Nutritional Value of Cheese
Cheese is a healthy food.
As milk is the main ingredient of cheese, the nutrients are very
similar – 25g of hard cheese contains as much protein and
calcium as 200ml of milk. Cheese is therefore
an excellent source of calcium, protein and vitamin A and riboflavin
(vitaminB).
The calcium in cheese is well absorbed
by the body where it helps with the development and maintenance
of strong bones and teeth. Vitamin A contributes to healthy skin
and promotes vision in dim light, while riboflavin helps convert
fat and carbohydrate into energy. The main protein in cheese
is casein. This is a high quality protein containing all the
essential amino acids in approximately the right proportions
our bodies require. Cheese is also a good source of dietary sinc,
phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D. The energy in cheese is
provided by protein and fat.
During the normal ageing process,
our bones reduce in strength and density. For people suffering
from osteoporosis, the bones become so porous and fragile that
they are liable to break easily. This can result in painful and
debilitating fractures. Whilst osteoporosis cannot be reversed,
in most cases it is possible to prvent and treat it through a
combination of diet, medication and lifestyle.
Calcium rich foods help to build and
maintain strong and healthy bones. Dairy products such as milk,
cheese and yogurt provide some of the best sources of calcium
which are easily absorbed.
(Information courtesy of British
Cheese Board)
Value of Goats Milk
Many people these days suffer from
allergies and a significant proportion of the population have
some degree of intolerance to cow milk. Some infants suffer from
eczema or asthma and in such cases elimination of cow milk from
the diet may result in a rapid improvement. Many of these sufferers
have found that they benefit from substituting cow’s milk
with goat’s milk and goat’s milk products.
The fat in goat’s milk is broken
down into tiny globules, which makes it much easier to digest
and also enables it to be frozen. There are now many varieties
of goat’s milk cheese available and as well as being suitable
for many people who have allergies etc., it also has the same
nutritional value of cow milk cheeses.
