Patrick Oconnell
Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard Italian cheese with a strong, nutty flavour. It is a versatile and nutritious cheese, packed with protein and calcium. Parmesan is made through a 1,000-year-old manufacturing process, resulting in its distinctive flavour and texture. Its nutritional benefits, uses and potential downsides are discussed below.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional qualities | High in protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, selenium, medium-chain triglycerides, and monounsaturated fatty acids |
| Nutritional value | 1 ounce contains 119 calories, 13% carbs, 60% fat, and 27% protein |
| Lactose content | Maximum of 0.10 milligrams per 100 kilocalories |
| Texture | Hard and dry |
| Flavor | Strong, nutty, and salty |
| Manufacturing | 1,000-year-old process |
| Health benefits | May improve health or reduce disease risk, good source of calcium, lactose-free |
| Allergies | Contains casein, a protein found in milk and milk products that some are allergic to |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium
Parmesan cheese is a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason. This hard Italian cheese is a versatile and flavourful ingredient, adding a nutty, salty, and sweet taste to a variety of dishes. Beyond its culinary uses, Parmesan is also highly nutritious, containing a high amount of calcium.
Calcium is an essential mineral for the human body, with 99% of the body's calcium supply stored in the bones. This mineral is vital for bone health, helping to prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures. It also serves as an electrolyte, a type of electricity-conducting mineral needed for regulating nerve impulses, muscle contractions, blood pH, and fluid balance. Getting enough calcium can also potentially reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, pregnancy-related high blood pressure, and kidney problems.
Parmesan cheese is an excellent source of calcium, providing about 26% of the daily recommended value for adults per serving. This means that just a small amount of Parmesan can contribute significantly to your daily calcium needs. The calcium content in Parmesan is due in part to the cheese-making process, which involves removing whey from the curd, thereby reducing the lactose content and increasing the proportion of calcium.
In addition to its high calcium content, Parmesan cheese also offers other nutritional benefits. It is a good source of protein, providing 38 grams of protein per 100 grams of cheese. This makes it a great option for those following a vegetarian diet, as protein-rich foods are recommended for adequate nutrition. Parmesan also contains other important nutrients such as phosphorus, vitamin B12, selenium, and monounsaturated fatty acids.
Overall, Parmesan cheese is a tasty and nutritious ingredient that can enhance the flavour of many dishes while also providing a good source of calcium and other essential nutrients. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with cheese, including its high saturated fat and salt content, as well as the presence of substances that can trigger allergies in some individuals.
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It is also high in protein
Parmesan cheese is a hard Italian cheese with a strong flavour and a rich nutritional profile. It is made through a 1,000-year-old manufacturing process, resulting in its distinctive taste and texture.
Parmesan is a highly nutritious food, even when consumed in small amounts. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of hard Parmesan provides a significant amount of protein. In fact, Parmesan has been found to contain approximately 38 grams of protein per 100 grams of cheese. This equates to about 26% of the daily recommended value for adults.
The high protein content of Parmesan cheese makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a rich source of this essential macronutrient. Protein is crucial for various bodily functions, including muscle repair and growth. It is also important for individuals following a vegetarian diet, as it helps ensure adequate protein intake.
In addition to its high protein content, Parmesan cheese is also a good source of other nutrients. It is particularly rich in calcium, which plays a vital role in bone health. Parmesan also contains phosphorus, vitamin B12, selenium, and monounsaturated fatty acids. These nutrients contribute to the overall nutritional value of Parmesan cheese, making it a healthy and versatile ingredient.
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Parmesan is a dense, dry, and hard cheese
Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard Italian cheese with a strong, nutty flavour that can be sweet, salty, and bitter. It is made through a 1,000-year-old manufacturing process, which results in its characteristic flavour and texture. Parmesan is a dense, dry, and hard cheese. It contains a lot less water than softer cheeses like mozzarella. Its dry texture is a result of the cheese being tightly packed, and the extent of liquid expulsion during the manufacturing process—the harder the cheese, the drier it is.
Parmesan has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages when monks in Italy discovered how to make a cheese that could be stored for long periods. Known as Caseus Parmensis, or "cheese from Parma", it was made in large wheels weighing around 40 pounds by the 15th century.
Today, Parmesan is widely available and is typically sold shredded, grated, or in wedges. It is a highly nutritious cheese, even when consumed in small amounts. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of hard Parmesan provides a high number of calories per serving due to its protein and fat content. It is an excellent source of calcium, with each serving providing 26% of the daily recommended value for adults.
In addition to its calcium content, Parmesan is also rich in protein, phosphorus, vitamin B12, selenium, medium-chain triglycerides, and monounsaturated fatty acids. Its nutritional qualities have led some to consider it a functional food, suggesting that its components may improve health or reduce disease risk.
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It is safe for people with lactose intolerance
Parmesan cheese is a hard Italian cheese with a strong, nutty flavour. It is made through a 1,000-year-old manufacturing process, which results in its characteristic flavour and texture. Parmesan is a highly nutritious food, even when consumed in small amounts. It is dense in protein and fat, making it an energy-dense food with a high number of calories per serving.
Parmesan is considered safe for people with lactose intolerance. This is because, during the cheese-making process, whey is removed from the curd, and along with it, most of the lactose is removed. As a result, Parmesan has a maximum lactose content of 0.10 milligrams per 100 kilocalories of the product. The Ministry of Health has declared that dairy products with a lactose content of less than 0.1g/100g can be labelled as lactose-free.
In addition, Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese, and these types of cheeses frequently contain less lactose because the lactose in the curd changes to lactic acid during the ageing process. The ageing process also results in the development of lactobacilli, which, through fermentation, eliminate most of the lactose contained in the curd.
While Parmesan is generally considered safe for people with lactose intolerance, individual experiences may vary. Some people with lactose intolerance may still experience symptoms after consuming Parmesan, as biological and enzymatic processes are uneven and a theoretically "low-lactose" cheese can still have pockets of higher lactose content. Additionally, Parmesan is made with skimmed milk and whey, which is added back in, and whey can cause symptoms similar to lactose intolerance.
Overall, Parmesan is a safe and nutritious option for most people with lactose intolerance, but it is always important to listen to your body and adjust your diet as needed.
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Parmesan is highly nutritious, even in small amounts
Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard Italian cheese with a strong flavour and unique nutritional qualities. It is considered a functional food by some, as its components may improve health and reduce disease risk. Parmesan is highly nutritious, even in small amounts, and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from appetisers to desserts.
Parmesan is an excellent source of calcium, providing about 26% of the daily recommended value for adults per 1-ounce serving. Calcium is essential for bone health, as it helps to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. It also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy blood pressure by aiding in the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels.
In addition to calcium, Parmesan is a good source of protein. It has a high protein content, with approximately 38 grams of protein per 100 grams of cheese. This makes it a rich source of protein for those following a vegetarian diet. The cheese also contains medium- and short-chain fatty acids, which can be used as rapid energy sources and may result in less body fat accumulation.
The manufacturing process of Parmesan contributes to its nutritional qualities. Traditionally, Parmesan is made through a 1,000-year-old technique, resulting in its distinct flavour and texture. The cheese is dense and dry, with a low water content compared to softer cheeses. This makes it a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour of many dishes.
Overall, Parmesan is a highly nutritious cheese that offers a range of health benefits, even when consumed in small amounts. Its high calcium and protein content make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet, contributing to bone health and providing essential nutrients for the body.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese is a great source of calcium, protein, phosphorus, vitamin B12 (cobalamin), selenium, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA).
A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of Parmesan contains approximately 335 milligrams of calcium, which is about 26% of the daily recommended value for adults.
Parmesan cheese contains about 38 grams of protein per 100 grams.
Yes, Parmesan has a maximum lactose content of 0.10 milligrams per 100 kilocalories of product and is considered safe for people with lactose intolerance.
Parmigiano-Reggiano is made with only three ingredients: cow's milk, salt, and rennet, whereas the mass-marketed Parmesan found in bottles or shakers may contain extra ingredients and fillers, making it less nutritious.
