5 benefits of Minas cheese for your health

There’s nothing better than eating a wholemeal bun with a Minas cheese, right? If it’s warm, even better! But did you know that this type of cheese has health benefits and still doesn’t make you fat?

“Minas cheese is rich in nutrients (protein and calcium) and has low calories. It has calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D and B, as well as minerals such as phosphorus”, explains Lorença Dalcanale, nutritionist. Check out more benefits of this typical Brazilian delight:

1 – Your great ally in the diet

Adding it to your diet can be the right way to lose weight with health without having to give up delicious food. “Consumption of lighter versions such as ricotta and cottage (they use the version of skimmed milk in their manufacture) are useful for diet, as they help to lose weight”, he says.

2 – Excellent post-workout

A source of calcium, Minas cheese fights osteoporosis and is indicated to be consumed after training at the gym. “They are excellent options for muscle recovery after physical activity. There are even versions enriched with probiotics that help balance the intestinal flora”, says the nutritionist.

3 – Source of vitamins

It has vitamins A, powerful antioxidant, vitamin D, which increases immunity and vitamin B, which helps maintain the health of the skin, eyes and even hair.

4 – Combats hypertension and diabetes

A research carried out by the Faculty of Public Health of the University of São Paulo revealed that consuming white cheese routinely can reduce cases of hypertension and diabetes. “According to the food pyramid, we should consume 3 to 5 servings of milk a day”, suggests Lorença.

5 – It has a lower concentration of salt

If you compare white cheese to fattier versions, such as cheddar and provolone, it has less sodium, which also helps prevent water retention. “Compared to the yellow versions, it has less salt, due to the manufacturing process. But it is worth remembering that it is necessary to compare food labels always before buying”, indicates the nutritionist.

Does Minas cheese have contraindications?

People who have some restriction in the consumption of proteins, such as kidney patients, should pay attention to consumption. Those who have lactose intolerance should restrict the consumption of cheese or combine this meal with the consumption of a digestive enzyme, but this should only be done with the guidance of a gastroenterologist.

Ideas to include Minas cheese in your menu

There is no shortage of salad options for those on a diet. How about increasing them even more? You can cut small cubes of white cheese and throw it on a lettuce salad, arugula or even on a tomato salad. For the meeting with friends, cubes of white cheese in olive oil and a pinch of oregano turn into a delicious snack!

How to make fresh Minas cheese

If you want to make your own cheese, watch the video below, in which you can see the instructions given by Embrapa Clima Temperado researcher, Ana Cristina Krolow, teaching how to use milk to make Minas cheese. The ingredients needed are as follows:

• 5 liters of milk;
• 75g of low-fat natural yogurt;
• 2ml of 50% calcium chloride solution;
• 4.5 ml of rennet diluted in water.

See the step-by-step how to do it in the video below:

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.