Feta Cheese: Everything You Need To Know
Feta cheese is a dairy product from the Greek culture that, little by little, has spread to the rest of the countries thanks to its versatility and properties. It is a food that is marketed in brine, which increases its shelf life.
It should be noted that it is made from sheep’s milk, although it is also possible to purchase varieties whose main ingredient is mare’s milk. It is characterized by having an acid taste and a high percentage of fat with respect to the total calories. In addition, it is usually sold in wooden boxes or tin or aluminum containers that retain their organoleptic qualities.
Nutritional properties of feta cheese
Like any dairy product, feta cheese stands out, in the first instance, for its protein content, according to current scientific literature. These are nutrients of high biological value, which have all the essential amino acids and are highly digestible.
Protein intake becomes essential to prevent pathologies associated with aging and with the degeneration of muscle tissue. A review published in the journal Nutrients ensures that protein consumption is able to delay and prevent the destruction of lean tissue and the loss of its functionality.
As if this were not enough, feta cheese contains a high proportion of saturated fatty acids in its composition. Until recently, this would be taken as bad news. However, science has changed its position on this.
Saturated lipids are no longer considered harmful. At present, the benefits of its consumption are recognized, since there is sufficient evidence to affirm that the contribution of these fatty acids reduces cardiovascular risk, as well as the incidence of other complex diseases.
Micronutrients in feta cheese
The contribution of macronutrients of feta cheese is important and representative, but it also contains minerals and vitamins that are beneficial for health. An example is calcium.
The intake of dairy products has been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, based on their calcium content. Feta cheese, therefore, was not going to be an exception in terms of this mineral.
In addition, it contains a significant dose of vitamin D in its composition. This nutrient is key for maintaining a correct state of health, as well as for the prevention of complex, cardiovascular and metabolic pathologies.
Even some types of cancer have a better prognosis when the levels of vitamin D in the body are adequate. Its influence on the oncological pathology of the skin is well known.
Paradoxically, this vitamin is one of the most deficient nutrients in the general population. To guarantee your daily intake, it is advisable to consume dairy products (such as feta cheese), oily fish and eggs. In addition, frequent exposure to sunlight is recommended to stimulate its endogenous synthesis.
Recipes with feta cheese
We are going to present you two simple recipes with feta cheese so that you can start introducing this food into your dietary routine.
Baked
Feta cheese can be prepared in the oven, similar to provolone. With the simple combination of spices, such as oregano, thyme and pepper, an olive oil dressing and we have the dish assembled.
The only thing left is to put it in the oven for 8 minutes at a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius, with heat from above and below. When removing the product, it is recommended to season it again with a splash of olive oil.
Salad
Salads are an excuse for the introduction of feta cheese as an ingredient. You just have to cut the dairy into small squares and add it to your favorite vegetable combination.
From here, dress with olive oil and vinegar for a rich and nutritious salad. If you still want to emphasize the protein content of it more, consider adding canned tuna to the natural.
Feta cheese and its benefits
As you have seen, feta cheese is a healthy dairy product when consumed regularly. Its protein, fat and micronutrient content make it a food capable of meeting daily nutritional requirements and preventing the onset of diseases.
In addition, it can be prepared in different ways. You can make it the star of the plate. It is also possible to use it as an accompaniment to offer an acid touch to dishes that contrast with other flavors present in culinary preparation.
Either way, don’t hesitate to include it in your diet routines from now on. You will not regret.
