Is Cottage Cheese Good for You?

Cottage cheese is a versatile ingredient; a soft, lumpy cheese made from milk curds, it can be used as an ingredient in sauces and other dishes, or enjoyed on its own or as a vegetable dip. However, a few questions often remain among health-conscious eaters: is cottage cheese good for you? Are there any potential drawbacks to eating cottage cheese? And why type of cottage cheese is best for your dietary needs? Read on to discover the answers.

Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese

The good news is that there are numerous health benefits you can enjoy just by incorporating cottage cheese into your diet. First and foremost, cottage cheese is a dairy product, which means it has lots of protein (which your body needs nearly 50 grams of each day). In fact, just one cup of cottage cheese packs more than 20 grams of protein, so this is a great way to reach your daily protein needs, if you’re one of many who is currently at a deficiency.

In addition to being protein-packed, cottage cheese also has high levels of calcium, which your body needs to build and maintain strong bones. In addition, calcium is also required for other important body functions, including:

• muscle contraction
• nerve function
• blood clotting

Many people don’t get enough calcium on a daily basis, but by eating just one cup of cottage cheese, you can get nearly 20% of your daily recommended intake.

Last but not least, cottage cheese has naturally occurring vitamin B12, which the body needs to maintain a healthy heart.

Types of Cottage Cheese

Depending on your dietary and health needs, there are different types of cottage cheese that may be best for you. These days, you can find anything from full-fat cottage cheese to fat free cottage cheese, so the best choice for you can vary.

For example, eating fat-free cottage cheese can be a great way to reduce your fat and calorie intake while still enjoying the protein and calcium boost from the cheese itself. On the other hand, indulging in too much of any fat-free food can put you at higher risk of heart problems and increased blood pressure. No-salt-added cottage cheese, on the other hand, is an ideal choice for those looking to restrict their sodium intake.

Potential Health Drawbacks

Now that we’ve answered the question, “is cottage cheese good for you?” it’s also important to understand that it’s all about moderation. While cottage cheese is certainly a healthy food when consumed in normal amounts, there are some potential health drawbacks that you could experience if you make it too big a part of your diet. For example, cottage cheese has a naturally high fat content, so eating more than about a cup of it each day could increase your risk of weight gain and heart problems. A good way to cut back on fat from cottage cheese is to mix it with a low fat yogurt and enjoy it that way.

Many people find themselves wondering, “is cottage cheese good for you?” And the simple answer is yes, so long as you enjoy it in moderation. By eating cottage cheese regularly, you can up your protein intake and ensure your body and bones are getting enough calcium in the process.