Bushra Griffith
Feta cheese is a soft, white, brined cheese that originated in Greece and is used in many Mediterranean dishes. It is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. Feta cheese is known for its salty, tangy flavour and soft, crumbly texture. While feta cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins, it also contains high amounts of sodium and saturated fat. So, is feta cheese good for inflammation?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory | Feta cheese is less inflammatory than cheeses made from cow's milk. It contains Lactobacillus plantarum, which accounts for about 48% of its bacteria. It also contains histidine, a protein that becomes histamine, a compound that provides anti-inflammatory benefits. |
| Sodium content | Feta cheese has a high sodium content. Excessive sodium in the diet can contribute to high blood pressure, which is linked to health issues like kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. |
| Saturated fat content | Feta cheese contains saturated fats, which should be limited to less than 10% of your daily calorie intake. |
| Probiotics | Feta cheese contains probiotics, which are good bacteria that promote a healthy gut and support immune system function. |
| Vitamins and minerals | Feta cheese is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. It also contains other essential vitamins and minerals. |
| Health benefits | Feta cheese may provide protection against cancer, support bone health, boost immunity, maintain gut health, prevent headaches, protect eyes, and help treat anemia. |
| Pairing suggestions | Feta cheese can be paired with antioxidant-rich foods, fiber-rich foods, and healthy fats to balance meals and increase the intake of anti-inflammatory compounds. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Feta is less inflammatory than cow's milk cheeses
Feta cheese is a traditional Greek cheese made from sheep's and/or goat's milk. It is known for its soft, crumbly texture, salty flavour, and slight tang. Feta is a good source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins, but it also contains high levels of sodium and saturated fat, which can contribute to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation.
Feta cheese is less inflammatory than cow's milk cheeses due to the presence of a protein called histidine. When combined with vitamin B6, which is also found in feta, histidine undergoes a molecular process to become histamine, a compound that offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, feta contains Lactobacillus plantarum, a bacteria that accounts for about 48% of its total bacteria content. This bacteria has been shown to increase the production of compounds that inhibit the inflammatory response, thereby providing further anti-inflammatory benefits.
The lower inflammatory properties of feta cheese compared to cow's milk cheeses may be attributed to the type of casein protein it contains. Goat's milk, which is used in feta production, contains only A2 casein, while cow's milk contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins. A2 casein has been found to prevent gut inflammation and subsequently reduce the risk of systemic inflammation.
While feta cheese has anti-inflammatory properties, it is important to remember that it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Excessive consumption of feta or any other cheese may contribute to inflammation due to the high levels of saturated fat present in these products. To reduce the risk of inflammation, it is recommended to pair cheese with fibre-rich foods and healthy fats. Additionally, an anti-inflammatory diet should include foods rich in antioxidants to protect against the damage caused by excess inflammation.
Cheese and A1C: A Healthy Match?
You may want to see also
Feta contains Lactobacillus plantarum, which has anti-inflammatory benefits
Feta cheese is a traditional Greek cheese made from sheep's and/or goat's milk. It has a soft, crumbly texture and a salty, tangy flavour. While feta is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins, it also contains high amounts of sodium and saturated fat, which can lead to increased inflammation in the body. However, feta cheese also contains Lactobacillus plantarum, a type of bacteria that offers anti-inflammatory benefits.
Lactobacillus plantarum accounts for about 48% of the bacteria in feta cheese. These beneficial bacteria can promote a healthy gut and support immune system function by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. Additionally, they increase the production of compounds that reduce the inflammatory response, thereby providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Test-tube studies have shown that Lactobacillus plantarum can survive in the extreme conditions of the gut, further contributing to its positive impact on intestinal health.
The presence of Lactobacillus plantarum in feta cheese is significant because it offers a natural source of anti-inflammatory support. Inflammation is a complex process in the body that can be both beneficial and detrimental. Acute inflammation is a normal and healthy response to injuries or infections, helping the body to heal. On the other hand, chronic inflammation persists long-term and is associated with various health issues, including arthritis, kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease.
By including feta cheese in their diet, individuals can potentially harness the anti-inflammatory properties of Lactobacillus plantarum. However, it is important to remember that feta also contains saturated fats, which can increase inflammation if consumed in excess. Therefore, moderation is key when incorporating feta into a diet aimed at reducing inflammation. Pairing feta with other anti-inflammatory foods, such as antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, can be a strategic approach to optimising its anti-inflammatory benefits while minimising potential negative effects.
Cheese and Gut Health: A Balanced Diet's Best Friend?
You may want to see also
Feta contains histidine, which can help fight infection
Feta cheese is a soft, white, and brined cheese that originated in Greece. It is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk, with goat's milk not exceeding 30% of the mixture. Feta is a good source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins, but it also contains high levels of sodium and saturated fat, which can contribute to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, it is recommended to consume feta in moderation.
Feta cheese contains a protein called histidine, which is essential for both infant and adult health. When histidine is combined with vitamin B6, it undergoes a molecular process to become histamine, a compound that provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Histamine is a vital protein that helps the body fight infection when present in small doses. However, excessive histamine can lead to allergy-like symptoms in individuals with histamine intolerance.
The presence of histidine in feta cheese contributes to its anti-inflammatory properties. Histidine, when combined with vitamin B6 (also found in feta), forms histamine, which plays a role in the inflammatory process. While inflammation is typically associated with negative health impacts, a small degree of inflammation is necessary for a healthy immune response to fight off diseases.
In addition to histidine, feta cheese also contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that promote gut health and support immune system function. These probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, preventing the overgrowth of harmful microorganisms. The combination of histidine and probiotics in feta cheese makes it a potential anti-inflammatory food that can contribute to a healthy immune system.
Overall, while feta cheese has its nutritional benefits, including its ability to fight infection through histidine and probiotics, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high sodium and saturated fat content. Pairing feta with other anti-inflammatory foods, such as fiber-rich and antioxidant-rich options, can be a healthy way to include feta in your diet while enjoying its unique flavor and texture.
Cheese: A Superfood to Fight Sickness?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Feta is high in sodium, which can cause inflammation
Feta cheese is a traditional Greek cheese made from sheep's and/or goat's milk. It is known for its soft, crumbly texture, salty flavour, and slight tang. While feta cheese offers several health benefits, it also has some drawbacks, one of which is its high sodium content.
Feta cheese is brined, or placed in a salted solution, during the final stages of production to preserve its freshness. This process contributes to its high sodium content. While sodium is an essential mineral for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body, excessive sodium intake is associated with negative health effects.
High sodium intake can lead to increased water retention, which puts additional pressure on the blood vessels, resulting in elevated blood pressure. Chronically elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a significant risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases, including kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. Therefore, excessive sodium consumption can indirectly contribute to inflammation and ongoing health issues.
However, it is important to note that feta cheese also contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. For example, feta is a source of the protein histidine, which, when combined with vitamin B6, becomes histamine, a compound involved in the inflammatory process. While high levels of histamine can cause inflammation, a small degree of inflammation is necessary for a healthy immune response. Additionally, feta contains Lactobacillus plantarum, a type of bacteria that can increase the production of compounds that inhibit the inflammatory response, providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
In conclusion, while feta cheese is high in sodium, which can contribute to inflammation and related health issues when consumed in excess, it also contains substances that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. As with most foods, moderation is key when incorporating feta cheese into one's diet.
Cheese for Toddlers: Benefits and Best Practices
You may want to see also
Feta is a good source of calcium, which can help control blood sugar
Feta cheese is a traditional Greek cheese made from sheep's and/or goat's milk. It is known for its soft, crumbly texture, salty flavour, and slight tang. While feta is a good source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins, it also contains high amounts of sodium and saturated fat. As such, it should be consumed in moderation.
Calcium, which is plentiful in feta cheese, is essential for bone health. It increases peak bone mass, especially in children, teens, and young adults in their 20s. A higher peak bone mass reduces the risk of osteoporosis and other conditions involving the loss of bone mass. Additionally, calcium helps control blood sugar levels, lowering the chances of developing diabetes and aiding in the management of existing blood sugar-related conditions.
Feta cheese also contains a protein called histidine, which, when combined with vitamin B6, becomes histamine—a compound that provides anti-inflammatory benefits. However, it is important to note that excessive histamine can lead to inflammation in individuals with histamine intolerance.
While feta cheese offers potential health benefits, including support for bone health and gut health due to its probiotic content, its high sodium content can contribute to high blood pressure, and its saturated fat content should be limited as part of a healthy diet. Therefore, it is recommended to consume feta cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods.
Cheese and Periods: A Healthy Match?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It contains a protein called histidine, which, when combined with vitamin B6, becomes histamine—a compound that provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Feta also contains Lactobacillus plantarum, which accounts for about 48% of its bacteria, and increases the production of compounds that inhibit the inflammatory response.
Other anti-inflammatory foods include fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel, as well as fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and vegetables. Cinnamon, turmeric, fresh garlic, and ginger are spices that are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Feta cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins. It supports bone health and contains probiotics, which aid gut health and boost immunity.
While feta cheese has potential health benefits, it is also high in sodium and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, those with histamine intolerance may experience allergy-like symptoms when consuming feta cheese due to the presence of histamine.
