Top 6 Healthiest Types of Cheese You Can Eat

By Amanda
September 14, 2022

Are you a fan of cheese?

For me, cheese is one of the most delicious things on the planet. It’s creamy, it has a rich flavor, it’s satisfying, salty, savory, and just too good to be missed! Unfortunately, too much of it can trigger skin issues, such as acne, or it can make you feel bloated and uncomfortable.

However, you already know that everything is better when you consume it in moderation, so there’s no need to worry. But let’s talk a bit more about this tasty food!

First of all, cheese is a type of dairy product, along with milk and butter, and it comes in plenty of textures and flavors. It’s produced by adding bacteria or acid to milk that is obtained from farm animals, and after that, the solid parts of the milk need a bit of processing to form this delicious food.

Some people prefer to stay away from it, thinking that it is very rich in sodium, fat, and calories, but they forget that it is also a really good source of calcium and protein.

If you want to get all the benefits and nutrients from this food, you should only consume the recommended portion size. This way, it can help you keep unnecessary pounds at bay and also prevent osteoporosis and heart disease. With that being said, here are the 6 healthiest types of cheese you should eat:

6. Ricotta

Ricotta is an Italian name for creamy and fresh cheese that is usually made from the leftover whey from cheesemaking. Here’s a funny fact: this word translates as “re-cooked”. It has a fluffy and milky texture and is usually described as a lighter version of cottage cheese.

Eating half a cup of ricotta will nourish your body with all the nutrients it needs, such as fat, carbs, and protein, which can help reduce cholesterol levels, lower your blood pressure, and make your muscles stronger. 124 grams of ricotta contain:

Calories: 180;
Carbs: 8 grams;
Protein: 12 grams;
Fat: 12 grams;
Calcium: 20% of the recommended dietary intake (RDI);
Sodium: 300 mg, which represents 13% of the RDI.

This food tastes great in salads, lasagna, pasta, or pizza, and even in scrambled eggs or omelets. If you’re in the mood for something sweet and savory at the same time, a bowl of fruit with a creamy ricotta dip will satisfy your craving.

5. Cottage Cheese

This great food is made from the sloppy curds of cow’s milk and is richer in protein compared to other dairy products. Only half a cup of cottage cheese will provide your body with:

Calories: 120;
Carbs: 3 grams;
Fat: 7 grams;
Protein: 12 grams;
Calcium: 10% of the RDI;
Sodium: 500 mg, which represents 21% of the RDI.

This product is low in calories and very high in protein, which makes it a great snack for people who want to grow strong muscles and lose weight at the same time. You can combine it with avocado and corn to obtain a snack that will keep you full for hours, or add a teaspoon of fruit jam or fresh fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth.

4. Parmesan

Another delicious cheese you should add to your diet is parmesan. It has a grainy texture and a nutty, salty flavor that you’ll absolutely adore! This is created from unpasteurized cow’s milk that has been aged for at least 12 months to kill off harmful bacteria.

Given the fact that it takes a lot of time to age, people who are lactose intolerant can consume this product without feeling bloated or sick afterward. This tasty food is packed with essential nutrients, which is awesome for a balanced lifestyle! For instance, one ounce of parmesan will provide your body with:

Calories: 110;
Carbs: 3 grams;
Fat: 7 grams;
Protein: 10 grams;
Calcium: 34% of the RDI;
Sodium: 330 mg, which is only 14% of the RDI;
Phosphorus: approximately 30% of the RDI.

Phosphorus and calcium are two nutrients your body needs on a daily basis. Both of them are key ingredients when it comes to bone formation and health. If you want to keep yourself happy and healthy, make sure to add parmesan to your diet. You can grate it over your homemade pizza or favorite pasta dish, or sprinkle it on fried eggs.

If you have guests over and you want to impress them with something healthy and tasty, you can add some slices on a board with fruit and nuts. And don’t forget to add grapes and some glasses of wine! This combination is one of the best!

3. Swiss

Swiss cheese is a type of food that was originally created in Switzerland and is usually made from cow’s milk. It has a mild, nutty taste, and it’s great for people who want to keep their sodium and fat levels in check. Its popular holes are actually the result of bacteria that release gases while the product is in the process of fermentation.

If you consume one ounce of this product, your body will receive:

Calories: 111;
Carbs: less than 1 gram;
Protein: 8 grams;
Fat: 9 grams;
Calcium: 25% of the RDI;
Sodium: 53 mg, which is no more than 2% of the RDI.

Given the fact that this food is lower in fat and sodium compared to other products, people who have high blood pressure can safely consume it. In addition to that, some researchers say that this cheese can actually discourage the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). This is responsible for narrowing your blood vessels and increasing the blood pressure throughout your body.

If you want to keep your health in check and enjoy something tasty and savory at the same time, try this recipe out! You can add it to your delicious sandwiches, burgers, egg bakes, or French onion soup.

2. Cheddar

…We can say that this is the type of cheese that we, Americans, love the most: cheddar!

Even though everyone in the United States loves it, it actually originated in the United Kingdom. This is made from matured cow’s milk, and the final product can be either white, yellow, or off-white.

One ounce of this delicious food contains:

Calories: 115;
Carbs: 1 gram;
Protein: 7 grams;
Fat: 9 grams;
Calcium: 20% of the RDI;
Sodium: 180 mg, which represents 8% of the RDI.

Cheddar contains a lot of calcium and protein and is also very rich in vitamin K, specifically vitamin K2. This nutrient is very important for keeping your heart and bones healthy and strong, and besides that, it can also protect calcium from being dispatched into the walls of your veins and arteries.

If you don’t have enough vitamin K, things can go crazy inside your body. For instance, it can cause calcium buildup, which restrains blood flow, and furthermore, it can lead to a higher risk of blockages and heart disease. To summarize, make sure you get enough vitamin K from your diet!

If you have no idea how to consume cheddar, you can eat it with fried eggs, rice, in sandwiches, vegetable dishes, burgers, and pasta, or add it to your charcuterie plates.

1. Mozzarella

Mozzarella is one of the most famous cheeses in the world. Even though it doesn’t have a very strong taste, it’s very popular among people who want to have a healthy lifestyle and lose a bit of weight. This is originally from Italy and is traditionally made from Italian cow or buffalo milk.

It’s lower in sodium and calories compared to other dairy products and only one ounce of this cheese contains:

Calories: 85;
Carbs: 1 gram;
Fat: 6 grams;
Protein: 6 grams;
Calcium: 14% of the RDI;
Sodium: 176 mg, which is 7% of the RDI.

Mozzarella is also rich in bacteria that act as probiotics, which might improve your gut health, fight inflammation, and also promote immunity. If you’re in the mood for something fresh and tasty, you can easily create a Caprese salad at home. All you need are a few fresh tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, basil, and, of course, mozzarella.

…Are you a fan of cheese? Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!

…Do you want to live a healthy lifestyle but have no idea where to start? We are here to help you! Check this article out for some amazing tips: Blue Zones: 8 Secrets From the World’s Healthiest People!