
Goat cheese is a popular dairy product with a tangy, earthy flavour. It is made from goat's milk, which has a unique fatty acid profile and is associated with several health benefits. One of the key questions surrounding goat cheese is whether it is a good source of calcium. Calcium is an essential mineral for building and maintaining strong bones, teeth and organs, and it also supports dental health. This paragraph will explore the calcium content of goat cheese and its potential health benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Value | Goat cheese is a source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats. |
| Comparison with Cow's Cheese | Goat cheese has a slightly more protein, carbohydrates, calcium, and vitamin A content compared to cow's cheese. Goat cheese is also lower in fat and calories. |
| Health Benefits | Calcium in goat cheese helps build bones, maintain a strong skeletal system, and support dental health. Goat cheese is also a good source of selenium, which helps the body break down DNA-damaging peroxides, lowering the risk of developing conditions like cancer, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular disease. |
| Culinary Uses | Goat cheese can be eaten as a spread, a topping, or a side in many dishes. It can add variety to a cheese platter and is excellent for culinary uses. |
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What You'll Learn

Goat cheese is a good source of calcium
Dairy products are well-known for their calcium content, and goat cheese is no exception. In fact, goat cheese is a good source of calcium, providing about 10% to 30% of your daily calcium needs per serving. With its tangy, earthy flavour, goat cheese can be a nutritious and tasty addition to your diet.
Goat cheese, also known as "chèvre" in French, is made from goat's milk, which has a unique fatty acid profile and several health benefits. It has higher amounts of short- and medium-chain fatty acids, such as capric acid and caprylic acid, which are rapidly digested and provide an immediate source of energy. These fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can be beneficial for digestive health and overall well-being.
In terms of calcium content, goat cheese delivers. A serving of goat cheese (approximately 28 grams) provides 241 mg of calcium, compared to 199 mg in cow cheese of the same weight. This makes goat cheese a slightly better source of calcium than cow cheese. Additionally, goat cheese has a slightly higher protein content, with 6 grams of protein per serving, and it is a source of healthy fats, including medium-chain fatty acids, which can improve satiety and aid in weight loss.
The calcium found in goat cheese is an essential mineral for building and maintaining strong bones, teeth, and organs. A diet rich in calcium can help prevent osteoporosis and other bone disorders later in life. Furthermore, emerging research suggests that calcium, when combined with vitamin D, may offer protection against cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Therefore, incorporating calcium-rich foods like goat cheese into your diet can have significant health benefits.
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It's also a source of protein
Goat cheese is a good source of protein, with a 28g serving providing 6 grams of protein. It is also a source of calcium, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients. The type of fat in goat cheese is mostly saturated fat, including palmitic acid. While saturated fat is considered unhealthy, studies have found that eating full-fat cheese does not increase the risk of heart disease. Goat cheese also contains capric acid, a beneficial medium-chain fatty acid with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Goat cheese is a good source of protein for those who are intolerant of dairy products made from cow's milk, as it has less lactose and significantly less A1 casein. Goat cheese also contains probiotics, which have been shown to promote digestive health, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. The protein structure in goat cheese also differs from that of cow's milk, making it easier to digest for some people.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, goat cheese has a tangy, earthy flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes, adding variety to your meals. It is available in both soft and firm textures, allowing for flexibility in recipe choices.
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. Calcium is also important for maintaining a strong skeletal system and supporting dental health. Furthermore, consuming calcium in combination with vitamin D may help regulate glucose metabolism and protect against cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
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Goat cheese has less lactose than cow's milk
Goat cheese is a nutritious food that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It is a source of calcium, protein, and healthy fats, and has a tangy, earthy flavor. While goat cheese is a good source of calcium, it is worth noting that it has less lactose and significantly less A1 casein than cow's milk. This makes it a better option for those with lactose intolerance or sensitivity to dairy products made from cow's milk.
Goat's milk has a unique fatty acid profile, containing higher amounts of short- and medium-chain fatty acids, such as capric acid and caprylic acid, than cow's milk. These fatty acids are rapidly digested and absorbed by the body, providing an immediate source of energy and increased feelings of satiety. Additionally, capric acid has been associated with several health benefits due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The nutritional content of goat cheese and cow cheese is fairly similar, and both can support keto diets and recipes. However, goat cheese has slightly more protein, carbohydrates, calcium, and vitamin A content. It also has lower fat content and fewer calories. These differences can be influenced by factors such as seasonality, species, and goat breeding practices.
Goat cheese also contains beneficial bacteria called probiotics, which have been shown to promote digestive health, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. Some people may find that switching from cow's milk products to those made from goat's milk is easier on their digestive system due to the different protein structures.
In terms of taste, comparing goat cheese to cow cheese can be tricky as some differences are subtle, while others are significant. The quality and standards of production can also influence the flavor. Overall, goat cheese is a nutritious and tasty option that can add variety to your diet, but it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced eating plan.
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It's a good source of healthy fats
Goat cheese is a good source of healthy fats, which can improve satiety and benefit weight loss. The type of fat in goat cheese is mostly saturated fat, including palmitic acid. While saturated fat is considered unhealthy, studies have found that eating full-fat cheese does not increase the risk of heart disease. Goat cheese also contains capric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This beneficial fat is rapidly broken down and absorbed by the body and is less likely to be stored as fat. In addition, capric acid has been shown to be effective in combating P. acnes, a type of bacteria that increases inflammation and is involved in the development of acne.
Goat cheese also contains other medium-chain fatty acids, such as caprylic acid, which provide an immediate source of energy and increase feelings of satiety. The higher content of short- and medium-chain fatty acids in goat's milk compared to cow's milk makes it a better choice for those with dairy intolerances. These fatty acids are more easily digested and have been associated with several health benefits, including decreased hunger and improved digestive health.
In addition to healthy fats, goat cheese provides a good amount of protein, with 6 grams per serving, and essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and copper. These nutrients are important for building strong bones and maintaining a healthy skeletal system. The calcium content in goat cheese can vary depending on the type, with harder cheeses like goat cheddar having higher amounts than softer, creamier varieties. Overall, goat cheese is a nutritious addition to a balanced diet and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.
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Goat cheese may be easier to digest than cow's milk cheese
Goat cheese is a nutritious food that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It is a source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats, and has a tangy, earthy flavour. While goat cheese is high in fat, it is not as high as cheeses made from cow's milk.
Additionally, goat milk contains a unique fatty acid profile that includes more short- and medium-chain fatty acids than cow's milk. These fatty acids are digested rapidly, providing an immediate source of energy and increased feelings of satiety. The specific type of fat in goat cheese, capric acid, is a beneficial medium-chain fatty acid with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Furthermore, goat milk products, including cheese, have a different protein structure than cow's milk products. This difference in protein structure may contribute to the easier digestibility of goat cheese for some individuals. Certain types of goat cheese also contain beneficial bacteria called probiotics, which have been shown to promote digestive health, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity.
While the nutritional content of goat cheese and cow's milk cheese is fairly similar, the differences in lactose levels, fatty acid profiles, and protein structure may make goat cheese a better option for those with digestive sensitivities or lactose intolerance. However, it is important to note that individual tolerance and preferences may vary, and some people may prefer the taste and digestibility of cow's milk cheese over goat cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, goat cheese is a great source of calcium, which is an essential mineral for building bones, maintaining a strong skeletal system, and supporting dental health.
A 28g serving of goat cheese contains 241mg of calcium, while the same serving of cow cheese contains 199mg.
Goat cheese is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients. It is also easier to digest than cow’s milk cheese and may be a better option for those with dairy intolerances.

























