Cheese is a solid food made from the milk of cows, goats, sheep, and other mammals. It is a dairy product made from milk and is made by curdling milk using a combination of rennet (or rennet substitutes) and acidification. Bacteria acidify the milk and play a role in defining the texture and flavour of most cheeses. There are different types of cheese produced in different flavours all over the world. Here on this page, we will see important health benefits of cheese.
Is Cheese Good for Babies and What Can a Baby Start Eating Cheese
Cheese is an excellent food for babies and provides calcium, good fats and protein too. You can introduce cheese to your baby by offering the lighter tasting cheeses (Colby, Jack, Mild Cheddar) and also by offering her cottage cheese. Cottage cheese can be a really fun and tasty finger food for babies. It provides protein, vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin B12. In fact, the vitamin B12 content of cheese makes it an important part of the diet for vegetarian babies, as this is a nutrient often derived from meat.
Most babies can have cheese as soon as theyre used to chewing or gumming different types of foods, usually around 6 to 9 months. If your baby has a known or suspected dairy issue (either a milk protein or lactose intolerance) then you should wait to introduce cheese and other dairies when your infant is older. As always, you should consult baby’s paediatrician about introducing cheese to your baby.
Cheese also provides energy and is ideal for babies who require a calorie-rich diet. A slice of cheese may provide your child with the same amount of nutrition as a cup of milk would. However, cheese is processed food and usually with a much higher level of salt.
Most cheeses are acidified to a lesser degree by bacteria, which turn milk sugars into lactic acid. The production, like many other food preservation processes, allows the nutritional and economic value of a food material, in this case, milk, to be preserved. It allows the consumer to choose (within limits) when to consume the food rather than have to consume it straight away, and it allows the product to be altered which gives it a higher value. It is rarely found in East Asian dishes, as dairy products, in general, are rare. It is a delicious and nutritious food that is very versatile.
Cheese is a good source of selenium, a dietary mineral with several important functions in the body. it is also an excellent source of vitamin K2, also called menaquinone. Adequate intake of K2 is important in maintaining bone and heart health.
There are also other elements in cheese such as phosphorous, zinc, vitamin A, riboflavin, and vitamin B12. Zinc can contribute to the structure of skin, can assist in wound healing, and can also help support immune function. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which is important for vision, for maintaining the health of skin, as well as being important for bones. Vitamin B12 is important for producing cells in the body, such as red blood cells.
Rich source of Protein and Calcium
Cheese contains a host of nutrients like calcium, protein, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin B12. Calcium is one of the nutrients.
Teeth Maintenance
All dairy products are the provider of calcium and phosphorous which are essential to the development and maintenance of healthy teeth. It helps to replace the minerals lost through acidic damage (demineralisation) and to clear food and reduce the amount of sugar present for fermentation and acid production by mouth bacteria.
Prevents cancer
Health benefit of Cheese includes that it can prevent cancer.
Weight Gain
It is useful to keep your body weight balanced. This also helps to gain body weight, muscle weight, and bone density.
Rich Source of Vitamin B
It is a very rich source of Vitamin B. Thus, it is very good for the bone health of elderly people, children and pregnant and lactating mothers to strengthen their bones. Vitamin B found in cheese absorbs and distributes the calcium in the body.
In Pregnancy
Calcium content in cheese is very good for pregnant women. This helps to stimulate contractions during labour.
Skin Health
Cheese is considered excellent for your skin health.
Helps in Migraines and Headaches
Cheese can be helpful to cure migraine headaches.
Useful for Immune System - Health Benefits of Cheese
Cheese is useful immune systemThis can reduce illness and diseases.
Shiny Hair
It is useful to maintain healthy and shiny hair.
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