With so many varieties of cheese available in the market, it is hard to choose the perfect one.
The flavour, texture, taste, aroma and the duration it lasts are all factors that culminate to make the ideal cheese.
People may be fond of various different cheeses based on the aforementioned factors, and cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, parmesan and cheddar take the cake for being a few of the most popular cheeses in the world.
However, if we take into account another deciding factor – health benefits, there is another variety of cheese that could very well find a spot in many a household refrigerator.
What is blue cheese
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that has blue coloured molds in the veins. The colour is formed because of the presence of bacteria that start ageing inside the cheese, thus not only imparting blue cheese its symbolic colour but also providing a strong taste. Like most cheese, blue cheese is loaded with nutrients and is low in calories, but the best part about it is that it provides many health benefits. Here are some benefits of blue cheese that will make you consider buying it on your next shopping trip.
1. Prevents bone related issues
Calcium is essential to maintain optimal bone health. While most milk products contain calcium, cheese contains a higher amount of the mineral. Of the many cheeses, blue cheese has one of the highest quantities of calcium, which helps in maintaining healthy bones and therefore reducing the risk of bone related issues like osteoporosis. Moreover, it is a rich source of phosphorus, another mineral that helps in optimizing bone health by preventing conditions like rickets.
2. Boosts immunity
With an abundance of nutrients like vitamins A and D, potassium, sodium, and zinc, blue cheese helps in strengthening the immune system and therefore alleviating the risk of succumbing to various infections and diseases.
3. Reduces inflammation
Blue cheese doubles as an anti-inflammatory, which means that it can help in reducing inflammation. Many conditions like arthritis, sinusitis, and asthma cause inflammation, and blue cheese can help relieve people suffering from these problems by reducing inflammation.
4. Helps with weight loss
One might associate cheese with weight gain, and while that is a misnomer, the complete opposite is true for blue cheese. Blue cheese can actually help with weight loss thanks to its anti-cellulite property. This property helps with weight loss by preventing the accumulation of fat in the form of cellulite.
5. Improves dental health
Calcium and phosphorus are as important for dental health as they are for bone health. With a high dosage of both minerals, blue cheese helps in optimizing dental health by fighting plaque and preventing tooth decay. This does not mean that you stop brushing twice a day, for that is equally important for your teeth.
6. Boosts heart health
Not only does blue cheese reduce cholesterol, but studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of blue cheese can improve heart health. It prevents inflammation in the arteries and blood clotting in the veins and arteries, therefore eliminating the risk of many heart diseases like stroke.
