This Cheese Contains The Highest Amount Of Protein Per Ounce
Warm, cheesy comfort foods are the perfect indulgence. Whether you are enjoying a creamy bowl of mac and cheese, or serving cheese on your charcuterie board at a party, this delicious dairy product is always a hit.
Cheesemaking began sometime around 8000 B.C.E. in Rome, reports The Spruce Eats. The site states that early versions of cheese were super salty since salt was needed as a preservative. Milder cheeses developed in the cooler climates of Europe during the Middle Ages. The first cheese factory opened in 1815 in Switzerland and the mass-produced cheese industry boomed (via The Spruce Eats).
Cheese contains several different nutrients including calcium, zinc, and Vitamins A, B12, D, and K, per WebMD. These can help with bone and muscle health, lower blood pressure, and help gut health (via WebMD). Most cheeses also contain at least a small amount of protein, but there is one cheese in particular that contains more than all of the rest.
Pack some extra protein
Parmesan — formally known as Parmigiano Reggiano — is a hard cheese commonly found grated over Italian pasta dishes, like bucatini cacio e pepe, per Men's Journal. If you slice this cheese for a snack, a 1 ounce serving carries 10 grams of protein, reports the Cleveland Clinic. The clinic also states that one single serving contains 27% of your daily calcium value, 14% of sodium, and 15% of phosphorous. It also only has 8 grams of total fat, and no carbohydrates.
There are different types of Parmesan cheeses, but authentic Parmigiano Reggiano boasts the most health benefits. In order to know if you are buying the correct type of cheese, there are a few things to look out for. According to Real Simple, authentic Parmigiano Reggiano comes only specific sectors of the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano will be marked with the Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP), reports Real Simple. The site also states that authentic cheese will not be pre-grated and will usually be sliced directly from a wheel of cheese.