Enjoying cheese doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure, as it has several surprising advantages, whether you’re eating it as a snack or adding a slice to your sandwich.
Are you curious as to why your cheese craving might make you feel good? Here are five ways cheese can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
According to Medical News Today, “Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, but it can also be high in saturated fats and sodium. A person can consume moderate amounts of cheese as part of a healthy dietary eating plan.”
It is also mentioned by the above health publication that cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for blood coagulation, wound healing, healthy bones and teeth, and appropriate blood pressure.
The Cleveland Clinic claims, “Some studies have looked at how dairy products, including cheese, can help lower blood pressure. The thought is that angiotensin-converting enzymes-inhibiting bioactive peptides help with blood pressure regulation.”
Probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms that can preserve or contribute to a healthy gut microbiota, are found in cheeses like cottage cheese, provolone, and Swiss, the above clinic further adds.
HK Connect explains that eating cheese is also good for your teeth. The probiotics and other components in cheese can alter the pH level and the composition of bacteria in your saliva.
“There are some sleep-related benefits of eating cheese at night. Cheese contains a lot of proteins, including whey, casein, and alpha-lactalbumin (A-LAC), which are good sources of tryptophan, an amino acid needed to make sleep-inducing chemicals like serotonin and melatonin,” the above source notes.