Here Are the Main Reasons Why Cottage Cheese Is so Good for You
Chances are, if you have looked into any sort of weight-loss diet, you have heard about the many benefits that come with eating cottage cheese. There is no denying that it is indeed a superfood. With that being said, what actually makes it so good for you, especially when compared to other cheeses? Let’s take a closer look at 15 reasons why cottage cheese is so good for your health.
How It’s Made
It may not sound all too appetizing, but cottage cheese is essentially just curds. A type of acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, is added to milk, producing lactic acid. This then separates the curds from the whey and, once completely solidified, the whey is drained off. The curds are cut into smaller pieces, leaving you with cottage cheese.
A Rich Source of Protein
Cottage cheese is a very rich source of protein. The curds contain casein, a protein naturally found in milk that contains all nine essential amino acids. About 100g of cottage cheese contains 17g of protein.
Weight Loss
When compared to other cheeses, cottage cheese is a low-calorie option. So, if you don’t want to cut cheese out of your diet entirely, but still want to lose some weight, cottage cheese is definitely the way to go.
Cottage Cheese Compared to Other Cheeses
Cottage cheese and ricotta both have approximately 31 calories per 30g serving. This is significantly less when compared to other cheeses. Cottage cheese also has a low level of saturated fat, with just short of 1g per single serving.
Antioxidants
Cottage cheese also contains a fair amount of selenium, a significant nutrient and antioxidant. It essentially helps to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. With this being said, it is worth noting that cottage cheese isn’t exactly known as an antioxidant powerhouse, as there are many foods that offer more significant benefits.
Digestive Health
Some brands of cottage cheese contain live cultures, which introduce good bacteria to your gut. This plays a significant role in maintaining good digestive health.
Muscle Growth
Everybody knows that protein is essential when it comes to building and maintaining muscle. While cottage cheese may not be as protein-rich as meat or eggs, it is still a healthy option.
Bone Strength
Like other dairy products, cottage cheese contains calcium, which is very important when it comes to bone health. However, it is also worth noting that hard cheeses contain more calcium, meaning that they are actually better for you in this department.
Allergic Reactions
Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese, which means that it contains high levels of lactose. If you are lactose intolerant, it definitely isn’t the best meal choice. Cottage cheese also contains casein and whey - two proteins found in cow’s milk. Again, this makes the cheese unsuitable for individuals who are allergic to dairy.
The Best Way to Eat Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese doesn’t contain fiber, a very important component of the gut microbiome. For this reason, it’s essential that you eat it with other foods that do contain fiber. This could be berries, wholegrain crackers, or bread.
Brain and Blood Benefits
Cottage cheese contains vitamin B12, a nutrient essential for brain function and red blood cell formation. The selenium content also supports immune health and thyroid function. Riboflavin (also known as vitamin B2) plays a crucial role in energy production in brain cells and helps mitigate oxidative stress.
Cooking With Cottage Cheese
Let’s face it: cottage cheese isn’t exactly the best-tasting food out there. Luckily, if you don’t enjoy it, there are a number of delicious recipes for you to try out. Many people enjoy eating cottage cheese with berries and other sweet foods, as it helps to mask the flavor and texture.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cottage cheese is also considered an anti-inflammatory. In fact, most dairy-based foods have anti-inflammatory properties. As it is a rich source of protein, cottage cheese aids in muscle repair and growth, which is also linked to reduced inflammation.
Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to being a rich source of protein, cottage cheese is also a significant source of calcium, vitamin B12, and other essential micronutrients.
The Verdict: Is Cottage Cheese Actually Healthy?
Cottage cheese is definitely one of the healthiest cheese options out there. However, when eaten in excess, it can also be detrimental to your health. So, while you should definitely consider adding it to your menu from time to time, be sure to disregard those social media diet fads.
