Should you consume cheese everyday? Yes, but there’s a catch

We’ve all heard about cheese being bad for health. Many even consider it to be harmful due to high amounts of saturated fat as well as sodium. As such, it is generally considered safe to only consume cheese once in a while

However, digital creator Dr Eric Berg, a prominent advocate for nutritional wellness, stands firm in his assertion that daily cheese consumption holds significant benefits, especially for individuals seeking a protein-rich, gut-friendly addition to their daily fare.

“I’d like to talk about why I consume cheese every single day and why you should too,” Dr Berg asserts in his Instagram reel, diving headfirst into the rationale behind his dietary recommendation. Here’s the catch though, he isn’t talking about processed cheese, but is advocating the consumption of goat and sheep cheese.

 

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He says, “I think the best cheese would be goat’s cheese and sheep cheese… and I’m going to focus more on that in this talk. Sheep cheese, goat cheese is A2 casein – that’s the protein, and it’s not going to create as much issue on your digestive system. Some of the oldest people in the world consume sheep and goat cheese.

“You’re consuming a lot less lactose. Cow’s milk in general, you’re looking at about 3.8 to maybe 4% lactose. Mozzarella cheese or cottage cheese, we’re looking at between one and 4%, lactose. But when we look at goat’s cheese or sheep cheese, we’re looking at 0.5%.”

So, is Dr Berg right?

Shubha Ramesh L ,chief dietician and nutrionist at DHEE Superspecialty Hospital tells indianexpress.com, “Goat’s cheese and sheep cheese are excellent protein sources, comparable to other animal-derived proteins like those from cow’s milk or meat. These cheeses typically offer a complete protein profile, which includes all essential amino acids necessary for bodily functions.”

The protein in goat’s and sheep’s cheese is highly bioavailable, she says, meaning it’s easily absorbed and utilised by the body, making it a beneficial component of a daily diet for muscle repair and growth.

However, she stresses that people shouldn’t get carried away with social media claims. “While goat and sheep cheese can be beneficial when included as part of a balanced diet, it’s important to consume them in moderation considering their high-fat and sodium content.”

Probiotic benefits of consuming cheese

According to Shubha, many cheeses apart from goat and sheep cheese, particularly those that are fermented, contain live probiotics that can enhance gut flora health. These beneficial bacteria aid in digestion, improve gut health, and can boost the immune system.

Cheese, in any form, can be high in calories and saturated fats. (Source: Freepik)

She reminds, “Consuming a moderate amount of cheese daily can contribute to a balanced gut microbiome, provided the cheese is a source of probiotics. This can improve gastrointestinal health and potentially enhance nutrient absorption.”

Nutrients in goat and sheep cheese

“Both goat’s and sheep’s cheese are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and B2 (riboflavin). Sheep cheese typically contains higher amounts of these nutrients compared to goat’s cheese and even more so compared to cow’s cheese, making it exceptionally beneficial for bone health,” Shubha shares. 

These cheeses are also higher in medium-chain fatty acids than cow’s cheese, which may contribute to better cholesterol levels and improved heart health.

Drawbacks of daily cheese consumption

While cheese can be consumed daily in moderation, there are some drawbacks as well. Cheese, in any form, can be high in calories and saturated fats, which might contribute to weight gain and increased heart disease risk if consumed in large amounts.

Shubha also says that cheese is typically high in sodium, which can lead to elevated blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues if consumed excessively.

“Despite being low in lactose, daily consumption of goat and sheep cheese might still pose issues for those sensitive to dairy or prone to dairy-related acne or other inflammatory responses,” she cautions.

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