Patrick Oconnell
Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese produced by a nontoxic mould called Penicillium roqueforti. It is widely loved for its strong flavour and pungent smell. But is it healthy? Blue cheese is rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals, and has been linked to several health benefits, including improved bone, dental, heart, and gut health. However, it is also high in salt, saturated fat, and calories, and can be a trigger for headaches and migraines. So, is blue cheese healthy for you?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutrient density | High in vitamins, minerals, calcium, phosphorus, and natural compounds |
| Bone health | Increases bone density, prevents osteoporosis |
| Dental health | Promotes tooth enamel |
| Heart health | Decreases blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, prevents blood clotting, lowers risk of cardiovascular disease |
| Gut health | Promotes healthy bacteria, eases arthritis pain |
| Allergies | Contains lactose and penicillin, may cause headaches and migraines |
| Calories | High in saturated fat and calories |
| Sodium | High in sodium |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is rich in calcium, vitamins and minerals
Blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food, providing a rich source of calcium, vitamins, and minerals.
A 1-ounce (28.35g) serving of blue cheese contains around 150mg of calcium. This is a significant amount, considering the recommended daily intake of calcium is a minimum of 1000mg for most adults. Calcium is essential for healthy teeth and bones, and blue cheese is an excellent way to get your calcium fix. The calcium content in blue cheese also helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and manage visceral fat around the abdominal area.
Blue cheese is also a source of phosphorus, which is another essential mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Phosphorus deficiency can cause bone-related issues such as rickets and, as such, blue cheese can help to prevent this with its phosphorus content.
The vitamins and minerals in blue cheese also help to maintain a healthy immune system. Blue cheese contains a substance called spermidine, which has been linked to improved heart health and increased longevity in rat studies. Human studies have also found that those who consume a high level of dietary spermidine have reduced blood pressure and a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Blue cheese is a fermented food, produced using the Penicillium roqueforti mold, which gives it its distinctive flavour, aroma, and blue veins. This mold is non-toxic and safe for human consumption, and the fermentation process adds to the health benefits of blue cheese. However, it is important to consume blue cheese in moderation due to its high levels of saturated fat, calories, and sodium.
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It can help with osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease
Blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food that is rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals. It is produced using a type of mould called Penicillium roqueforti, which gives it its distinctive colour, flavour, and aroma. While blue cheese should be consumed in moderation due to its high fat, calorie, and sodium content, it can offer several health benefits, including potential protection against osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by low bone density and an increased risk of fractures. Blue cheese, as a rich source of calcium, can help to maintain and improve bone health. Regular consumption of calcium-rich foods has been linked to increased bone density and a reduced risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, calcium plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy teeth and promoting proper muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission.
Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Blue cheese contains a substance called spermidine, which has been associated with improved heart health. A 2016 study found that higher consumption of dietary spermidine was linked to reduced blood pressure and a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. Blue cheese also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can help lower joint inflammation and ease arthritis pain.
In addition to its potential benefits for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, blue cheese may offer other health advantages. It can aid in managing visceral fat levels and maintaining gut health. The fermentation process involved in making blue cheese introduces beneficial bacteria, contributing to a healthy gut microbiome. However, it is important to note that blue cheese should be consumed in moderation due to its high-fat content, and it may not be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or allergies to penicillin or mould.
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Blue cheese is a fermented food with anti-inflammatory qualities
Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese produced by a nontoxic mould called Penicillium roqueforti, which gives the cheese its distinct flavour, aroma, and blue veins. It is a fermented food with anti-inflammatory qualities, offering a range of health benefits.
Blue cheese is rich in calcium, which is essential for healthy teeth and bones. It also contains phosphorus, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as other bodily functions. The calcium content in blue cheese may also be linked to anti-obesity mechanisms that help reduce body weight from fat. A 1-ounce serving of blue cheese contains approximately 150 mg of calcium, making it an excellent source of this mineral.
The fermentation process in blue cheese production adds to its health benefits. According to health experts like Dr Megan Rossi, blue cheese is a fermented food that contains good bacteria, promoting gut health and overall well-being. The presence of "good" bacteria in fermented dairy products can help prevent infections and reduce the risk of UTIs.
In addition to its bone and dental health benefits, blue cheese is also known for its potential cardiovascular benefits. It contains a substance called spermidine, which has been linked to improved heart health and increased longevity in rat studies. Human studies have found that higher consumption of spermidine is associated with reduced blood pressure and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Blue cheese also aids in lowering cholesterol levels and preventing blood clotting in veins and arteries.
However, it is important to consume blue cheese in moderation due to its high levels of saturated fat, calories, and sodium. For those prone to headaches or migraines, blue cheese may be a trigger, and it should be avoided by those allergic to penicillin or mould. Spoiled blue cheese can produce mycotoxins, so proper storage and avoidance of consumption beyond its safe period are crucial.
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It's high in salt, saturated fat and calories, so should be eaten in moderation
Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese produced by a mould called Penicillium roqueforti. It is rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals, which can help promote immune, cardiovascular, and cognitive functioning.
However, blue cheese is high in salt, saturated fat, and calories, so it should be eaten in moderation. A one-ounce serving of blue cheese contains 150 mg of calcium, but it also contains high levels of saturated fat, calories, and sodium. The sodium in blue cheese can lead to health concerns like high blood pressure, renal concerns, water retention, and oedema. The high fat content can increase the risk of high cholesterol if not consumed in moderation.
In addition, blue cheese has a strong, pungent smell and salty taste. It is often combined with contrasting sweet flavours such as port or sherry, or with fruits like apples, cherries, dates, figs, and apricots.
People prone to headaches or migraines may want to limit or avoid blue cheese, as aged cheeses are a common trigger. It should also be avoided by those with lactose intolerance or allergies to penicillin or mould. Spoiled blue cheese can produce harmful substances called mycotoxins, so it is important to store it safely and avoid consuming it if it has spoiled.
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Spoiled blue cheese can be harmful to health
Blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food, offering a variety of health benefits. It is rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals, which help maintain proper immune system functioning and promote bone health, dental health, and heart health. However, it is important to consume blue cheese in moderation due to its high levels of saturated fat, calories, and sodium.
While blue cheese is made using mold cultures, specifically Penicillium roqueforti, these cultures are typically nontoxic and safe for human consumption. The mold gives blue cheese its distinctive flavour and aroma, and blue veins or marbling. However, spoiled blue cheese can be harmful to health.
Blue cheese can spoil if it is left unrefrigerated for too long or if it is not consumed within several weeks after refrigeration. Improper storage can also cause spoilage. In these cases, the mold present in the cheese can produce toxic compounds called mycotoxins, which can have short- and long-term negative health effects. Mycotoxins can cause digestive distress, suppress immune function, and even contribute to cancer. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can lead to food poisoning, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Therefore, it is crucial to store blue cheese safely and avoid consuming it if it has spoiled. Proper storage methods include wrapping and refrigerating blue cheese for up to 3–4 weeks or freezing it indefinitely, although freezing may alter its texture and appearance. To prevent spoilage, it is important to check the use-by date and practice food safety. By taking these precautions, individuals can safely enjoy the health benefits of blue cheese while avoiding the potential risks associated with spoiled cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals, which can help promote bone health, dental health, and heart health. It also contains a substance called spermidine, which has been linked to improved heart health and increased longevity. However, blue cheese should be consumed in moderation due to its high levels of saturated fat, calories, and sodium.
Blue cheese has been shown to have several health benefits, including:
- Improved bone health due to its high calcium content.
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and improved heart health.
- Anti-inflammatory properties that can help with arthritis and other inflammatory issues.
- Improved gut health and overall well-being.
Yes, blue cheese is high in fat, especially saturated fats, and calories. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Blue cheese is made using a type of mold called Penicillium roqueforti, which is nontoxic and safe for human consumption. However, spoiled blue cheese can produce harmful substances called mycotoxins, so it is important to store and consume it safely. People who are allergic to penicillin or mold may also want to avoid blue cheese.
A moderate amount of blue cheese, such as a 1-ounce (28.35 grams) serving, can provide the health benefits associated with the cheese. This amount can provide a good source of calcium, vitamins, and minerals while minimizing the negative effects of excessive fat, calorie, and sodium intake.
