Andy Montoya
Grana Padano is a grainy Italian cheese with a rich history, dating back to 1135 in the Po Valley. But is it healthy? Well, it's been said to have numerous health benefits. Firstly, it's a good source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and vitamins B, D, and E. It's also low in fat and calories, and lactose-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance. Furthermore, studies suggest that eating an ounce of Grana Padano daily can lower blood pressure, which may have a positive impact on heart health. However, as with all cheeses, it's important to consume Grana Padano in moderation due to its fat and salt content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Value | High in calcium, iodine, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, vitamins (A, B complex, D, E, PP), and protein. Contains "good" fats and no carbohydrates, gluten, or lactose. |
| Health Benefits | May help to lower blood pressure, especially for those with hypertension. May also be good for the heart. |
| Recommended Intake | 1 ounce (28.35 grams) per day for adults. |
| Taste | Milky and creamy when young, mellow and distinctive when mature. |
| Origin | Born in the Po Valley in 1135 at the Chiaravalle Abbey, a few kilometers south of Milan. |
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What You'll Learn
Grana Padano is a good source of vitamins and minerals
Grana Padano is a semi-fat cheese that is made from partially skimmed milk. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals and offers several health benefits.
A 50g serving of Grana Padano meets 60% of the daily requirement for adults and 50% of an adolescent's requirement. It is low in calories and fat, and a good source of "good" unsaturated fats. It is also naturally lactose-free, gluten-free, and rich in minerals like magnesium, zinc, copper, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium. It is also a good source of vitamins A, B2, B12, D, E, and PP.
Grana Padano is also believed to have benefits for the heart. Research from the Journal of the American Society of Hypertension suggests that eating one ounce of Grana Padano daily for two months improved the blood pressure of people with high blood pressure. The cheese contains compounds called isoleucine-proline-proline (IPP) and valine-proline-proline (VPP), which can relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
Overall, Grana Padano is a healthy and nutritious cheese that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
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It is low in fat and calories
Grana Padano is a semi-fat cheese made from partially skimmed milk. A 50g serving contains approximately 30% fat, which is mostly "good" unsaturated fat. This constitutes half of the daily recommended fat intake.
Grana Padano is a healthy food that is low in fat and calories. It is also rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is lactose-free. A 50g serving of Grana Padano meets 60% of the daily nutritional requirements for adults and 50% for adolescents.
The cheese is also beneficial for those with high blood pressure. Research has shown that consuming one ounce of Grana Padano daily for two months can improve systolic blood pressure by 7 to 8 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 5 to 7 mmHg. These results are comparable to the effects of antihypertensive medications.
Grana Padano's low-calorie and low-fat content, combined with its high nutritional value, make it a recommended cheese option during weaning and adolescence, as well as for adults, athletes, seniors, and pregnant women.
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The cheese is lactose-free
Grana Padano is a semi-fat cheese made from partially skimmed milk. It is naturally lactose-free and, therefore, suitable for people with lactose intolerance. In fact, it is recommended for people of all ages, from weaning infants to seniors.
The cheese is also gluten-free and contains no carbohydrates. A 50g portion of Grana Padano contains around 30% fat, which is mostly "good" unsaturated fat. This provides half of the daily recommended fat intake.
Grana Padano is rich in vitamins and minerals. A 50g serving can provide a third of the RDA of vitamins A and B2, and 75% of the daily amount of vitamin B12. The cheese is also a good source of iodine, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. A 2-ounce cube of Grana Padano contains approximately 600 mg of calcium.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, eating Grana Padano can have positive effects on heart health. Research has shown that consuming one ounce of the cheese daily for two months can lower blood pressure. The cheese contains compounds called isoleucine-proline-proline (IPP) and valine-proline-proline (VPP), which can relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
Overall, Grana Padano is a healthy and nutritious cheese that can be enjoyed by people with lactose intolerance and those looking to improve their heart health.
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It contains good fats
Grana Padano is a semi-fat cheese, with approximately 30% fat in a 50g serving. Importantly, this fat is mostly "good" unsaturated fat. Consuming unsaturated fats is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and improved blood cholesterol levels.
Grana Padano is made from partially skimmed milk, which is why it is considered a semi-fat cheese. This means that it has a lower fat content than other cheeses, which typically have a fat content of 40% or more.
The unsaturated fats found in Grana Padano are beneficial for heart health. Research has shown that consuming one ounce of Grana Padano daily for two months can improve blood pressure. This is due to the presence of compounds called isoleucine-proline-proline (IPP) and valine-proline-proline (VPP), which help to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
In addition to its heart-healthy benefits, Grana Padano is also a good source of other nutrients. It is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and phosphorus. It also contains vitamins A, B complex, D, and E.
Overall, Grana Padano is a healthy cheese option due to its good fats and other nutritional benefits. It is a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal, offering a unique flavor and texture that has made it a favorite among cheese connoisseurs.
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Eating Grana Padano can help lower blood pressure
Grana Padano, a semi-hard Italian cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano, has been found to have several health benefits. Firstly, it is a good source of vitamins and minerals. A 50g serving meets 60% of the daily requirement for adults and 50% of an adolescent's requirement. It is also low in calories and fat, and lactose-free.
One of the most interesting health benefits of Grana Padano is its potential to lower blood pressure. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Hypertension, consuming just one ounce of this cheese every day for two months can significantly improve blood pressure readings. The study found that participants with high blood pressure who followed this regimen experienced a reduction in their systolic blood pressure (the top number) by 7 to 8 mm Hg and their diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) by 5 to 7 mm Hg. These effects are comparable to those of antihypertensive medications.
The blood pressure-lowering properties of Grana Padano can be attributed to the compounds isoleucine-proline-proline (IPP) and valine-proline-proline (VPP) found in the cheese. These compounds work together to relax blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.
It is important to note that while adding Grana Padano to your diet can provide health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. All cheeses contain fat and salt, so it is important not to overindulge. For those watching their weight, Dr. Crippa recommends substituting one ounce of Grana Padano for another serving of dairy in your diet, rather than adding it on top of your existing intake.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Grana Padano is a healthy food that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is also low in fat and calories, and is lactose-free.
Grana Padano is a good source of vitamins A, B, D, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. It is also a source of good" fats, providing half of the daily recommended amount of fat in a 50g serving. Additionally, eating just one ounce of Grana Padano per day has been shown to lower blood pressure.
A 50g serving of Grana Padano meets 60% of the daily requirement for adults and 50% of an adolescent's requirement. Dr. Crippa recommends substituting one ounce of Grana Padano for a serving of dairy you're already consuming each day.
