11 Benefits of Blue Cheese
Blue cheese has been around since ancient times, but its health benefits only recently started being discovered.
Blue cheese contains probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants that help fight cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases. It also helps with digestion and weight loss.
Blue cheese is delicious, nutritious, and healthy. In fact, blue cheese is one of the most powerful foods on earth. But did you know that it was once considered poisonous?!
I’m going to share with you the 11 amazing health benefits of eating blue cheese every day. This will change the way you look at blue cheese forever!
History of Blue Cheese
The first recorded use of blue cheese dates back to 7000 BC in China when people used a mold called Penicillium roqueforti to make cheese. The French were the first to add salt and rennet (an enzyme) to the cheese which made it easier to eat.
In the Middle Ages, blue cheese was used as an ingredient in medicines because doctors believed it could cure stomach ulcers.
In the 15th century, the English began making their own blue cheeses. They added different herbs and spices to the curds before they formed into blocks.
By 1750, the French had developed a recipe for Roquefort cheese by adding salt, pepper, and a mold called Penicillus roqueforti.
Today, there are over 100 types of blue cheese from all over the world. Some of them include: Gorgonzola, Stilton, Roquefort, Havarti, Brie, Camembert, and Bleu d’Auvergne.
Health Benefits of Blue Cheese
Following are the major health benefits of blue cheese.
1. Blue Cheese Has Antibacterial Properties
Blue cheese is known for its sharp flavor and tangy taste. But did you know it also contains powerful antibacterial properties?
That’s right. The blue mold bacteria found in blue cheese actually kills harmful bacteria and helps prevent infections. And because blue cheese is rich in calcium, it may help strengthen bones and teeth.
2. Blue Cheese Contains Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is a fat-soluble vitamin found naturally in foods like cheese, eggs, and leafy greens. It helps keep bones strong and healthy.
Many studies show that people who eat blue cheese regularly have lower rates of osteoporosis than those who don’t. This may be because blue cheese contains a compound called karotin, which boosts bone strength.
This means that eating blue cheese regularly can help prevent osteoporosis.
3. Blue Cheese Can Improve Digestion
Blue cheese is known for its sharp flavor and tangy taste. But did you know that blue cheese contains probiotics, which help improve digestion? Probiotic bacteria in blue cheese may reduce gas and bloating, and help maintain healthy digestive systems.
Probiotics are beneficial because they contain live microorganisms that aid in maintaining a healthy gut. These friendly bacteria work to keep harmful bacteria at bay, helping to prevent infections and food poisoning.
In fact, many health experts recommend eating probiotic foods daily to support overall wellness. They’re found in yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso soup, tempeh, and pickles.
4. Blue Cheese Improves Immunity
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), blue cheese contains probiotics, which help maintain healthy digestive systems and boost immunity. Probiotics are live microorganisms that improve digestion and strengthen immune function.
Probiotic bacteria are found naturally in yogurt and kefir. However, most yogurts and kefirs contain added probiotics, not natural ones. So when you eat a serving of blue cheese, you’re actually consuming beneficial bacteria that may help protect against colds and flu.
And there’s no need to worry about getting sick after eating blue cheese. The USDA says that blue cheese is safe to consume because it doesn’t contain any harmful pathogens.
But be careful. Some types of blue cheese contain Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that causes listeriosis. This type of infection can cause serious illness in pregnant women, newborn babies, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
If you’re concerned about consuming blue cheese, limit yourself to just a small amount at a time. And remember that blue cheese isn’t the only food that contains probiotics. Other foods include kimchi, sauerkraut, miso soup, tempeh, and even some vegetables.
5. Blue Cheese May Lower Cholesterol Levels
Blue cheese may lower cholesterol levels because it contains healthy fats called CLA (conjugated linoleic acid). CLA helps reduce bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.
CLA is found in many foods including milk, eggs, meat, and dairy products. It’s also added to some processed meats like hot dogs and bacon.
To find out whether blue cheese lowers cholesterol, researchers at the University of California, Davis, conducted a study in which participants ate either a small amount of blue cheese or a placebo every day for three weeks.
The results showed that those who consumed the blue cheese had significantly lower total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol than those who took the placebo.
Researchers believe that CLA may help prevent heart disease because it reduces inflammation in the body. They also believe that CLA may help fight cancer because it stimulates the immune system.
If you’re looking for ways to eat healthier, try adding blue cheese to your diet. It’s delicious and nutritious!
6. Blue Cheese May Reduce Blood Pressure
Blue cheese may reduce blood pressure because it contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin K2, and omega-3 fatty acids. Calcium helps relax muscles and regulate heart rate.
Magnesium helps relax nerves and muscles and reduces stress. Potassium helps maintain fluid balance and muscle function. Vitamin K2 helps bones grow strong and healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids help keep arteries flexible and prevent plaque buildup.
7. Blue Cheese May Prevent Cancers
Blue cheese may be a great source of calcium, protein, vitamin K2, and potassium. But did you know that blue cheese may help prevent cancers?
Research shows that eating foods rich in antioxidants may reduce cancer risk. Antioxidants are compounds found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains that protect cells against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cell damage.
Free radicals are formed when oxygen interacts with certain chemicals in our bodies. They’re produced during normal metabolism and exposure to sunlight, air pollution, cigarette smoke, radiation, and stress.
Antioxidant-rich foods include berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, garlic, kale, onions, peppers, spinach, tomatoes, and watermelon.
Researchers at Harvard University recently published a study showing that women who ate three servings of antioxidant-rich foods each day had a lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who didn’t eat any.
And another study showed that men who ate five servings of antioxidant-rich food daily were 40 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who ate fewer servings.
While these studies aren’t conclusive proof that blue cheese prevents cancer, they certainly suggest that it might be worth adding this tasty treat to your diet.
8. Blue Cheese Is Delicious And Nutritious
Blue cheese is delicious and nutritious. It’s packed full of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and healthy fats.
And blue cheese isn’t just for appetizers anymore. It’s now enjoyed as a main course at restaurants across America.
9. Blue Cheese Makes You Smarter
Blue cheese makes you smarter. Not only does it help you learn new things, but it also helps you remember them.
Studies show that blue cheese increases brain activity and improves memory retention. The reason is simple: blue cheese contains the amino acid L-phenylalanine, which stimulates the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with learning and memory.
Dopamine is also responsible for feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward. So when you eat blue cheese, you’re not just eating delicious food; you’re also getting a boost of dopamine, making you feel happier and more motivated.
And that’s not all. Blue cheese also contains the amino acids tyrosine and tryptophan, which improve mood and reduce stress.
So next time you’re craving some blue cheese, indulge yourself and reap the benefits of this amazing food.
10. Blue Cheese Helps With Weight Loss
Blue cheese is full of protein, calcium, and healthy fats. These nutrients help keep your body strong and lean.
When combined with exercise and proper nutrition, blue cheese helps you lose weight. The combination of these three things makes it possible to eat more food and still feel satisfied.
Blue cheese is also rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals and prevent cancer. So eating blue cheese regularly may reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.
If you’re looking to lose weight, try adding blue cheese to your diet.
11. Blue Cheese Is A Superfood
Blue cheese is a superfood because it contains healthy fats, protein, and probiotics.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that help maintain gut health. Probiotics are found naturally in foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso, and blue cheese.
When you eat blue cheese, you’re consuming these beneficial bacteria along with fat and protein. This combination makes blue cheese a great food for weight loss and overall wellness.
And here’s another reason to add blue cheese to your diet: It helps prevent heart disease. Studies show that eating just two ounces of blue cheese daily reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL).
This means that blue cheese may be able to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes.
How To Eat Blue cheese
Here are some tips on how to enjoy blue cheese:
Choose organic blue cheese whenever possible. Organic blue cheeses contain no hormones or antibiotics, so they’re safer than their conventional counterparts.
Eat small portions of blue cheese. One ounce is considered one serving. If you want to have blue cheese every day, start by having it once a week.
Add blue cheese to salads. Add blue cheese crumbles to chicken salad, pasta salad, tuna salad, and other dishes.
Add blue cheese to sandwiches. Spread blue cheese onto bread, then top it with veggies, meat, or anything else you’d normally put on a sandwich.
Use blue cheese as an ingredient in recipes. Try using blue cheese instead of butter or cream cheese in dips, dressings, sauces, spreads, and desserts.
Try blue cheese pizza. You can make your own pizza crust from scratch, but if you don’t have time, use store-bought dough. Top it with blue cheese and fresh vegetables, such as peppers, onions, mushrooms, broccoli, tomatoes, and spinach.
Use blue cheese as a condiment. Mix blue cheese into guacamole, salsa, and other Mexican dishes. Or sprinkle it over cooked meats and fish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you haven’t tried blue cheese yet, I highly recommend giving it a shot. Not only does it taste delicious, but it also has tons of health benefits. Blue cheese contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support digestive health. And because it’s made from unpasteurized milk, it’s full of healthy fats like CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which helps reduce inflammation and fight cancer. Plus, it’s loaded with calcium, vitamin K2, and B12, which are essential nutrients for strong bones and teeth. Try adding a little bit to your salad, sandwich, or pasta dish, and see what happens!
