Is Parmesan Cheese Really Good for You? Let's Find Out!

Many of us love to eat cheese, right? But when we think of cheese, we often think of it as a dish that is high in fat and salt, and should only be eaten on special occasions. While there is some truth to that story, it doesn't apply to all types of cheese. Especially the Parmesan Cheese we're talking about today is not like that. This strong, long-lasting cheese is packed with nutritional value and is a must-have in your kitchen. So let's take a look at everything about this "king of cheeses".

What is this Parmesan cheese?

Simply put, Parmesan is a very strong, dry cheese. Compared to other cheeses like mozzarella, it has a much lower water content.

Its history dates back to medieval Italy. It was the priests of that time who discovered a way to make a type of cheese that could be kept for a long time. By the 15th century, they were starting to make these in the form of large wheels weighing about 18 kilos.

Parmesan cheese is called the "king of cheeses." And for good reason. At the 2021 World Cheese Awards , it beat out 4,000 other cheeses to become the most awarded cheese in the world. Scientists have discovered that 31 compounds, including amino acids, fatty acids , and minerals, combine to create its unique flavor. It's not exactly sweet, sour, or salty. Instead, it has a savory flavor called umami .

How is this cheese made and what is the difference between it and Parmigiano-Reggiano?

From Cheddar to Gouda, the basic ingredients used to make all types of cheese are the same: milk, salt, bacteria, and rennet, a special enzyme that starts the cheese-making process.

First, the milk is curdled. The curds that form are broken and the liquid part (whey) is removed. Then, these curds are strained, pressed into large wheels, and immersed in a salt water solution. After that, these wheels are taken to a special room and left to mature for several years.

The difference between Parmigiano-Reggiano and Parmesan

You might think that anything labeled "Parmesan" is the same as the real Parmigiano-Reggiano made in Italy. But that's not the case. Countries like the United States don't have strict rules about making cheeses that are sold under the "Parmesan" label.

Genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano is a special type of cheese made from fresh cow's milk in the Parma/Reggio region of Italy, using only three ingredients: salt and rennet, and under a very strictly controlled process.

How is the nutritional value of Parmesan cheese?

Although different dairy producers make Parmesan, the nutritional value is largely the same because the process is well controlled. Here is what 100 grams of Parmesan contains.

Although it is a dairy product, Parmesan cheese is naturally lactose-free . This makes it a good alternative for those who experience stomach upset after drinking milk. In addition, it contains several vitamins and minerals:

• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Vitamin A

Health benefits of Parmesan cheese

Let's now look at some of the main benefits of eating Parmesan cheese for our body.

1. Strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis

In Europe, Parmesan cheese is classified as a food with medicinal properties. The reason for this is the high amount of calcium it contains. Calcium is essential for keeping our bones healthy. This helps a lot in preventing osteoporosis , a disease in which bones become weak and easily broken.

2. Helps prevent protein deficiency

If you're a vegetarian, you probably know how challenging it can be to get the right amount of protein. Dairy products, especially cheese, are a great source of protein. Experts recommend adding about 100 grams of protein-rich foods like cheese to your daily diet for a healthy vegetarian diet.

3. Helps maintain healthy blood pressure

Calcium is an essential nutrient that not only strengthens bones but also helps maintain healthy blood pressure. Calcium helps blood vessels contract and dilate when needed. An ounce (about 28 grams) of Parmesan cheese contains about 335 milligrams of calcium. That's about 26% of the daily calcium requirement for an adult!

Are there any risks?

Parmesan cheese is generally not a big deal. It is a lactose-free cheese. And because of its firmness, if there is a moldy piece, you can cut it off and eat the rest safely. However, as with all cheeses, there is a substance in Parmesan that can cause allergies in some people.

Casein allergy

This is also called a milk allergy. This means that you are allergic to a protein called casein, which is found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms can appear within minutes to hours of eating something like this.

• Hives
• Wheezing
• Itching and tingling sensation in the mouth
• Swelling of the mouth and lips
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting

In extreme cases, a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can occur, which can be life-threatening. This can lead to loss of consciousness or even death. If such severe symptoms occur, you should immediately go to a hospital emergency room (ETU). Although this allergy is most common in young children, many people outgrow the condition as they get older.

Weight gain

Although Parmesan cheese has many health benefits, it is high in calories. Weight gain increases the risk of serious diseases like heart disease and stroke. Therefore, like any nutritious food, it is best to eat Parmesan cheese in moderation .

How to use Parmesan cheese

Besides sprinkling it over pasta, here are some other easy ways to enjoy this "king of cheeses":

• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese slices on top of a salad.
• Eat with fresh pear or apple slices.
• Grate and sprinkle over hot popcorn.
• When frying chicken or fish, add it to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Add boiled vegetables to an egg omelet, or top it with avocado toast.
• Make a delicious pesto sauce by combining basil leaves, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor.
• Spread it on top of your favorite pizza.
• Add Parmesan cheese rind to soup when cooking. It adds a creamy texture and a mild salty flavor to the soup.