Eating cheese every day: Surprising effects on your health
What happens to the body if you eat cheese every day (photo: Freepik)
Cheese is one of the most beloved foods in the world. It is nutritious, tasty, and versatile. Verywell Health reveals what happens to the body if you eat it every.
High protein content
Cheese is a good source of complete casein protein, which contains all the amino acids the body needs but cannot produce on its own.
According to the International Milk Genomics Consortium (IMGC), cheese can help you meet your daily protein goal. The amount of protein in different cheeses varies, but a 28 g serving contains:
- Parmesan – 10 g
- Swiss cheese – 7.7 g
- Cheddar – 6.5 g
- Mozzarella – 6.3 g
Supports bone health
The National Institutes of Health states that most adults should get 1000 mg of calcium daily. This mineral is essential for strong bones.
Like other dairy products, cheese can be a good source of calcium. Hard cheeses generally contain more calcium than soft ones. The content varies across different types:
- Parmesan – 260 mg
- Cheddar – 200 mg
- Swiss – 252 mg
Supports gut health
A study published in the journal Nutrients showed that some types of cheese may help improve the gut microbiome because they contain probiotics—beneficial bacteria needed for digestion.
Aged cheeses that have not been pasteurized (heat-treated to kill microbes) generally contain more probiotics and include:
- Swiss
- Gouda
- Cheddar
May increase risk of high blood pressure
The journal Nutrients notes that cheese may not be the best choice if you are monitoring your blood pressure, since it can contain a lot of salt (sodium).
The sodium content in cheeses varies, so check the label before taking it.
The cheeses with the least salt include:
- Swiss
- Mozzarella
- Ricotta
- Goat cheese
May lead to weight gain
The website of PennState Extension states that, along with vitamins, minerals, and protein, cheese can contain a significant amount of calories. Harder cheeses often have more calories than softer ones.
If you eat cheese daily and watch your weight, keep in mind that 28 g of cheese can contain more than 110 calories.
How to choose healthy cheese
Cheese can be part of a healthy daily diet if you follow these tips:
- Before choosing cheese, read the label, as macros may vary greatly. Pay attention to sodium, fat, and calorie content
- Choose cheese with lower fat and sodium, and eat it in moderation
- If you eat cheese often, consider changing the portion size
- Aged, grated cheeses can often provide a rich cheese flavor in a smaller portion
- Try to balance. Add enough vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and healthy fats to your diet.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
