Bushra Griffith
Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, but it is often high in saturated fat and salt. This means eating too much cheese could lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, new research from University College Dublin, published in the Nature journal Nutrition and Diabetes, suggests that eating a lot of cheese and other high-fat dairy products like milk, yoghurt, and butter does not necessarily increase the risk of heart disease. Goat's cheese contains about 26g of fat per 100g, which is similar to Brie and Edam, and is considered a 'high-fat' product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese's impact on arteries | Goat cheese is a high-fat product, but it is low in lactose and can be consumed in moderation. |
| General recommendations | Consume cheese in moderation, especially if you have high cholesterol. |
| Keep track of your daily saturated fat intake and opt for lower-fat varieties when possible. | |
| Consult a doctor for personalized advice. | |
| Artery-clogging foods | Fried foods, processed meats, baked goods, and foods high in trans fats are more likely to clog arteries. |
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What You'll Learn
- Goat cheese is a high-fat product, with 26g of fat per 100g
- It is lower in lactose than wet cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese
- Goat cheese is better for people with lactose intolerance than soft cow's milk cheeses
- Goat cheese is lower in salt than feta but feta is lower in fat
- Saturated fat increases 'bad' LDL cholesterol in the blood, which can lead to clogged arteries
Goat cheese is a high-fat product, with 26g of fat per 100g
Goat's cheese is a high-fat product, with 26g of fat per 100g. While it is lower in fat than some other cheeses, such as brie and edam, it is still considered a full-fat cheese. Full-fat dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt, can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and balanced with other nutritious foods.
The impact of full-fat dairy products on health has been the subject of ongoing research. While it was once believed that the saturated fats in cheese and other dairy products could clog arteries and lead to heart disease, more recent studies have challenged this notion. Research from the University College Dublin, published in the Nature journal Nutrition and Diabetes, found that consuming a significant amount of cheese and other high-fat dairy products did not necessarily increase the risk of heart disease.
However, it is important to note that excessive consumption of any high-fat food can have potential health risks. Cheese is often high in saturated fat and salt, and consuming too much can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is generally recommended to enjoy cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
To maintain a healthy balance, it is suggested to keep track of your daily saturated fat intake and portion sizes. Lower-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, feta, and cottage cheese, can be good alternatives to reduce saturated fat consumption. Additionally, incorporating a variety of other calcium and protein sources, such as low-fat yogurt, tofu, lentils, and beans, can contribute to a nutritious diet while moderating cheese intake.
In summary, while goat's cheese is a high-fat product, the latest research suggests that cheese and other full-fat dairy products do not necessarily clog arteries when consumed in moderation. However, excessive consumption of any high-fat food, including goat's cheese, may have potential health risks. Therefore, it is important to practice portion control, incorporate a variety of nutritious foods into your diet, and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
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It is lower in lactose than wet cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese
While cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, it is often high in saturated fat and salt. This means that eating too much cheese could lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the latest studies show that cheese is neutral when it comes to cardiovascular health. In fact, France, Italy, and Greece, which are among the countries with the highest cheese consumption per capita, have lower rates of heart disease.
If you have high cholesterol, you can still eat cheese in moderation. The American Heart Association recommends keeping your saturated fat intake to around 11 to 13 grams per day in a 2,000-calorie diet. Lower-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, feta, and cottage cheese, can be good alternatives if you're looking to reduce your saturated fat intake. Goat's cheese is also considered a lower-fat option and is touted as being better for people with lactose intolerance. While it has a similar lactose content to other semi-soft cheeses like brie or feta, goat's cheese is lower in lactose than wetter cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese. This is because goat's milk has lower lactose content than cow's milk, making goat's cheese easier to digest.
Ricotta and cottage cheese are creamier varieties of cheese that contain significantly more lactose than hard cheeses. They are considered less lactose-intolerant-friendly options, especially for those with particularly sensitive stomachs. However, some people may be able to safely consume ricotta in moderation, as it still has less lactose than many other types of cheese, containing between 1% and 5% lactose.
If you are concerned about your cheese consumption and its impact on your health, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can advise you on appropriate adjustments to your diet based on your individual health needs.
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Goat cheese is better for people with lactose intolerance than soft cow's milk cheeses
It is a common misunderstanding that goat cheese is completely lactose-free. However, it contains considerably less lactose than cow's cheese, which is why it is often more digestible for people with lactose intolerance. Goat's milk contains about 4.2% lactose, while cow's milk contains almost 5%. Goat's milk is also easier to digest due to its smaller fat molecules.
The ripening time of cheese also affects its lactose content. Old cheese, whether made from cow's or goat's milk, generally has a lower lactose content than young cheese. Aged goat cheese, in particular, has a lengthy ripening process that allows it to become almost lactose-free, as most of the lactose is broken down during this time.
Goat's milk also contains mainly the A2-type casein, while cow's milk contains both A1 and A2 casein. A1 casein can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and problems with lactose digestion, which is why some people with lactose intolerance may experience fewer symptoms when consuming goat milk products.
While goat cheese is not a completely lactose-free option, it is a good choice for people with mild lactose intolerance who still want to enjoy cheese. It is important to note that people with severe lactose intolerance should avoid goat cheese and opt for other lactose-free alternatives. Additionally, those with lactose intolerance can manage their symptoms by limiting their intake of lactose-containing foods or taking lactase replacement pills before consuming dairy products.
Regarding the impact of cheese on arteries, it is important to consider its saturated fat and salt content. Cheese is a great source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D, but its high saturated fat and salt content can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the latest studies suggest that cheese is neutral when it comes to cardiovascular health and is not harmful. Moderation is key, and it is recommended to keep track of saturated fat intake and opt for lower-fat cheese varieties when necessary.
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Goat cheese is lower in salt than feta but feta is lower in fat
While goat cheese is lower in salt than feta, feta is lower in fat. Feta is a Greek cheese made from goat's and sheep's milk, while goat cheese is made only from goat's milk. Feta is aged in brine, giving it a firm and
Goat cheese is considered a "high-fat" product, with about 26g of fat per 100g, similar to Brie and Edam. Feta, on the other hand, is lower in fat, with traditional Greek feta being made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep's and goat's milk. Bulgarian feta is less salty than other varieties, as it blends sheep's, goat's, and cow's milk. Wisconsin feta is also less salty, made only with cow's milk for a lighter taste and texture.
The high sodium content in feta means that it should be consumed in moderation. Excessive sodium in the diet has been linked to high blood pressure, which can lead to health issues such as kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. Feta is also high in saturated fat, which should be limited to less than 10% of your daily calorie intake. However, feta does have potential health benefits. It is a good source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins, including B vitamins, which support a healthy nervous system, skin, and energy production.
Goat cheese, while lower in salt than feta, is still considered a high-fat product. It is touted as being better for people with lactose intolerance than soft cheeses made from cow's milk, as it has a lower lactose content. Goat cheese also provides calcium and protein, which can be beneficial when consumed in moderation.
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Saturated fat increases 'bad' LDL cholesterol in the blood, which can lead to clogged arteries
Saturated fat increases low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, which is known as "bad" cholesterol in the blood. This can lead to clogged arteries, causing serious issues like hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. While cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, it is often high in saturated fat and salt, which can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Goat's cheese, for example, contains about 26g of fat per 100g, which is similar to the fat content in Brie and Edam. It is considered a 'high-fat' product, and while it is lower in lactose than some other cheeses, it is still important to consume it in moderation.
To reduce the risk of clogged arteries, it is recommended to limit the consumption of saturated fats found in processed meats, baked goods, and fried foods. Lower-fat dairy products, such as semi-skimmed milk, can also help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
While some sources suggest that cheese does not directly clog arteries, it is important to monitor your consumption and opt for lower-fat varieties when necessary. Portion control is crucial, and it is recommended to keep servings of cheese to around 30g, or the size of a small matchbox.
In summary, while goat's cheese may not directly block arteries, its saturated fat content can contribute to increased LDL cholesterol levels, which are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular issues. Moderation and a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients are key to maintaining overall health.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese is considered a 'high-fat' product, with about 26g of fat per 100g. However, it is lower in fat than other cheeses like Brie and Edam. While some sources suggest that consuming too much saturated fat can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, other sources claim that there is little evidence linking saturated fat consumption with heart disease. Therefore, it is important to consult a medical professional for advice regarding your individual health needs.
The standard portion size for cheese in the UK is 30g, which is about the size of a small matchbox or two-and-a-half dominoes. It is recommended to keep cheese portions small and to substitute high-fat cheeses with lower-fat varieties when possible.
Goat cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. It is also touted as being better for people with lactose intolerance than soft cheeses made from cow's milk.
