Some people say that cheese is bad for you. Well, I have a good news – not all cheese is bad for you. So if you are a cheese lover, make sure you’re choosing or buying the healthiest ones, such as feta cheese. Feta cheese is often touted as the best and healthiest kinds of cheese out there. It is oozing with essential nutrients. Give this article a read to learn more!
What is Feta Cheese?
Cheese, as we all know, is a savory, delightful addition to various dishes. Nevertheless, due to the condemnation of processed dairies, it is now a product that many people avoid when trying to eat healthy.
Feta cheese, which comes from goat or sheep milk, is rich in essential nutrients and is a great option for adding flavor without any guilt. It is much easier to digest, less allergenic and less inflammatory than the cow milk cheese, which makes it enticing to those with dairy sensitivities.
Feta originates in Greece, and its name actually means ‘slice’ in Greek. Dating back to the 8th century B.C., feta was traditionally and legally produced using only whole sheep milk. Today, the brined curd is often hyped as the healthiest cheese.
Like most foods, feta is best consumed raw. Avoid that made from pasteurized milk. It’s also important to remember that feta cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium, so eat it sparingly.
Nutritional Facts
The European Union has made specific qualifications for feta cheese, but it is still possible to purchase it around the world.
The nutritional value of the cheese depends on what brand you get and what type it is. Traditional feta comes from either a combination of goat and sheep’s milk or from pure sheep’s milk.
One serving of feta cheese may contain the following:
| Principles | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 74 | – |
| Fat | 6 grams | – |
| Sodium | 260 milligrams | – |
| Carbohydrates | 1.2 grams | – |
| Protein | 4 grams | – |
| Sugar | 1 gram | – |
| Riboflavin | 0.2 milligrams | 14% |
| Calcium | 140 milligrams | 14% |
| Sodium | 312 milligrams | 13% |
| Phosphorus | 94 milligrams | 9% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5 micrograms | 8% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 milligrams | 6% |
| Selenium | 4.2 micrograms | 6% |
Health Benefits of Feta Cheese
Here are some of the most staggering health benefits of feta cheese:
- Protects the eyes and prevents degenerative eye conditions. The riboflavin in the feta cheese is beneficial in lowering the risk of various degenerative conditions in the eyes, such as glaucoma, keratoconus and cataracts. Note, all of these are connected with aging.
- Prevents headaches and migraines. There is an ample amount of riboflavin, or vitamin B12, in feta cheese. These naturally prevent and treat migraines and headaches.
- Maintains a healthy gut. There is a good amount of probiotics in feta. Remember, probiotics are good bacteria which line the gut, boosting immunity and helping avoid various digestive conditions.
- Boosts immunity. The histidine in feta is beneficial for infant health, as well as adult health.
- Supports bone health. Calcium, as we know, is important for your bones.
- Protects against cancer. This is one of the most intriguing health benefits of feta cheese. It is rich in calcium, and some research suggests calcium is beneficial in protecting the body from various kinds of cancer.
