Cheddar, Parmesan, feta, camembert, ricotta... The types of cheeses that we can find in the supermarket are innumerable.

The flavor, texture, and aroma of each one of them result from the confluence of factors as diverse as the type of milk used, its origin, or the way it is made. An amalgam of elements gives rise to different types of cheese: fresh, cured, spicy, creamy, salty, or tender.

• Whether we are devotees of cured sheep's cheese or unconditional fans of goat cheese curls, this dairy product is not only a delicious starter or a sublime dessert but also a food with valuable nutritional qualities.

We have selected those cheeses that could be considered healthier due to their low fat and sodium content.

REASONS TO EAT CHEESE

The consumption of cheese has numerous health benefits. However, we must not lose sight of its fat and sodium content, which advises moderate consumption, especially in people with hypertension or who must follow sodium-restricted diets.

• Alternatives for these people may be unsalted fresh cheese or cottage cheese.

And if you're a student, take a lifehack: when, for example, you need to write my essay and your brain is not thinking straight, try eating a piece of cheese, and you'll immediately feel a rush of energy. And if you also add dark chocolate, despite the strange taste, the amount of fat will incredibly boost your cognitive abilities.

On the other hand, these are some of its positive effects:

1. It is an excellent source of calcium, which helps strengthen our bones and teeth and helps us fight against osteoporosis.
2. It provides proteins of high biological value that help our body to function properly.
3. It is a food rich in folic acid, which makes it a good ally for pregnant women or those seeking to become pregnant.
4. It is a great supplier of vitamin B, which is important for maintaining healthy skin.
5. Thanks to the fermentation of milk, cheese is a great probiotic, being also a great ally for the defenses, as it strengthens the immune system.

Cottage cheese

It is ideal for low-calorie diets, as it is low in fat. It is also low in salt, making it ideal for maintaining our cardiovascular health. Of course, it contains protein and vitamin D, as do all cheeses.

• You may eat it on its own, in salads, on toast, or as an accompaniment to a pasta dish.

Aged Cheddar

Because aged cheeses, such as aged cheddar, contain relatively low lactose levels, many lactose-intolerant people may enjoy it (not without consulting a professional).

• Cheddar cheese is a cheese that, as it matures, its flavor becomes sharper.

Feta

This Greek cheese is made from goat's and sheep's milk. It is low in calories and fat. Not to mention that it is also a good source of vitamin B, calcium, and phosphorus.

• One of the most common ways to bring it to the table is in salads. You can add a few cubes to a salad of tomatoes and cucumber, along with a drizzle of virgin olive oil.

Parmesan

Undoubtedly one of the best-known cheeses, without which a pasta dish is inconceivable. However, in addition to its distinct flavor and perfume, this delectable milk product aids digestion and intestinal health.

• It can also be served as an appetizer or dessert sliced into cubes with sausage or fruit.

Cottage

Like all other cheeses, it is a great source of protein, and like most fresh cheeses, cottage cheese is low in sodium, making it perfect for diets for people prone to hypertension.

• A couple of slices of whole-grain bread topped with cottage cheese and a fruit salad can be a perfect breakfast to break out of the routine latte.

Pecorino Romano

This hard Italian cheese is made from sheep's milk, and of the four kinds of pecorino, it contains the least fat (36%).

• It is perfect for grating because of its rough and dry character. It also has a strong odor and a particularly salty flavor.

Panela

It is one of the healthiest cheeses in existence. Since it is not subjected to any ripening process, it retains a large amount of water and therefore contains a reduced amount of fat (less than 10% of its weight).

• It is suitable for special diets such as those recommended for people with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Mozzarella

It is difficult to choose just one quality of this cheese since we have so many to choose from. Among other things, mozzarella cheese is very easy to digest, low in lactose and cholesterol, a great source of quality protein, and low in fat.

• A tomato and mozzarella salad is a great way to counteract the negative action of free radicals, thanks to the cheese's vitamin E content and the tomato's vitamin C content.

If you used to eat one kind of cheese, now you can try new varieties, and who knows which one will surprise you!