Four Health Benefits of Eating Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese in one of the most versatile cheeses around, and with its soft texture and rather mild taste its an easy food for almost anyone to enjoy. This soft cheese earns its name from the fact that it was originally made in small cottages as a way to use leftover milk. In addition to being versatile, cottage cheese can be a nutritious addition to almost any diet. What are the health benefits of eating cottage cheese?

Health benefits of eating cottage cheese: Its low in calories and fat.

Even four percent milk fat cottage cheese is low in calories with about 120 calories per serving, but you can also buy low fat and fat-free versions which only have around eighty calories. Standard cottage cheese has anywhere from four to six grams of fat, while the fat-free is completely free of fat, although fat-free may have added starches to compensate. Because cottage cheese is filling, a single serving of this low calorie food can be quite satisfying.

Health benefits of eating cottage cheese: Its high in protein.

No wonder body builders swear by this food. A single serving of cottage cheese has up to fifteen grams of protein, much of it in the form of casein, a slow digesting form of protein. Although not as high in protein as meat and poultry, its one of the best non-meat sources of protein around. The high protein content of cottage cheese and its high casein content make it a high satiety food so it reduces hunger for longer periods of time.

Health benefits of eating cottage cheese: Its low in carbohydrates.

Most cottage cheese is low in carbohydrates with carb contents ranging from three grams to six grams. The low fat versions are often higher in carbs since they have added starches.

Health benefits of eating cottage cheese: Its high in bone-building calcium

Calcium is important not only for building strong bones, but also for maintaining normal blood pressure. With around seventy grams per serving, cottage cheese can go a long ways towards meeting the daily calcium quota.

Dont forget about the versatility of cottage cheese. It can be used as a healthy, low fat substitute for other higher fat soft cheeses. When pureed in a blender, it can be a base for a heart healthy, but tasty dip. Simply sprinkle in some herbs and spices to add flavor. It makes a refreshing warm weather side dish or dessert when served with fruit. Use it instead of sour cream on baked potatoes or as a substitute for ricotta cheese in lasagna. Mix it with yogurt or puree it into a smoothie. It also tastes great as a side dish with just a little added seasoning. Youll find lots of other exciting ways to use this healthy, versatile food. Enjoy the health benefits of eating cottage cheese!