
Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese produced by a mould called Penicillium roqueforti, which gives the cheese its distinctive flavour and aroma. While blue cheese is rich in nutrients and provides a variety of health benefits, it is high in salt, fat, calories, and sodium, and should therefore be consumed in moderation. Blue cheese can also be unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance or allergies to penicillin or mould. In addition, blue cheese can go bad, so it is important to practice basic food safety and store it properly. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning and increase exposure to harmful mycotoxins, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is blue cheese bad for your stomach? | No, blue cheese is safe for human consumption. However, it is high in salt, fat, calories, and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation. |
| Why is blue cheese safe to eat? | Blue cheese is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mold that does not produce toxins harmful to humans. |
| Who should limit their consumption of blue cheese? | People following a low-calorie or low-fat diet, and those with allergies to penicillin or mold. |
| What are the risks of consuming spoiled blue cheese? | Food poisoning, exposure to harmful mycotoxins, reduced immune function, digestive problems, and cancer. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Blue cheese is rich in nutrients and can help maintain gut health
- It is high in fat, calories, and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation
- The mold in blue cheese is nontoxic and safe for human consumption
- Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning and digestive issues
- People with allergies to penicillin or mold may have concerns about the safety of consuming blue cheese

Blue cheese is rich in nutrients and can help maintain gut health
Blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food that offers a variety of health benefits. While it is high in salt, saturated fat, and calories, and should therefore be consumed in moderation, it can be part of a healthy diet.
Firstly, blue cheese is rich in calcium, with a one-ounce serving containing 150 mg of calcium. This is important for maintaining strong and healthy bones, as calcium is vital for forming tooth enamel and achieving healthy bone density. Consuming calcium-rich foods such as blue cheese can help protect bone health and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Secondly, blue cheese contains a compound known as spermidine, which is linked to anti-obesity mechanisms that reduce body weight from fat. Studies have found that blue cheese consumption helps manage levels of visceral fat around the abdominal area and maintain gut health.
Thirdly, blue cheese is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and weight management.
In addition, blue cheese is rich in potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. It also contains vitamin K, which increases the production of osteocalcin, a protein that strengthens bones.
Blue cheese also has probiotic benefits, as it contains beneficial bacteria that support good gut health, boost immunity, and aid in weight management. These bacteria help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, preventing digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
However, it is important to note that blue cheese may not be suitable for everyone. Those following a low-calorie or low-fat diet should limit their consumption due to its high-fat content. Additionally, people with allergies to penicillin or mold may have concerns about consuming blue cheese, although the Penicillium cultures used in production do not produce penicillin and are nontoxic and safe for human consumption.
Stinky Cheese: Is It Safe to Eat?
You may want to see also

It is high in fat, calories, and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation
Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese produced by a mould called Penicillium roqueforti, which gives the cheese a unique flavour and aroma. It is rich in nutrients and provides a variety of notable health benefits. For example, blue cheese offers high calcium content, even when compared to other types of cheese. A once-ounce serving of blue cheese contains 150 mg of calcium. Because of its high calcium content, blue cheese can help people achieve healthier bone density. Over time, regular consumption of calcium-rich foods such as blue cheese can protect bone health and help reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
However, blue cheese is high in fat, calories, and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation. Blue cheese is a great source of protein, but it is also a source of saturated fat. While the fat in blue cheese may have a neutral or even positive effect on cardiovascular health, it is still high in salt and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation.
The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that people over 14 years consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. Dairy products contain a natural sugar called lactose, and some people are lactose intolerant, meaning they are unable to digest lactose properly. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as stomach cramps, flatulence, and diarrhoea. Blue cheese can also contain a compound known as spermidine, which may delay ageing and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Blue cheese is a fermented cheese, and the mould used to make it is nontoxic and safe for human consumption. However, blue cheese can still go bad, so it is important to practice basic food safety and store it properly. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots, or a strong odour similar to ammonia, you should discard it immediately. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning and increase exposure to harmful mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can suppress immune function, cause digestive distress, and even contribute to cancer.
Cheese Gone Bad: How to Tell
You may want to see also

The mold in blue cheese is nontoxic and safe for human consumption
Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese produced by a type of mould called Penicillium roqueforti, which gives the cheese its distinctive flavour and aroma. While it is true that mould is often a sign of food spoilage, the mould in blue cheese is nontoxic and safe for human consumption.
The mould in blue cheese does not produce toxins and is therefore considered safe to eat. This is in contrast to other types of mould, which can produce compounds called mycotoxins that are toxic to humans. Mycotoxins can cause digestive problems, suppress immune function, and even contribute to cancer. However, the Penicillium mould used in blue cheese production does not produce these harmful toxins.
The distinct flavour of blue cheese is attributed to the breakdown of fat through a process called lipolysis, which leads to the formation of fatty acids. The action of Penicillium roqueforti then converts these fatty acids into a group of molecules called ketones, which gives blue cheese its unique smell and flavour. The specific smell of the cheese depends on the type of ketone produced by the mould after it breaks down the fatty acids.
Blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food that provides a variety of health benefits. It is rich in calcium, even when compared to other types of cheese. A once-ounce serving of blue cheese contains 150 mg of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and plays a role in muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission. Blue cheese also contains a compound called spermidine, which may help delay ageing and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, it is important to consume blue cheese in moderation due to its high fat, calorie, and sodium content. Additionally, those with allergies to penicillin or mould may have concerns about consuming blue cheese. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the Penicillium cultures used in blue cheese do not produce penicillin. Nevertheless, it is always important to check with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about food allergies or intolerances.
Cheese and PCOS: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning and digestive issues
Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese produced by a nontoxic mould called Penicillium roqueforti, which gives the cheese its distinctive flavour and aroma. The mould used to make blue cheese is safe for human consumption. However, blue cheese can still go bad, so it's important to practice basic food safety and store it properly.
Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. Certain types of mould produce mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can cause digestive issues, suppress immune function, and even contribute to cancer. Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface of blue cheese may indicate that it has gone bad. Additionally, cheese that develops a strong odour similar to ammonia has likely spoiled.
To prevent these negative side effects, it is crucial to store blue cheese correctly and practice food safety. Blue cheese should be discarded if there are any changes in its appearance or smell. Proper storage and handling of blue cheese will ensure that it remains safe to consume and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
While blue cheese has a unique flavour and offers various health benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high fat, calorie, and sodium content. It is also essential to check for any signs of spoilage before consumption to avoid potential health risks associated with eating spoiled cheese.
In summary, consuming spoiled blue cheese can lead to food poisoning and digestive issues due to the presence of harmful mycotoxins. Therefore, it is essential to store blue cheese properly, practise food safety, and discard any cheese that shows signs of spoilage to minimise potential health risks.
Cotija Cheese: How Long Does it Last?
You may want to see also

People with allergies to penicillin or mold may have concerns about the safety of consuming blue cheese
Blue cheese is a popular variety of cheese known for its bold, tangy flavour and health benefits. It is produced using bacterial cultures and a type of mould called Penicillium roqueforti. While blue cheese is generally safe to consume, some individuals with allergies to penicillin or mould may have concerns about eating it.
The connection between penicillin allergies and blue cheese consumption has been a topic of discussion and varying experiences. Some people with penicillin allergies have reported reactions to blue cheese, such as rashes, itching, swelling, and gastrointestinal issues. On the other hand, others with penicillin allergies have shared that they can safely enjoy blue cheese without any adverse effects.
It is important to note that the mould used in blue cheese production, Penicillium roqueforti, is different from the mould used to create penicillin medication, which is typically Penicillium chrysogenum. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the Penicillium cultures in blue cheese do not produce penicillin. Additionally, the mould in blue cheese is non-toxic and safe for human consumption.
However, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is always advisable for those with allergies to proceed with caution. If you have a penicillin allergy or mould allergy and are concerned about consuming blue cheese, it is recommended to consult with a medical professional or allergist. They can provide guidance and, if necessary, perform tests to determine your tolerance for blue cheese.
While blue cheese can be a delicious and nutritious addition to meals, it is important to remember that cheese, in general, should be consumed in moderation due to its high-fat content, calorie content, and sodium content. For individuals following a low-calorie or low-fat diet, reduced-fat cheese varieties or limiting cheese intake may be advisable.
Cheeseburgers: A Dangerous Treat for Dogs
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is made using mould cultures, specifically Penicillium roqueforti. This type of mould is nontoxic and safe for human consumption. However, blue cheese can still go bad, so it's important to practice basic food safety and store it properly.
Blue cheese is rich in nutrients and has several health benefits. However, it is high in fat, calories, and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation. People with lactose intolerance may experience stomach cramps, flatulence, and diarrhea after consuming blue cheese due to its lactose content. Eating spoiled blue cheese can also cause food poisoning, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food containing various vitamins, minerals, and natural compounds that offer health benefits. It is a good source of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and tooth enamel. It also contains a compound called spermidine, which may have positive effects on cardiovascular health.
Blue cheese is high in cholesterol, saturated fat, and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. People with allergies to penicillin or mould may have concerns about consuming blue cheese due to the presence of Penicillium mould. However, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology states that the Penicillium cultures used in blue cheese production do not produce penicillin.

























