What Cheese Is The Healthiest?

What Cheese Is The Healthiest?

Who doesn't love cheese and how it makes everything taste better. Old-timers even throw a slice on their warm apple pie. What people don't love about this member of the dairy group is all the fat, calories, and sodium that comes with it. So, what is the best choice for your health in the cheese department?

Two extremes out there that aren't always counted in the group are Cottage and Cream cheese. Cream isn't the best because it usually has over 400 calories per serving and more than forty grams of fat. To top it off, it ranks low in protein. Cottage, on the other hand, usually comes in with less than 100 calories and 2 grams of fat per cup, and over 10 grams of calcium and protein.

But what about the kind you can slice or shred? First of all, think of cheese as getting the nutritional equivalent of milk with more flavor and uses. Then understand why you choose 1% or skim milk, and try to make the same decisions when it comes to Cheddar, and other varieties. You should also consider that goat's milk is a healthier option, therefore goat cheese is healthier than cow. Because Feta comes from goat or sheep milk it is one of the best choices out there to choose, and it still holds a very rich, unique flavor.

One important thing you need to consider when thinking about the healthiest choice is what you consider to be healthy for you and your family? Is it low in fat, calories and sodium? Or is it made from quality, near as natural ingredients as possible? If you lean more toward the first choice then it's safe to stick to the normal aisle where you find sliced, shredded and boxed varieties. One warning here: while a lot of these are low fat and calories, a lot are also products and very high in sodium and man-made products. Try heading to the deli department or the artisan section or even a farmer's market where you can find cheeses that aren't 'products.' Here Amish and imports from Europe are safe bets because there's far less processing going into the end block. Most their cows aren't treated with hormones and are still grass fed. Plus, you don't have to be a label guru to discern this.

Whatever your likes are, take the time to find the best brick for your taste bud and health, and it will pay off in the end.