The Health Benefits of Mozzarella and Provolone Cheeses
Mitch lassa
Cheese is a dietary and cultural staple of Wisconsin. The production of cheese has been perfected and numerous varieties exist today. Specifically, mozzarella and provolone were chosen for this project. This article aims to explore the range of health benefits that can be gained from these two types of cheeses.
Like most cheeses, the two largest benefits of mozzarella and provolone are their high protein and calcium contents. Protein is necessary for satisfying hunger and supporting muscle growth and function. The protein in cheese can also slow down carbohydrate absorption when eaten with a meal, therefore helping to balance blood-sugar levels. One ounce of provolone cheese contains 7.2g of protein, which accounts for 14 percent of the recommended daily intake value (DV). Calcium supports healthy bone growth and tooth enamel. An ounce of mozzarella cheese contains 183 milligrams of calcium, which is over 18 percent of the DV for calcium. A serving of provolone cheese can supply 214 milligrams of calcium—21 percent of the DV.
Additionally, mozzarella and provolone cheeses are a great source of key vitamins and minerals. One ounce of mozzarella contains niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, biotin, zinc, and vitamins B6, A, D, and E. Collectively, these are important in maintaining healthy skin, vision, bone growth and the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin A is useful for eye health, regulating bone growth, and cell division and differentiation. Vitamin A assists in protecting the immune, intestinal, respiratory, and urinary systems as well. In provolone cheese, 5 percent DV for vitamin A is present. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient that allows the body to be able to use calcium, and comprises 13 percent DV in mozzarella cheese. Provolone cheese contains 14 percent DV of phosphorus. Zinc aids in tissue growth and repair, preventing macular degeneration, protecting skin, and keeping nails strong. Both zinc and biotin are important for hair health as well.
There are two main aspects of mozzarella and provolone cheese that should be considered in regards to health. Like many other kinds of cheese, these two contain high amounts of saturated fats and sodium. Some mozzarella can be made using whole milk and has at least a 45 percent fat content. Other types can contain a mixture of whole milk and skim milk. Skim milk consists of the same nutrients as whole milk but without any of the fat. Saturated fats, in excess, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, arthritis, and memory loss. It can also impede weight-loss efforts. In one ounce of provolone cheese, 4.84g of the 7.55 total grams of fat are from saturated fat. Sodium content is another thing to consider. High-sodium diets can increase people’s risk for high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends a daily intake of 1,500 milligrams or less of sodium. One ounce of provolone cheese contains 248 milligrams of sodium. Cheese lovers do not need to fret, however, as there are numerous reduced-fat and low-sodium options for cheese out there.
Like most cheeses, the two largest benefits of mozzarella and provolone are their high protein and calcium contents. Protein is necessary for satisfying hunger and supporting muscle growth and function. The protein in cheese can also slow down carbohydrate absorption when eaten with a meal, therefore helping to balance blood-sugar levels. One ounce of provolone cheese contains 7.2g of protein, which accounts for 14 percent of the recommended daily intake value (DV). Calcium supports healthy bone growth and tooth enamel. An ounce of mozzarella cheese contains 183 milligrams of calcium, which is over 18 percent of the DV for calcium. A serving of provolone cheese can supply 214 milligrams of calcium—21 percent of the DV.
Additionally, mozzarella and provolone cheeses are a great source of key vitamins and minerals. One ounce of mozzarella contains niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, biotin, zinc, and vitamins B6, A, D, and E. Collectively, these are important in maintaining healthy skin, vision, bone growth and the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin A is useful for eye health, regulating bone growth, and cell division and differentiation. Vitamin A assists in protecting the immune, intestinal, respiratory, and urinary systems as well. In provolone cheese, 5 percent DV for vitamin A is present. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient that allows the body to be able to use calcium, and comprises 13 percent DV in mozzarella cheese. Provolone cheese contains 14 percent DV of phosphorus. Zinc aids in tissue growth and repair, preventing macular degeneration, protecting skin, and keeping nails strong. Both zinc and biotin are important for hair health as well.
There are two main aspects of mozzarella and provolone cheese that should be considered in regards to health. Like many other kinds of cheese, these two contain high amounts of saturated fats and sodium. Some mozzarella can be made using whole milk and has at least a 45 percent fat content. Other types can contain a mixture of whole milk and skim milk. Skim milk consists of the same nutrients as whole milk but without any of the fat. Saturated fats, in excess, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, arthritis, and memory loss. It can also impede weight-loss efforts. In one ounce of provolone cheese, 4.84g of the 7.55 total grams of fat are from saturated fat. Sodium content is another thing to consider. High-sodium diets can increase people’s risk for high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends a daily intake of 1,500 milligrams or less of sodium. One ounce of provolone cheese contains 248 milligrams of sodium. Cheese lovers do not need to fret, however, as there are numerous reduced-fat and low-sodium options for cheese out there.
Linked Sources
http://www.livestrong.com/article/268074-nutrition-facts-on-mozzarella-cheese/
http://www.joybauer.com/food-articles/cheese.aspx
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutrients-provolone-cheese-1639.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/125533-provolone-cheese-nutrition-information/
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00895783/document
http://www.livestrong.com/article/268074-nutrition-facts-on-mozzarella-cheese/
http://www.joybauer.com/food-articles/cheese.aspx
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutrients-provolone-cheese-1639.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/125533-provolone-cheese-nutrition-information/
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00895783/document