Nutritive and Dietetic Value

Average Composition of Hard Cheese

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	25.4%
Fats	34.9%
Carbohydrates	0%
Minerals	Calcium
Vitamins	A, B group, D
Water	36.6%

Nutritive Value of Cheese (What's in it?)

• High-Quality Protein: Cheese has HBV (High Biological Value) protein, which is needed for growth and repair of bodily cells.
• High in Saturated Fat: Cheese, especially hard cheese, is rich in saturated fat. This provides energy, but should be eaten in moderation.
• No Carbohydrates: Most cheeses don't contain carbohydrates. They are often eaten with foods rich in carbohydrates, e.g. bread or crackers.
• Excellent Source of Calcium: Cheese is rich in calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
• Vitamins: Cheese provides vitamin A (for vision and skin health), B group vitamins (for energy and brain function), and vitamin D (for calcium absorption).
• Water Content: Cheese contains water, but the amount depends on the type. Hard cheeses have less water and more fat, while softer cheeses have higher water content.

Dietetic Value of Cheese (Why it's Good for You)

• Great for Vegetarians: Cheese's high-quality protein makes it a valuable source of high biological value protein in vegetarian diets.
• Affordable Protein: Cheese is a relatively inexpensive protein source.
• Low-Fat Choices for Diets:
  • Full-fat cheese should be limited for those on low-cholesterol diets.
  • Low-fat cheese (like cottage cheese) is a better choice for people who want to reduce fat intake.
• Important for Bone Health: Cheese's high calcium content supports bone strength and is especially important for children, teenagers, and pregnant women.