Why goat cheese is a healthier choice for lactose-sensitive diets
Some people love its taste, while others find it difficult to get accustomed to. It often appears in combination with rocket 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, but 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 yoghurts, spreadable cheeses, hard cheeses, or moulded cheeses. These products usually entice with their aesthetic white colour and delicate, smooth texture. Their taste is slightly more intense than cow's milk products—some describe it as tangy, while others perceive less sweetness.
How does goat cheese differ from regular cottage cheese?
The most noticeable effect on the body after incorporating more goat cheese into the diet is its lower lactose content. Especially for adults, who often struggle to digest this sugar, choosing goat cheese can improve well-being.
Individuals dealing with other digestive system issues may also notice positive changes. The fats in goat cheese are easier to absorb due to a different molecular structure. They also contain less A1 casein, which can be hard for some people to digest.
Goat cheese is milder, easier to digest, and more suitable for allergy sufferers. Nutritionists recommend it to breastfeeding women and young children, particularly in cases of lactose intolerance or atopic dermatitis. It is also a better choice for people with type 2 diabetes due to its lower glycaemic index.
The most important nutritional values of goat cheese
Goat milk, yoghurts, cottage cheese, and cheeses are an invaluable source of high-quality, easily digestible protein, which is a crucial building block in the body. They also contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which help maintain a healthy body weight. They are calorie-dense, so should not be consumed in excess, but effectively satisfy appetite, providing a feeling of fullness for a prolonged period.
Regular consumption of goat cheese can significantly contribute to improving heart and brain function. Calcium is essential not only for maintaining healthy teeth and bones but also for supporting the proper functioning of muscles and nerves. Its actions are supported by phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Vitamin A has a positive effect on vision and skin while significantly boosting the body's immunity. The high content of B vitamins, including riboflavin and niacin, plays a crucial role in brain function and the entire nervous system.
How to use goat cheese in the kitchen?
Due to the characteristic taste and aroma of goat cheese, many recommend using it in savoury dishes, salads, and snacks. Hard and aged cheeses pair well with rocket, young spinach leaves, roasted beets, olives, capers, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.
The sharp taste is beautifully balanced by sweet additions like grilled pear or fried fig. A sweet vinaigrette sauce with honey is suitable for salads with goat cheese. Alternatively, you can mix yoghurt with honey and blueberries. Another good idea is to prepare a pizza with a cream sauce (pizza bianca) and aged goat cheese.
