Goat cheese: The deliciously smart choice for better health
Some people love its taste, while others find it difficult to get used to. It most often appears in combination with arugula and roasted beets. It also pairs well with fruits like pears or figs. Much like regular cottage cheese, goat cheese is a valuable source of protein. However, for certain individuals, it might be a decidedly better choice.
Goat milk can be processed into all the products made from cow's milk, such as yogurts, spreadable cheeses, hard cheeses, or molded cheeses. They usually entice with their aesthetic white colour and delicate, smooth texture. The taste is slightly more intense than cow's milk products—some describe it as more tangy, while others find it less sweet.
How does goat cheese differ from regular cottage cheese?
The most noticeable effect on the body after switching to a larger amount of goat cheese in the diet is related to its lower lactose content. Especially for adults who often have trouble digesting this sugar, opting for goat cheese can result in better well-being.
People dealing with other digestive system issues will also positively feel the change in their diet. The fats in goat cheese are easier to absorb due to a different molecular structure. They also contain less A1 casein, which can be difficult for some people to digest.
Goat cheese is milder, easier to digest, and more safe for allergy sufferers. Nutritionists recommend it to breastfeeding women and young children, for example, in cases of lactose intolerance or atopic dermatitis. It is also a better choice for people with type 2 diabetes due to its lower glycemic index.
The most important nutritional values of goat cheese
Goat milk, yogurts, cottage cheese, and cheeses are invaluable sources of high-quality, easily digestible protein, which is the most important building block in the body. They also contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which help control a healthy body weight. While they are high in calories and should not be consumed in excess, they effectively satisfy appetite, providing a feeling of fullness for a long time.
Regular consumption of goat cheeses can significantly contribute to improving heart and brain function. Calcium not only maintains healthy teeth and bones but also supports the proper functioning of muscles and nerves. Its actions are supported by phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Vitamin A positively affects vision and skin, while also significantly boosting the body's immunity. For brain function and the entire nervous system, the high content of B vitamins, including riboflavin and niacin, plays a crucial role.
How to use goat cheese in the kitchen?
Due to the characteristic taste and aroma of goat cheese, many people recommend using it in savory dishes, salads, and snacks. Hard and aged cheeses pair well with arugula, young spinach leaves, roasted beets, olives, capers, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.
The sharp taste is perfectly balanced by sweet additions like grilled pear or fried fig. A sweet vinaigrette sauce with honey is suitable for salads with goat cheese. You can also mix yogurt with honey and blueberries. Another great idea is to prepare a pizza with a cream sauce (pizza bianca) and aged goat cheese.
