Bushra Griffith
Camembert is a soft, creamy, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese that originated in Normandy, France, in the late 18th century. It is a popular cheese with a distinctive bloomy rind and a creamy texture. But is it healthy? Well, it depends. Camembert is a soft cheese, and soft cheeses tend to have higher fat content. Camembert contains around 23% fat, with 14% of that being saturated fat. It also has high salt levels, with 1.5g or more per 100g. However, Camembert may offer some health benefits. It is a source of calcium and vitamin D3, which may provide protection against colon cancer. Cheese in general contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to weight loss. In addition, studies suggest that cheese could be linked to lower cholesterol and may aid in preventing heart disease and osteoporosis. So, while Camembert may not be the healthiest option due to its fat and salt content, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Camembert is calorie-dense |
| Fat | Camembert contains less fat than some other cheeses (around 23%) but is still high in fat. Deep-fried camembert contains even more fat. |
| Saturated fat | Camembert contains 14% saturated fat |
| Salt | Camembert contains high levels of salt (1.5g or more per 100g) |
| Calcium | Camembert provides less calcium with 165mg of calcium per serving (1.5 ounces) |
| Protein | Camembert is a valuable source of protein |
| Cancer protection | Camembert may offer added protection against colon cancer due to the presence of vitamin D3 |
| Weight loss | Camembert contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to aid weight loss |
| Cholesterol | Camembert may be linked to low cholesterol |
| Cardiovascular disease | A 2018 review found a "null or weak inverse association between consumption of dairy products and risk of cardiovascular disease" |
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What You'll Learn
Camembert's calcium content
Calcium is an essential nutrient for human health, and milk and milk products are the primary source of calcium in the American diet. Calcium is important for bone health, and cheese is a great source of calcium. Camembert is a soft, creamy cheese with a distinctive flavour that offers several health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Camembert cheese contains approximately 388 mg of calcium per serving. Calcium is a mineral that is crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth. It also plays a vital role in nerve signalling, muscle function, and maintaining a regular heartbeat.
The calcium content in Camembert contributes to the recommended daily calcium intake for adults, which varies depending on age and gender. For example, the recommended daily calcium intake for adults aged 19-50 is 1000 mg, while for adults over 50, it is 1200 mg.
In addition to its calcium content, Camembert cheese also provides other essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin D, and probiotics. These nutrients contribute to the overall health benefits associated with cheese consumption, including improved digestive health, stronger bones, and a reduced risk of certain diseases.
While Camembert cheese offers these nutritional benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Cheese can be high in calories, saturated fat, and salt, so enjoying it in moderate amounts can help maintain a healthy diet while still enjoying the flavour and nutritional benefits of Camembert cheese.
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Camembert's fat content
Camembert cheese is a soft, creamy French cheese with a rich flavour. It is made from cow's milk and has a distinctive bloomy rind. While it is a delicious and indulgent treat, Camembert is also a nutritious food that can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
Camembert cheese is relatively high in fat, with fat comprising around 73% of its macronutrient composition. This means that for every ounce of Camembert, about 0.73 ounces is fat. This fat content is higher than the recommended daily limit for women, which is 21.9 grams of saturated fat. Thus, consuming Camembert in moderation is important to maintain a healthy fat intake.
However, it is worth noting that not all fats are equal, and the type of fat found in Camembert, predominantly saturated fat, has been linked to some health benefits. For example, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that consuming dairy products, especially cheese, was linked to lower cholesterol levels and increased concentrations of beneficial short-chain fatty acids. This finding may help explain the "French Paradox," which refers to the fact that the French tend to have long and healthy lives despite consuming diets high in saturated fats.
In addition to its fat content, Camembert cheese offers several other nutrients that contribute to its overall nutritional profile. It is a good source of protein, providing 26% of its macronutrient composition. This makes it a valuable option for those following a vegetarian or meat-free diet, helping to build muscle, including in the heart and stomach. Camembert also contains vitamin D3, which has been linked to added protection against colon cancer. Furthermore, Camembert, like other cheeses, contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to aid in weight loss.
In conclusion, while Camembert cheese has a significant fat content, it also offers various nutritional benefits when consumed in moderation. It is a good source of protein and vitamin D3, and its fat content may contribute to healthy cholesterol levels, as suggested by some studies. As with most foods, moderation is key to reaping the health benefits of Camembert cheese while maintaining a balanced diet.
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Camembert's salt content
While Camembert cheese has several health benefits, it also contains a high amount of salt. According to one source, Camembert has more than 1.5 grams of salt per 100 grams of cheese. For comparison, the NHS's recommended daily limit of saturated fat for women is lower than the amount contained in a 100-gram serving of Double Gloucester cheese, which contains 21.9 grams of saturated fat.
The salt content of Camembert is comparable to that of other cheeses. For example, Stilton has nearly 2 grams of salt per 100 grams, while feta is also high in salt. Dietitian Jasmine Carbon recommends that cheese be consumed in moderation (about 30 grams) as part of a balanced diet, as larger amounts can exceed one's daily allowance for salt, saturated fat, and calories.
The health benefits of Camembert include added protection against colon cancer due to the presence of vitamin D3. Camembert also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to aid in weight loss. Additionally, Camembert is a source of probiotics, which can balance out gut flora and contribute to good digestive health, weight management, and a healthy immune system.
Some studies suggest that cheese could be linked to low cholesterol. For example, a study of fifteen healthy young men found that when they consumed large amounts of dairy products, especially cheese, they exhibited higher concentrations of certain short-chain fatty acids and lower levels of TMAO, a metabolite produced when the body metabolizes choline, which is prevalent in red meat.
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Camembert's vitamin D3 content
Cheese is a well-known source of calcium and protein, and it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. While most cheeses are high in fat and calories, some have health benefits. Camembert, for example, is said to contain vitamin D3, which offers added protection against colon cancer. Vitamin D3 is produced by animals, while mushrooms produce vitamin D2 when exposed to UV light. Vitamin D2 helps raise blood levels of vitamin D, but it may not be as effective as vitamin D3.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for human health, but it can be challenging to obtain sufficient amounts from dietary sources. Some foods that are rich in vitamin D include salmon, fatty fish such as Atlantic herring, and canned light tuna. However, it is important to note that tuna contains mercury, which can accumulate in the body and potentially lead to health issues. As a result, it is recommended to consume tuna in moderation, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals who should limit their seafood intake.
Cheese, including Camembert, can be a good source of vitamin D3 and provide other health benefits when consumed in moderation. In addition to its potential cancer-fighting properties, Camembert is also linked to lower cholesterol levels. This finding may help explain the "French Paradox," as the French tend to have long and healthy lives despite consuming diets high in saturated fats.
Furthermore, soft fermented cheeses like Gouda, some cheddars, and Parmesan are often packed with probiotics, similar to Greek yogurt. These probiotics can help balance the gut flora, which is essential for maintaining good digestive health, weight management, a robust immune system, and possibly even mental health.
While Camembert and other cheeses can provide health benefits, it is important to remember that they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Excessive intake of cheese can lead to exceeding the recommended daily allowances for salt, saturated fat, and calories.
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Camembert's protein content
Cheese is a valuable source of protein for those looking to change to a meat-free diet, helping to build muscle, including those in the heart and stomach. In moderate amounts (about 30g), cheese can and should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Camembert, in particular, is composed of 26% protein.
Cheese also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to aid in weight loss. In addition to this, a study from Finland showed that bacteria from the Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain, a type of bacteria found in cheese, can lower the count of cavity-causing yeast in the mouth.
Cottage cheeses and soft fermented cheeses like Gouda, some cheddars, and parmesan are often packed with probiotics, similar to Greek yogurt. These cheeses can balance out gut flora, which is essential for maintaining good digestive health, weight, our immune system, and possibly even mental health.
Furthermore, cheese could be linked to low cholesterol. A study found that when people consumed a lot of dairy products, especially cheese, their microflora seemed to change. Researchers saw some metabolites related to the metabolism of microflora, such as short-chain fatty acids like butyrate and propionate, appear at increased concentrations.
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Frequently asked questions
Camembert is a soft, creamy, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese. While it is not the healthiest cheese, it does have some health benefits. Camembert contains less fat than some other cheeses (around 23 per cent, 14 per cent saturated). It is also a source of calcium and vitamin D3, which may offer added protection against colon cancer.
Cheese is a valuable source of protein and calcium. It can also help to protect teeth from cavities. Some cheeses, such as cottage cheese, are packed with probiotics, which can balance out gut flora and support digestive health, weight, and our immune system.
The healthiest cheese overall is fat-free cottage cheese, which is the lowest in fat and calories. Other healthy options include mozzarella, blue cheese, and feta.
Softer cheeses, such as Camembert, brie, and triple-crème, tend to be less healthy due to their high saturated fat content. Deep-fried Camembert is also particularly unhealthy. The unhealthiest cheese overall is Double Gloucester, which contains the highest amount of calories and fat.
