Cheddar: The Cheese With Many Health Benefits

Every food that’s eaten mindfully, is beneficial to the body. This includes cheese. Contrary to popular belief, when had in moderation, cheese can have many health benefits. While every cheese has different benefits, Cheddar in particular, is a cheese that can be a great source of vitamins and minerals, when consumed in the right quantity. Did you know that the Cheddar cheese is actually named after the English village of Cheddar in Somerset? The Cheddar cheese’s origin, dates back to the 11th century. The preparation of this cheese is similar to other cheeses and the benefits of Cheddar are manifold. From increasing bone strength to helping you maintain a low lactose diet, here are a few key health benefits of Cheddar cheese: 

1) A Good Source Of Calcium 

The Cheddar cheese is a great source of calcium, just like many other dairy products. This helps in maintaining bone health. From ensuring stronger bones to enabling faster healing, calcium is a much needed element in our body, however, our bodies do not produce calcium and therefore we have to rely on dietary sources to build up on it. Calcium also plays an important part in clotting blood. Eating Cheddar cheese instead of sugary treats will ensure lesser cavities and a better dental health. The calcium in Cheddar cheese helps to maintain healthy teeth. People who maintain a diet which is rich in calcium, are less likely to develop osteoporosis. 

Vitamin K and Vitamin A are two of the vitamins that the Cheddar cheese is rich in. Cheddar can also be a great source of Iron. Vitamin A is responsible for protecting your eyes, lowering risk of cancer, promoting healthy growth and reproduction etc. Vitamin K helps in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and regulating blood calcium levels. Apart from the vitamins, Cheddar is also a rich source of minerals and has a low carb value and is one of the best cheese variety to consume if you're on a Keto diet. The Iron rich Cheddar, is known to promote over-all health and is needed by the body for energy, stability of the immune system, regulating body temperature etc. 

3) Can Help Lower Cholesterol 

Cheddar cheese is known to help you lower cholesterol. Shocked? Well, this is true. Despite its saturated fat content, eating cheddar cheese in moderation may help you lower your cholesterol. This is especially true for middle-aged adults. According to a recent study, participants had more success getting their cholesterol levels down after eating full-fat cheese than people who ate reduced-fat cheese or butter. Crediting this impact of cheese in reducing cholesterol levels to the ‘cheese matrix,’ scientists essentially explain how the pattern and arrangement of calcium and proteins present in the cheese has great health benefits and how that matrix interacts with the body leading to lowering the cholesterol levels. 

Cheese is usually a tricky pick when it comes to avoiding lactose in your diet. Different types of cheeses have different lactose content. Cheddar is classified as an aged cheese that’s hard and very low in lactose levels. This implies that people who are lactose intolerant could opt for Cheddar to avoid extreme uncomfortable symptoms that other cheeses with higher lactose level could give.