Is feta better than other cheeses?
Written by
Tran Quang
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Feta cheese provides some remarkable benefits that many other cheeses do not offer. In my nutrition practice, I have seen clients find tremendous benefits from just switching to feta. Feta cheese provides a nutritional profile that lends itself to health benefits not typically found in other varieties. This Greek cheese has several health benefits that most common types do not.
Calorie Efficiency
- At 74 calories per ounce, feta beats cheddar (114) and parmesan (111). This significant difference supports weight goals without sacrificing satisfaction. The protein-fat balance keeps you full longer than lower-fat options.
Gut-Friendly Probiotics
- Live cultures survive brining unlike pasteurized cheeses. These active probiotics improve digestion and fight inflammation. Feta typically contains 10 million CFUs per gram surpassing most aged cheeses.
Digestive Tolerance
- With under 0.5% lactose, feta outperforms fresh cheeses. Many sensitive individuals handle it well when others cause discomfort. The brining process naturally breaks down milk sugars effectively.
The mineral density of feta provides another benefit. The cheese has a 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus - this is superior for enhancing bone absorption compared to other cheeses. You are also getting a considerable source of selenium and zinc, which are necessary for maintaining antioxidant defenses in various tissues throughout the body.
Anti-inflammatory fatty acids like CLA occur naturally in sheep milk. This may have implications for the development of fat cells. Goat cheese provides MCTs but lacks the probiotic benefits. Each of these products has its merits, but feta cheese has an unusual combination of some of the factors mentioned.
Feta is a useful choice for balanced nutrition without extremes. It avoids the high calories of aged cheeses and the high lactose content of fresh varieties. The real Greek feta is on the spot. It has the whole outfit, making it better suited for enjoying generous quantities freely.
Read the full article: 10 Incredible Benefits of Feta Cheese
