Health Benefits of Cheese

The chief health benefits of eating cheese include helping to fight osteoporosis, promotion of bone and dental health and healthy weight gain.

Cheese has long been an integral part of the diet in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas and most countries with a cold climate. Cheese has not been commonly consumed in India and the countries of the Middle East, though India and a few of its neighbors have used a different, unfermented type of cheese, known as cottage cheese or paneer. Cheese, not traditionally consumed in India, has become more popular in the last decade as global food companies have introduved more non-traditional food types to the market. Read on to discover the health benefits of cheese...

The high calcium content of cheese contributes to strong teeth. The low level of lactose, particularly in older cheese, means less sugar damage to teeth.

High levels of vitamin B aid in calcium absorption and distribution, and promote the formation of strong bones and cartilage.

Calcium, protein and a vitamin-rich diet help treat osteoporosis, a disease linked to calcium deficiency. Milk is a good source of calcium and protein, and it functions as an important component of a vitamin-rich diet. These nutrients are valuable in fighting the decrease in bone density associated with osteoporosis.

High-fat cheeses contain large amounts of cholesterol and sodium. Increasingly popular low-fat cheeses are less harmful to those suffering from hypertension than their higher-fat counterparts. Though low-fat cheese contains healthy levels of vitamin B and helps reduce homocysteine, often implicated in heart disease, it is generally not recommended for those suffering from hypertension.

Consuming cheese, which is rich in fat, protein, calcium, minerals and vitamins, helps achieve weight gain. The protein contributes to muscle health while calcium builds stronger and heavier bones. Vitamins and mineral aid in metabolism. Cheese also contributes necessary fat to the diet. Cheese consumption in conjunction with exercise and healthy sleep habits contributes to healthy weight gain.

Cheese also contains conjugated linoleic acid and sphingolipids. High levels of vitamin B, developed during fermentation, maintain body functions and offer protection from diseases such as beriberi. Vitamin B is also useful for blood formation, liver health and nutrient absorption.