In these cases, eating lactose can lead to digestive problems including gas, bloating, and diarrhea.įortunately, many firm, aged cheeses are low in lactose. Lactose intoleranceĬheese contains lactose, a sugar that can’t be digested by lactose intolerant people because their bodies lack the enzyme that breaks it down. Some people avoid cheese due to conditions such as lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. If you aren’t sure whether cheese is appropriate for your diet, a registered dietitian can help. Some people may limit or avoid cheese due one or more of these factors.

Cheese contains no fiber, and eating a diet containing very high amounts of dairy may cause constipation.

It’s also usually loaded with sodium, which can be an issue for people with high blood pressure. Some experts, though not all, advise limiting your intake of saturated fat. Cheese in high in fat, including saturated fat. Depending on the variety of cheese you eat, you’re getting about 100 calories per ounce. This is especially important for:Ĭheese contains many important nutrients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends avoiding eating soft cheeses unless the label clearly states that the product was made with pasteurized milk. Eating listeria-contaminated foods can cause illness. Soft cheeses and blue-veined cheeses can sometimes become contaminated with listeria, especially if they are made with unpasteurized or “raw” milk. Cheese may have undesired effects if it’s contaminated, or if you have certain health conditions or dietary needs. Knowing the benefits and the risks associated with eating cheese can help you to make more informed choices. In the same study, full-fat dairy products appeared to provide greater nutrition and have anti-inflammatory properties. It could be good for your heartĪccording to 2018 research, fermented dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, have a positive effect on cardiovascular health. But it’s not clear whether switching to grass-fed cheese would have overall nutritional benefits in an average U.S. CLA is a healthy fat that may help prevent obesity and heart disease, and may reduce inflammation.Ĭheddar cheese sourced from 100 percent grass-fed animals was found to contain twice as much CLA as conventional cheddar. High-fat cheeses like blue cheese, Brie, and cheddar contain small amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). It’s a source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) In a Danish study from 2015, children with an above-average dairy intake were more likely to be cavity-free after 3 years than those with a below-average intake. It could protect your teeth from cavitiesĪccording to some studies, cheese - and dairy products in general - could work to protect your teeth from cavities. More research is needed to understand if this difference in nutrients is large enough to have significant benefits in an average U.S.

While grass-fed dairy products cost more than standard versions, some people may choose to purchase them for their higher omega-3 content. Omega-3 fats are important for heart and metabolic health.

A diet high in grass-fed dairy may provide a healthier balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids than diets that rely on conventional dairy. Grass-fed cheese is made from the milk of 100 percent grass-fed animals. Dairy, the overall nutritional profile of conventional, organic, and grass-fed dairy products is similar. It also contains high amounts of vitamins A and B12, along with zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin.Īccording to U.S. It’s a good source of nutrientsĬheese is a great source of calcium, fat, and protein. There are many healthy options to choose from when it comes to cheese, and many potential ways it can benefit your health.

Carbs in part skim ricotta