Looking for a delicious and nutritious way to add some flavour to your meal? Look no further than 1/4 cup (28 g) of crumbled goat cheese! Not only is it packed with flavour, but it also has a host of health benefits to offer. At just 80 calories per serving, goat cheese is a great option for people who want to add a little something extra to their meal without adding too many calories.
Goat cheese is a rich source of calcium and protein, making it an excellent choice for people looking to boost their bone health and build muscle mass. It is also low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, which can help with weight management and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, goat cheese is a good source of vitamin A, which plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy eyesight, skin, and immune function.
In this article, we'll explore some of the key health benefits of goat cheese and offer some tips for using it in your cooking.
Rich in Calcium and Protein
One of the biggest benefits of goat cheese is its high calcium content. With 157 mg of calcium per serving, it provides almost 16% of the recommended daily intake for adults. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and also plays a role in muscle function and nerve transmission. In addition to calcium, goat cheese is also a great source of protein. With 5 grams of protein per serving, it can help you meet your daily protein needs and support healthy muscle growth and repair. Protein also helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can aid in weight loss and maintenance.
Low in Carbohydrates
With just 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving, goat cheese is an excellent option for people who are following a low-carbohydrate diet. It can help to keep blood sugar levels stable and prevent energy crashes, while still providing plenty of flavour and nutrition.
Source of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy eyesight, skin, and immune function. Goat cheese is a natural source of vitamin A, providing about 6% of the recommended daily intake per serving. Adding goat cheese to your diet can help to support your overall health and well-being.
Good for Bone Health
As mentioned earlier, goat cheese is a rich source of calcium, a key mineral that is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. In addition to calcium, goat cheese also contains other bone-building nutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D. Adding goat cheese to your diet can help to prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
Helps in Weight Management
Despite its rich flavour, goat cheese is actually quite low in calories compared to other types of cheese. With just 80 calories per serving, it can add a lot of flavour to your meal without adding too many extra calories. Additionally, goat cheese is high in protein and healthy fats, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time. This can help to reduce cravings and prevent overeating, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet.
Can Boost Immune System
Goat cheese is a good source of several important vitamins and minerals that can help to support immune function, including vitamin A, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients work together to strengthen the immune system and protect against infection and illness. Additionally, goat cheese contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help to improve digestive health and boost immunity.
Versatile Ingredient for Cooking
Goat cheese can be used in many different types of dishes, from salads and pizzas to omelettes and pasta dishes. Its creamy texture and tangy flavour add depth to any recipe, making it an excellent ingredient for both savoury and sweet dishes. Try crumbling some goat cheese over your next salad or pizza, or mix it into your favourite pasta sauce or omelette.
Pair Well with Fruits and Nuts
The creamy, tangy flavour of goat cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of fruits and the crunch of nuts. Try adding some crumbled goat cheese to your next fruit salad, or mix it with some chopped nuts for a tasty and nutritious snack. Some of the best fruits to pair with goat cheese include berries, figs, grapes, and pears. For nuts, try almonds, walnuts, or pistachios.
Provides Creamy Texture to Dishes
Because of its soft and creamy texture, goat cheese is an excellent ingredient for adding richness and depth to your dishes. It works well in both savoury and sweet recipes, and can be used in everything from dips and spreads to sauces and desserts. Try mixing some crumbled goat cheese into your next batch of mashed potatoes, or use it to make a creamy salad dressing.
Suitable for People with Lactose Intolerance
Goat cheese is often easier for people with lactose intolerance to digest than other types of cheese. This is because it contains less lactose than cow's milk cheese. If you're lactose intolerant, try adding some goat cheese to your diet and see how your body responds. You may find that you're able to enjoy the flavour and nutrition of cheese without the uncomfortable side effects.
Adding goat cheese to your diet can help to boost your overall health and wellbeing, thanks to its rich nutrient profile and versatile flavour. Whether you're looking to add some flavour to your meals or improve your bone health, goat cheese is an excellent choice. So next time you're at the grocery store, be sure to pick up a container of this delicious and nutritious cheese!
Frequently Asked Questions about Goat Cheese Crumbles
1. How is goat cheese different from cow's milk cheese?
Goat cheese has a tangier and sharper flavor than cow's milk cheese. It also tends to be lower in fat and calories than many cow's milk cheeses.
2. What are some recipes that use goat cheese crumbles?
Goat cheese crumbles can be used in a variety of recipes, such as salads, pasta dishes, and pizza. They also make a tasty addition to omelettes and frittatas.
3. How long does goat cheese last?
If stored properly in the refrigerator, goat cheese can last for up to two weeks. It is best to store it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
4. Is goat cheese a good source of protein?
Goat cheese is not a significant source of protein, and only contains about 5 grams of protein per 1/4 cup serving.
5. Can people with lactose intolerance eat goat cheese?
Goat cheese is often tolerated well by people with lactose intolerance, as it contains less lactose than cow's milk cheese. However, it is always best to check with a healthcare provider first.