Kamil Perry
Goat and sheep cheese are popular alternatives to traditional cow's milk cheese. They are known for their unique flavours and textures, and are also easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance or sensitive stomachs due to their lower lactose content and smaller fat molecules. In addition, goat cheese contains essential nutrients such as vitamins A, B, and D, as well as minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and selenium. Sheep's milk cheese, on the other hand, is higher in protein, fat, calcium, zinc, riboflavin, and folic acid when compared to goat's milk cheese. Both types of cheese offer a range of nutritional benefits and can be incorporated into various dishes, making them a tasty and healthy addition to any meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Sheep cheese is denser in nutrition than goat cheese. Sheep cheese has more protein, fat, calcium, zinc, riboflavin, and folic acid. Goat cheese is a good source of calcium, vitamins A, B2, and D, phosphorus, and selenium. |
| Digestibility | Goat and sheep cheese are easier to digest than cow cheese due to their lower lactose content and smaller fat molecules. |
| Cholesterol | According to a study by the University College of Dublin, habitual consumers of goat and sheep cheese have lower cholesterol values. |
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What You'll Learn
Goat and sheep cheese are easier to digest
Goat and sheep cheese also contain less A1 casein protein than cow's milk cheese. Casein is a milk protein that can be difficult for some people to digest. The lower levels of casein in goat and sheep cheese may be why some people find these cheeses easier to tolerate.
In addition to being easier to digest, goat and sheep cheese offer other nutritional benefits. Goat cheese is a good source of calcium, which is important for bone, teeth, and organ health. It also contains selenium, a mineral that helps the body break down DNA-damaging peroxides, which can lower the risk of developing certain diseases. Goat cheese is also a source of vitamins A, B, and D, and minerals such as phosphorus.
Sheep's milk cheese is higher in fat and protein than goat or cow's milk cheese. However, the fat molecules in sheep's milk are smaller, making it easier to digest. Sheep's milk cheese also has a higher nutritional density than goat's milk cheese, offering more protein, fat, calcium, zinc, riboflavin, and folic acid.
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They are lower in lactose
Goat and sheep cheese are lower in lactose than cow's cheese. This means that they are easier to digest and are a good option for people with lactose intolerance or sensitive stomachs. The digestibility of goat and sheep cheese is further improved with longer curing and seasoning. For example, long-aged goat and sheep cheeses of 18 months or more are suitable for people with digestive problems.
Goat and sheep cheeses also have lower levels of A1 casein protein than cow's milk cheese. This is another reason why these cheeses are easier to digest than cow's milk cheese. In addition, goat and sheep cheeses have smaller fat molecules than cow's milk cheese, which makes them easier to digest, even though they are higher in fat content.
Goat cheese is a good source of calcium, an essential nutrient for bone, teeth, and organ health. A diet high in calcium can help prevent osteoporosis and other bone disorders. Goat cheese also contains selenium, a trace mineral that helps the body break down DNA-damaging peroxides, which can lower the risk of cancer, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Goat cheese is also a source of vitamins A, B, and D, and minerals such as phosphorus. It is lower in calories and fats than regular cheese, making it a healthier option for those watching their calorie intake. Recent research also suggests that goat cheese may contribute to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes due to its favourable fatty acid composition and lower glycaemic index.
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They have fewer calories and fats
Goat cheese typically has fewer calories and fats than regular cheese, making it a healthier option for those watching their calorie intake. It is also a good source of calcium, an essential nutrient for bone, teeth, and organ health. In addition, goat cheese contains selenium, a trace mineral that helps the body break down DNA-damaging peroxides, potentially lowering the risk of cancer, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular issues.
Goat cheese is also easier to digest than cow's milk cheese due to its smaller fat molecules and lower lactose content. This makes it a suitable option for individuals with lactose intolerance or sensitive stomachs. Furthermore, recent research suggests that goat cheese may contribute to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes due to its favourable fatty acid composition and lower glycaemic index.
Sheep's milk cheese, on the other hand, has a higher fat content than goat cheese. However, it is important to note that sheep's milk cheese has smaller fat molecules, making it easier to digest. Additionally, sheep's milk cheese is denser in nutrition, offering higher levels of protein, calcium, zinc, riboflavin, and folic acid when compared to goat's milk cheese.
Both goat and sheep cheese have lower levels of A1 casein protein than cow's milk cheese, which may be why some people find them easier to digest. Overall, while goat and sheep cheese have their own unique nutritional profiles, they both offer benefits in terms of digestibility and provide valuable nutrients.
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They are rich in vitamins and minerals
Goat and sheep cheese are rich in vitamins and minerals. Goat cheese contains essential vitamins A, B, and D, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Calcium helps build and strengthen bones and may protect against cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Goat cheese is also a good source of selenium, a trace mineral that helps the body break down DNA-damaging peroxides, reducing the risk of cancer, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Goat cheese also contains riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, which is important for the production and functioning of new cells. While goat cheese tends to have a lower fat content than sheep's milk cheese, it still provides heart-healthy fats.
Sheep's milk cheese is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is higher in protein, fat, calcium, zinc, riboflavin, and folic acid than goat cheese. The higher fat content of sheep's milk cheese contributes to its rich, nutty flavor. The fat molecules in sheep's milk are smaller, making it easier to digest, and most of the fats are healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats.
Both goat and sheep cheese have lower lactose content than cow's milk cheese, making them easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance or sensitive stomachs. The lower levels of A1 casein protein in goat and sheep cheese may also contribute to their improved digestibility.
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They have a unique flavour
Goat and sheep cheese have a distinct and unique flavour. Goat cheese is known for its mild and earthy flavour, while sheep's milk cheese has a rich, nutty taste. The distinct smell of goat cheese is due to its fatty acid composition. Goat cheese is also described as having a tangy, milky delicateness.
Goat cheese has a creamy or crumbly texture, depending on its age. It is also available in fresh, aged, or ripened varieties. The aged versions develop a crusty, edible rind on the outside. Goat cheese is also versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to hot dishes, adding an extra dimension to recipes. Some common recipe ideas include sprinkling fresh goat cheese onto a salad, stuffing roasted tomatoes with herbs and goat cheese, or spreading it onto bread with strawberries for dessert.
Sheep's milk cheese, on the other hand, tends to have a richer flavour due to its higher fat content. It is described as having a nutty flavour, similar to toasted almonds, with a lemony note. The Pardou Chevre, a goat's milk cheese, is known for its creamy texture and surprising richness. It also has a nutty flavour with a hint of lemon.
The unique flavour of goat and sheep cheese is attributed to their differing levels and types of casein, a milk protein. Goat and sheep cheese have lower levels of A1 casein protein than cow's milk cheese, which contributes to their distinct flavour and easier digestibility.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat and sheep cheese contain essential nutrients such as vitamins A, B, and D, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and selenium. They are also a good source of protein and healthy fats. These nutrients can provide health benefits such as stronger bones and teeth, a reduced risk of certain diseases, and improved digestive health.
Goat and sheep cheese typically have lower lactose content and smaller fat molecules than cow's cheese, making them easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance or sensitive stomachs. They also tend to have fewer calories and fats, which can be beneficial for weight management. In terms of nutrition density, sheep's milk cheese is slightly superior to goat's, offering higher levels of protein, fat, calcium, zinc, riboflavin, and folic acid.
Goat and sheep cheese can be used very similarly to cow's cheese in a variety of dishes. You can sprinkle it on salads, stuff it in roasted tomatoes, use it in hamburgers or lamb burgers, spread it on bread, or add it to gyros. It can be found in most supermarkets and health food stores.
