Bushra Griffith
Cheese is a whole food that is generally considered good for health. It is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. Cheese also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat that may help prevent obesity and heart disease. However, cheese is also high in calories and saturated fat, and soft cheeses may be contaminated with listeria. While dairy products contain vitamin D and other nutrients that may benefit lung function, their high-fat content may have mixed effects on lung health. Some experts advise people with asthma, COPD, or lung disease to lower their consumption of dairy products as the body's production of casomorphin during the digestion of milk, cheese, and other dairy products can cause breathing issues.
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What You'll Learn
- Cheese is a whole food, which is generally good for health
- Cheese is high in calories, saturated fat, calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin
- Cheese may help protect teeth from cavities
- Cheese is a source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may help prevent obesity and heart disease
- Dairy products contain vitamin D and other nutrients that may be beneficial for lung function
Cheese is a whole food, which is generally good for health
However, it is important to note that most cheese varieties contain saturated fat and sodium, which are generally advised to be limited in diets, especially for those with heart disease. Nevertheless, cheese consumption has been climbing, with an all-time high of 42 pounds per person per year recorded recently. The type of cheese consumed also makes a difference, as some cheeses contain slightly less saturated fat than others. For example, mozzarella and goat cheese have about 4 grams of saturated fat per ounce, while an ounce of Swiss, provolone, or cheddar has around 5 grams.
When it comes to lung health specifically, while there is no direct link mentioned to cheese, a healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is beneficial for heart and metabolic health. Cheese and dairy products, in general, can also protect teeth from cavities, which has a positive impact on overall health. Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial for lung health, and drinking enough fluids can help those with lung conditions or undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
While cheese is a whole food and generally good for health, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is best paired with healthy foods like whole-grain crackers or salad.
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Cheese is high in calories, saturated fat, calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin
While cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin, it is also high in calories and saturated fat. This means that, while it does contain beneficial nutrients, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Calcium is an essential mineral for human health, with several key functions in the body. It is well known for its role in maintaining bone health, but it is also important for muscle function, nerve signalling, and maintaining stable blood pH levels. The body uses vitamin D to absorb calcium, so it is important to ensure adequate intake of both nutrients.
Protein is another essential nutrient, providing the body with the building blocks needed to grow and maintain muscles, organs, skin, hormones, and other important tissues. It is also a good source of energy, with 1 gram of protein providing 4 calories.
Vitamins A and B12 are both water-soluble vitamins with important roles in the body. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy vision, supporting the immune system, and promoting cell growth, while vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell formation, neurological function, DNA synthesis, and the metabolism of fats and proteins.
Zinc is a trace mineral that plays a vital role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and growth and development. Phosphorus is another essential mineral that works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth, and also aids in energy production, kidney function, and muscle contractions.
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for energy production, growth, and overall health. It helps the body convert food into fuel, and also acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the body's cells from damage.
While cheese can be a good source of these nutrients, it is also high in calories and saturated fat, which can have negative health effects if consumed in excess. Saturated fat, in particular, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and high cholesterol. Therefore, while cheese can be a part of a healthy diet, it should be consumed in moderation, alongside a variety of other nutrient-dense foods.
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Cheese may help protect teeth from cavities
Cheese is a whole food, and whole foods are generally considered good for health, provided they are consumed in moderation. Cheese is a great source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. It also contains fat and high amounts of saturated fat, which can be beneficial in moderate amounts but may lead to obesity and heart disease if consumed in excess.
Cheese may also help protect teeth from cavities. A 2015 Danish study found that children with an above-average dairy intake were more likely to be cavity-free after three years than those with a below-average intake. High-fat cheeses like blue cheese, brie, and cheddar contain small amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat that may help prevent obesity and heart disease and reduce inflammation. However, it is unclear whether switching to grass-fed cheese, which has been found to contain higher amounts of CLA, would have additional nutritional benefits in a typical US diet.
Fermented dairy products like cheese and yogurt have been linked to positive cardiovascular health effects. Cheese also contains many important nutrients, but it can be contaminated with listeria, especially if made with unpasteurized or raw milk. The CDC recommends avoiding soft cheeses unless the label clearly states that pasteurized milk was used, especially for those who may be more vulnerable to illness from consuming contaminated foods.
While cheese may have some benefits, it is considered a dairy product, and dairy products are known to impair lung health and contribute to diseases. This is because the body produces an opioid peptide called casomorphin when digesting milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Additionally, cheese is high in calories, with approximately 100 calories per ounce, and excessive calorie intake can lead to weight gain, negatively impacting overall health and lung function.
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Cheese is a source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may help prevent obesity and heart disease
While cheese is not directly mentioned in relation to lung health, it is a source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has several health benefits. CLA is an isomer of linoleic acid, a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). It is produced in ruminants through bacterial enzymatic activity on PUFAs or endogenous enzymatic activity in tissues and the mammary gland.
Cheese, a dairy product, contains varying levels of CLA depending on the type. Blue, Brie, Edam, and Swiss cheeses have significantly higher CLA content than others, while Sharp Cheddar tends to have higher levels than Medium Cheddar. The CLA content in cheese can be increased by certain lactic acid bacteria, such as probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, during the ripening process.
CLA has been linked to potential health benefits, including the prevention of obesity and cardiovascular issues. Studies have suggested that CLA has beneficial effects against cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular malfunction, as well as enhancing immune function. The health benefits of CLA are mainly attributed to its anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Consuming cheese enriched with CLA can influence the levels of circulating n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 HUFA) in humans. Specifically, intake of 50-90 grams per day of CLA-enriched cheese for two months has been shown to increase plasma levels of ALA and CLA, improving the n-3 HUFA score. This improvement may be due to increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha) activity.
While cheese may provide potential benefits due to its CLA content, it is important to note that dairy products can also negatively impact lung health. Experts advise individuals with asthma, COPD, or lung disease to lower their consumption of dairy as it can exacerbate symptoms and contribute to inflammation. However, fresh meats with no additives, such as chicken, beef, or pork, have not been linked to poor lung health.
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Dairy products contain vitamin D and other nutrients that may be beneficial for lung function
While cheese and other dairy products are calorie-dense and high in saturated fat, they also contain vitamin D and other nutrients that may be beneficial for lung function. Cheese is a whole food, and whole foods are generally considered good for you, provided you don't eat too much of them. Cheese is a great source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin.
Some studies have shown that dairy products may protect teeth from cavities. A 2015 Danish study found that children with an above-average dairy intake were more likely to be cavity-free after three years than those with a below-average intake. High-fat cheeses like blue cheese, brie, and cheddar contain small amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat that may help prevent obesity and heart disease and may reduce inflammation.
Dairy products, including cheese, are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s support the immune system and can help the body respond better to lung cancer treatments. A diet high in grass-fed dairy may provide a healthier balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than diets that rely on conventional dairy.
However, it is important to note that soft cheeses and blue-veined cheeses can sometimes become contaminated with listeria, especially if they are made with unpasteurized or "raw" milk. The CDC recommends avoiding these types of cheese unless the label clearly states that pasteurized milk was used. Additionally, experts often advise people with asthma, COPD, or lung disease to lower their consumption of dairy products as the body produces an opioid peptide called casomorphin during the digestion of milk, cheese, and other dairy products.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is a whole food and whole foods are generally considered good for health. Cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. However, cheese is also high in calories and saturated fat. Some studies suggest that cheese and dairy products may protect teeth from cavities. Other studies indicate that high-fat cheeses may help prevent obesity and heart disease and reduce inflammation. Overall, the association between dairy intake and lung health has not been extensively studied.
Foods that are high in fibre are great for your lungs. This includes raspberries, peas, lentils, black beans, whole-wheat spaghetti, baked beans, chia seeds, quinoa, pears, and broccoli. Whole grains such as brown rice, whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, oats, quinoa, and barley are also great for lung health. Tomatoes, beets, peppers, blueberries, and turmeric are fruits and roots that contain potent antioxidants that can protect your body from oxidative damage and inflammation.
Processed meats such as bacon, ham, deli meat, and sausage are linked to worse lung function. Studies have also found a link between processed meats and an increased risk of lung cancer. Other foods that are bad for lung health include salty, processed, and sugary foods.
While cheese may have some nutritional benefits, it is high in fat and calories. Some studies indicate that high-fat dairy products may have mixed effects on lung function. However, the overall association between dairy intake and lung health has not been extensively studied.
