesan cheese is 6 syns.
Yes, you can use up to 30g of Parmesan cheese as your healthy extra A dairy allowance.
Some low-syn alternatives to Parmesan cheese include Galbani Mozzarella Maxi 250G (12 syns for 100g) and Philadelphia Lightest Soft Cheese 165G (1.5 syns).
