While most of us think of cheese as a guilty pleasure, in truth, cheese is far more nutritious than we realize. Not only does it make any dish irresistible but also provides the benefits of wholesome milk. Dairy products such as cheese, in any form, offer a multitude of minerals and vitamins that are harder to find elsewhere. Hence, making them part of your daily meal helps maintain a balanced diet. This is especially true for vegetarians who find fewer resources that embody the nutritional benefits found largely in animal products. To learn more, let’s see what cheese has to offer.
Protein Power
Cheese possesses a whole lot of protein, almost as much as milk. Protein is essential for building muscle mass as well as repairing and renewing body cells. It is essential in the growth and development of children, teens, and pregnant women. Protein, which is made of amino acids, is the building block of the human body as it is found in every cell. You need protein to build, repair, and strengthen. It also helps oxygenate the body. Red blood cells contain a protein compound that carries oxygen throughout the body. Protein helps regulate hormones, especially during the developing stages of puberty, and also aids in digestion. To reach the recommended daily requirement of protein, it is essential to consume a variety of protein-rich foods, especially for a vegetarian diet. This includes cheese and other dairy products.
Calcium
We’ve all grown up knowing the importance of milk and milk products for obtaining calcium. Calcium is essential for building and maintaining a strong and healthy bone structure. It is also essential for muscle movement, cardiovascular function, and carrying messages from the brain to other parts of the body. Milk, yogurt, and cheese form the main food sources of calcium for most people.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is more easily found in animal sources such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Plant-based foods do not naturally contain vitamin B12 and so people who follow such diets need to ensure that they get enough each day to avoid deficiency. Cheese, like other milk products, is a good source. Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve tissue health and brain function. A long-term vitamin B12 deficiency can cause permanent nerve damage and irreversible neurological symptoms. It is important for cell multiplication and enables the production and release of energy by helping the body absorb folic acid.
Phosphorus
Another mineral cheese is rich in is phosphorous. Phosphorous, along with calcium, is essential in the formation of bone and teeth. Phosphorous is needed to make protein in the body. Hence, it becomes essential for repairing tissue and cells. It also helps the body use carbohydrates and fats effectively.
This is just the tip of the cheese-berg. There are many more nutrients in cheese that are crucial for the human body. So from now on, do not think of cheese only as an indulgence, but know it for its true value. Here’s to celebrating cheese in all its glory!
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