On the occasion of International Cheese Day, which is celebrated on January 20 of each year, Russian nutritionist Dr. Yekaterina Stesenko revealed the benefits and harms of cheese.
In an interview with Izvestia newspaper, the expert indicated that cheese is a product consisting of 100 percent of cow’s milk fat (goats, sheep), and if it contains 50 percent of vegetable oils, it should be called a cheese product, reports Al-Rai daily.
“Why do people like cheese?” she said. It turns out that cheese contains an amino acid called phenethylamine (PEA), which is a neurotransmitter responsible for craving. This chemical compound brings happiness, and is similar to DNA found in chocolate and hot dogs. The nutritional value of cheese is determined based on its ingredients.
She added, cheese contains 30 percent fat and no less than 20-25 percent proteins, phosphorus and calcium salts, and a whole range of vitamins found in milk. The proteins in cheese are close to the proteins of tissues and organs of the human body, so they are considered the most beneficial. Cheese also contains essential amino acids such as lysine, methionine and tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin, which positively affects emotional feelings.
The expert pointed out that we must not forget that 56 grams of cheese (the standard cheese meal) contains no less than 15 grams of fat and 200 calories, knowing that the approved daily rate of fat is 50-70 grams.
She said: Cheese contains a high percentage of salt. For example, 60 grams of cheddar cheese contains 350 mg of salt. Everyone knows the negative effect of salt on blood pressure. The contribution of salt to osteoporosis is also of concern because salt helps flush calcium out of the body. Therefore, if a person suffers from high blood pressure and overweight, he should at least reduce the consumption of cheese.
And she continued, and it is advised to reduce the consumption of cheese and other dairy products for everyone who suffers from arthritis and migraines. Some studies showed that dairy products negatively affect men’s health.
She added, “But this does not mean completely giving up eating cheese. The important thing here is moderation in eating 30-50 grams of cheese per day, which is good for health. It is better to eat cheese that does not exceed 20-30 percent fat.”
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