Mozzarella cheese: Find out the benefits, uses and potential harms
Mozzarella cheese is one of the most famous types of cheese spread around the world, which is loved by many people, old and young, and indeed it is delicious and appetizing and gives a very distinctive flavor to any food it enters, and because it is commonly used, follow this article with us to learn about the nutritional value of mozzarella cheese and its most important health benefits and expected harm .
Mozzarella Cheese
This type of soft, chewy cheese is Italian in origin, and it appeared in southern Italy, but there are some records showing that the Romans had produced a type similar to mozzarella cheese, but from sheep’s milk.
Mozzarella cheese spread widely in European countries, after they knew it from Italy, which used to make it from buffalo and cows’ milk, and the demand for it increased, because it is really delicious and appetizing, and it also contains nutritional properties and many health benefits.
Sometimes some people may avoid eating mozzarella cheese because of its fat content, but what you do not know is that the original mozzarella cheese is healthier and more beneficial than other types of cheese.
As this cheese contains a type of beneficial bacteria, it acts as a probiotic, and probiotics greatly improve intestinal health, fight infections and enhance the immune system, but the results of research on this matter are not final, so they need more research, study and experiment.
Nutritional value
Mozzarella cheese contains low levels of calories when compared to other types of cheese, as about 28 grams of full-fat mozzarella cheese contains approximately:
- 85 calories
- 6 grams of fat
- 6 grams of protein
- 1 gram of carbohydrates
- 176 milligrams of sodium
- 14% of the recommended daily intake of calcium
Benefits of mozzarella cheese
There are several benefits of mozzarella cheese, and we will explain to you the most important of them:
Good source of biotin
It is rich in biotin, known as vitamin B7, and this nutrient is considered a water-soluble nutrient that the body does not store, so this cheese is considered one of the types of cheese that meets immediate nutritional needs, and studies have shown that this vitamin lowers blood sugar levels in diabetics, and prevents Nails break and split.
A source of riboflavin
Mozzarella cheese is one of the most famous types of cheese rich in riboflavin or vitamin B2, one of the types of B complex vitamins. It is better to take this vitamin on a daily basis because it is one of the nutrients that help fight diseases and various health problems such as anemia and migraines, in addition to its antioxidant properties.
source of niacin
Niacin is vitamin B3, and this vitamin plays a very important role in converting fats into energy. It also helps control cholesterol levels, and prevents health problems and diseases such as diabetes and arthritis.
Rich in fat-soluble vitamins
This cheese contains important fat-soluble vitamins A, E, and D. These vitamins are very necessary because they help absorb calcium in the body and promote bone health and protection.
Strengthen the bones
Cheese is one of the foods that contain high levels of calcium, which is an important nutrient that helps strengthen bones and teeth, and also helps protect the heart muscles, and it has a role in reducing the risk of one of the most common types of cancer, which is colon cancer.
source of phosphorous
This cheese contains a good percentage of phosphorous, which helps the body absorb calcium from food, in addition to its effective role in the process of good digestion, enhancing kidney function and getting rid of muscle fatigue and spasm.
Rich in zinc
Zinc is one of the important minerals for the health of the body, as it greatly helps to fight skin problems, and works to increase white blood cells in the body, and it has an important role in the proper functioning of the prostate gland, and also helps in losing excess weight.
A source of protein
One of the most important benefits of this cheese is that it is a good source of protein, so it is a good choice for you. It will activate your body and make it active, and it will also enhance your muscle strength.
A source of potassium
One of the important minerals contained in mozzarella cheese is potassium, and this element helps to fight the damage caused by the body’s consumption of sodium, and also works to reduce blood pressure and strengthen the heart muscle.
little lactose
Fortunately, it contains low levels of lactose compared to other types of cheese, so if it is eaten in small proportions, it does not cause complications or problems if you are one of the people who suffer from symptoms of lactose intolerance.
losing weight
Mozzarella cheese is a low-carbohydrate cheese, so it helps to lose weight, but if it is included in a healthy and safe diet.
Is mozzarella safe during pregnancy?
Mozzarella cheese that is made from pasteurized milk is safe to eat during pregnancy, whether it is added to foods and cooked with it, or eaten in its fresh state.
But read carefully the information on the packaging to make sure that it is made of pasteurized milk, and the pasteurization process is intended to heat dairy products at very high temperatures in order to kill all pathogens and eliminate bacteria harmful to dairy, and for this reason it is safe for pregnant women.
Mozzarella cheese uses
Mozzarella cheese is eaten and used in more than one way and form, including:
- Add it to many types of pizza and pasta.
- Serve chopped with fresh basil and tomato slices.
- It is used to prepare lasagna.
- Chimney can be purchased.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted for it in pasta dishes.
- It can be added to some sauce recipes and soups.
- They can be added to pancakes, mashed potatoes, and some casseroles.
Correct purchasing methods
Mozzarella cheese is one of the types of cheese available throughout the year, whether in supermarkets or supermarkets, and there are both full-fat and non-full-fat cheeses. You may find it fresh or cut into small slices and preserved. Check the packaging during purchase to ensure that it is sealed, usable, continuous validity, and stored in the refrigerator correctly.
Make sure that the full-fat cheese has a fat content of not less than 45%, and the non-full-fat cheese has a fat content of not less than 10.8%, and check its natural color and elasticity.
Storage method
Mozzarella cheese is a perishable cheese, so it must be kept away from moisture, high temperatures, and pollutants. It must be kept in the refrigerator and used fresh.
Damage to mozzarella cheese
This cheese has a very wonderful and distinctive taste, but it may have some harms, such as:
- It contains high levels of saturated fats, and this makes it a source of concern and danger, especially for the health of the heart and blood vessels in the body, and also weight problems if the quantities you eat are not controlled.
- Mozzarella cheese is one of the dairy products, and it is always recommended to eat dairy products in moderation, taking into account the selection of low-fat types, because this is better for the health of the body, especially for those who suffer from dairy sensitivity.