Science Reveals the Ultimate Heart-Healthy Cheese Type That Beats All Others
Even though cheese is an indispensable part of our breakfasts, not all types have the same effect when it comes to heart health. Cardiologist Prof. Dr. Muhammed Keskin has examined the frequently consumed varieties of cheese, and meticulously listed those that are heart-friendly and those that should be avoided.
According to Dr. Keskin, the most critical factors in choosing cheese are its fat content, sodium (salt) level, and whether it has undergone industrial processing.
While many cheeses flunk due to their high fat and salt content, the one that often gets overlooked at breakfasts surprisingly aced the test.
The only cheese that scored a perfect 10 out of 10 on the cardiologist's list was cottage cheese. Dr. Keskin, highlighting the miraculous benefits of cottage cheese for athletes and heart patients, stated, 'In terms of bioavailability, cottage cheese is equivalent to protein powder. It has a very high protein content and an extremely low fat content. It is the safest, healthiest, and most economical choice for daily consumption.'
Mozzarella (9 out of 10)
Mozzarella, with its low sodium content and healthy fat profile, ranks high among heart-friendly cheeses. This protein-rich cheese has managed to score high marks from cardiologists.
Cottage Cheese (8.5 / 10)
Sharing similar characteristics with cream cheese in terms of production standards and content quality, cottage cheese is generally considered a healthy and safe alternative for consumption.
Cream Cheese (8 / 10)
Particularly suitable for heart patients, cream cheese, due to its low fat content and being an economical alternative, has secured its place among the high-scoring cheeses.
Parmesan Cheese (7.5 / 10)
Despite its rather high fat and salt content, Parmesan cheese managed to secure a high spot on the list. This is mainly due to the fact that it's typically not consumed in large chunks, but rather, it's grated in small amounts over foods like pizza, pasta, or salads. This smaller consumption quantity reduces the load on the heart.
Feta Cheese (7 / 10)
The classic feta cheese, which is a best-seller in supermarkets, scored 7 points due to its lower fat content compared to Ezine cheese. The cardiologist emphasized that the risk can be further reduced if the low-salt varieties are chosen.
Kashar Cheese (7 / 10)
Although its salt content is relatively low, Kashar cheese, with its high fat content, is among the cheeses that need to be consumed in moderation.
Aged Kashar (6.5 / 10)
Aged Kashar, a fermented food that is particularly beneficial for gut health and microbiota, unfortunately lost points in terms of heart health due to its high fat and salt content. It is recommended to be consumed in a balanced manner.
Ezine Cheese (6 / 10)
While the long maturation process and fermented nature of Ezine cheese make it a friend to the gut, the excessive fat and salt content it contains does not escape the attention of a cardiologist. Caution is advised when consuming it for heart health.
Tulum Cheese (7 / 10)
Particularly varieties like Erzincan tulum are excellent in terms of flavor, according to Dr. Keskin, who also mentioned that this cheese is a live (fermented) food containing probiotics. However, due to its high fat content, its score remained at 7. Its salt content, on the other hand, is relatively lower compared to some other cheeses.
Roquefort Cheese (5.5 / 10)
Although it's a live cheese with a moldy structure and high probiotic content, it is considered a risky food for heart health due to its excessively high salt and fat content.
Cheddar Cheese (4 / 10)
Dr. Keskin pointed out that while natural cheddar isn't necessarily bad, a large portion of the products sold as 'Cheddar' in the market are actually 'industrial cheese with cheddar sauce'. Due to its poor production conditions and high fat content, this cheese received a low score.
Triangle Cheese (3 / 10)
Triangle cheese, an entirely industrial product, is produced by melting aged cheeses with the help of emulsifying salts. The cardiologist emphasized that it is crucial to steer clear of this cream cheese derivative, which has become synonymous with bagels.
Processed Cheese (2 / 10) – The Most Dangerous One
The product that received the lowest score of the day and poses the greatest threat to heart health is processed cheese. Dr. Keskin warned, 'It's even worse than cream cheese. It's often mistaken for traditional cheese in supermarkets because the packaging is similar. If it says 'processed cheese' on it, it contains a high amount of emulsifying melting salts. You should absolutely avoid consuming it.'
Prof. Dr. Muhammed Keskin reminded us that while fermented cheeses (such as aged cheddar, tulum, and Ezine) are beneficial for the intestines, they pose a serious risk due to their high saturated fat and salt content when it comes to heart health. To protect the heart, it is necessary to completely avoid industrial melting cheeses (such as processed and triangle cheese), and focus on consuming low-fat/low-salt cheeses like cottage cheese and mozzarella in our daily diet.
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