Cottage cheese is “solid milk”, a traditional sour-milk dish that has a high value for human health. It is obtained by removing whey from fermented milk. In some countries, it is considered to be a variety of soft young cheese, and they really have a lot in common. In Russian culture, cottage cheese is a separate product, revered for its healing properties and high nutritional value.
According to the way the product is produced
The production of the product is carried out in two main ways: traditional and separate. Traditional production allows you to get two types of cottage cheese:
- Acidic, usually prepared from skimmed milk by adding starter cultures to it. Formed by the action of lactic acid.
- Acid-rennet is obtained by using rennet or pepsin to coagulate milk protein together with cultures of lactic acid bacteria.
The separate method of production is that the purified milk is separated into skimmed milk and cream with a fat content of 50-55%. The acid-rennet coagulation process produces a fat-free curd from the milk, which is then cooled and mixed with cream. With this method, you can get a product with any fat content, for example, soft dietary and peasant cottage cheese.
Types of cottage cheese with different properties
On the basis of the content of lipids in the product, it is divided into four categories:
- fat-free (up to 1.8%);
- lean or bold (2-3.8%);
- classic (4-18%);
- fatty (19-23%).
Cottage cheese is prepared using cream and table salt. The addition of consistency stabilizers is not allowed; rennet gives hardness to large grains. It is added to pasteurized milk, previously fermented with lactic acid streptococci, together with calcium chloride.
Diet cottage cheese is obtained by adding a solution of citric acid, calcium chloride and sourdough to skim milk. To obtain table curd, a mixture of buttermilk and skim milk is fermented with a pure culture of lactic acid streptococci. The product can also have additives (raisins, candied fruits, nuts, dried fruits, chocolate), be produced in the form of a sweet mass, curds, creams and cakes.
Obtaining calcined cottage cheese involves adding a 10% solution of calcium chloride to fermented milk, which makes it possible to artificially increase the proportion of the mineral in the product and, accordingly, the benefits of cottage cheese for the human skeleton. It has a uniform texture and relatively bland taste due to low acidity.
A warning: The daily intake of a calcined product should not exceed 100 g for an adult, large doses can harm the body. Its introduction into the children's diet must be agreed with the pediatrician.
Product types by origin
The origin of the product is determined by the type of animal from which the milk for fermentation is obtained. The most popular is cow curd cheese, in second place is goat, other varieties are much less common. Delicious, unusual and very useful cottage cheese made from sheep's milk.
Albumin curd
A special kind of product is albumin curd. It is produced from whey, its main protein is not casein, like any "regular" cottage cheese, but albumin, whey protein. It goes well with fruits, herbs, and is widely used for the production of confectionery.
Homemade cottage cheese
The benefits of homemade cottage cheese and its taste are difficult to overestimate. It is fresh, natural, free of stabilizers and other foreign substances. It can be purchased from small private farms, or you can make your own from raw or pasteurized milk.
Homemade cottage cheese recipe
Pour fresh whole milk into an enamel pan and put in a dark place to souring (the process takes about 24 hours). Heat yogurt in a water bath until whey separates and curd clots appear, let it cool. Throw the resulting mass into a colander or hang it in a gauze bag to drain the liquid.
Video: Homemade cottage cheese recipe
Useful properties and contraindications
Cottage cheese brings great benefits as a source of complete protein, which is easily absorbed by the human body. It requires significantly less effort from the digestive system than whole milk or curdled milk. The dish is used as part of diets in the treatment of obesity, heart disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, disorders of the stomach, liver, kidneys, and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Athletes for gaining muscle mass are shown cottage cheese diets, especially during intense training. The product has a beneficial effect on the metabolism of fats, produces a diuretic effect. Regular nutrition of cottage cheese for 6 months helps to increase the amount of testosterone in men by 50%.
Curd calcium is indispensable for children during periods of active growth and formation of teeth and bones, for the elderly - in order to prevent osteoporosis. It is well processed by the body. The product also promotes the synthesis of hemoglobin and the restoration of the nervous system.
The benefits of albumin curd for the body is to maintain immunity and stimulate metabolism, cleanse the bile ducts and restore liver tissue. It improves vision, removes cholesterol, improves the quality of milk of nursing mothers, is useful for pregnant women, diabetics.
Video: "Live great!": Elena Malysheva's opinion on the benefits of cottage cheese
The use of cottage cheese for weight loss
Cottage cheese, especially albumin, is indispensable for overweight people. It helps to remove excess fluid from the body, speed up metabolism. A large amount of protein in the product makes it easy to satisfy hunger, maintain and build muscle tissue, while getting rid of fat.
A warning: For weight loss, you should use a product with a fat content of no more than 5%, otherwise it will not bring the expected benefits.
Recipe for a high-protein dish "Belip" ("without lipids")
Composition:
Cod (skinless fillet)
Low-fat cottage cheese without salt
Onion
Raw egg white
Cooking:
Mix cod, cottage cheese and onions in equal proportions and pass through a meat grinder, add raw egg white, prepare meatballs or a casserole from the resulting mixture.
Contraindications to the use of cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is harmful to health in case of an allergy to its components or individual intolerance to the product. With caution, include it in the menu for kidney diseases, avoid excesses. Regular consumption of cottage cheese somewhat lowers the level of serotonin in the brain. You can compensate for it with dates, bananas, soy and lentils, eggs and tomatoes.
Cottage cheese: rules for choosing and storing a product
Fresh cottage cheese usually has a slightly smearing, crumbly and soft texture. Whey may be present in a small amount, milk protein particles of different diameters are found. The taste and smell should be clean, characteristic of fermented milk products, and the color should be uniformly white, with a slight creamy tint.
A slight bitterness of the product is acceptable, especially in winter, a taste of wood. Attention should be drawn to signs that indicate damage to the product or a violation of the technological process of its production and that can harm the human body:
- A musty, unclean smell and taste is evidence of the work of putrefactive bacteria that have multiplied as a result of violations of the rules for storage, production regime or the use of inactive starter.
- Too sour taste is the result of lactic acid fermentation, the reasons for it may be insufficient and untimely cooling, excessively long pressing, the content of disinfectants or detergents, antibiotics in milk.
- The smell and taste of vinegar arises from the activity of acetic acid bacteria, is a consequence of the storage of the product at elevated temperatures.
- Rancid taste means the presence of mold and microorganisms in the food, which can occur with fatty cottage cheese when the pasteurization temperature of milk is insufficient.
- A bitter tint is a clear sign that the cow was fed grass or hay of a peculiar taste (wormwood), it can also indicate the presence of putrefactive bacteria, an increased content of pepsin.
- Yeast taste, "swelling" of the lid of the container or pack are the consequences of the action of yeast during long-term storage of an insufficiently chilled product. Escherichia coli can also be the cause of swelling.
- The consistency of the “rubber” of grained cottage cheese suggests the introduction of an excess dose of rennet during its production or fermentation of milk at an elevated temperature.
- A large amount of whey is released from the cottage cheese with insufficient pressing.
- Mold and slime in the product appears as a result of its storage in dampness and loose packaging.
- The insipid taste of cottage cheese is due to the use of low-active sourdough.
Long-term storage of cottage cheese is impossible even at a low temperature of 0-2°C. Frozen, it can be stored for 6-7 months at a constant temperature of -18°C.
At a temperature of 2-6°C in the refrigerator, cottage cheese and curd products are stored for 36 hours, for a low-fat product with stabilizers, the shelf life is 7 days, heat-treated - 2 weeks. Increasing the shelf life in this case reduces its benefits to the body.
Advice: If the quality of cottage cheese has deteriorated during storage or freezing, it can be improved by mixing with cream. Soaking it in milk for 2 hours, followed by squeezing, also helps to refine the product.
Composition of the product
Cottage cheese is rich in micro and macro elements, contains some vitamins and a lot of protein. Depending on the fat content, the composition of the product varies, as does its calorie content. The energy value of cottage cheese 0.6% is 88 kcal, soft dietary 4% - 136 kcal, 9% - 169 kcal, 18% - 232 kcal.
Fatty types of cottage cheese are rich in vitamins A, E, but contain less B vitamins than low-fat varieties. Calcium and phosphorus in a fat-free product are slightly less, and the amount of other mineral salts also slightly differs.
Nutritional value of low-fat cottage cheese 0.6% (per 100 g of product)Cottage cheese is obtained by fermenting milk, which is heated and left to “ripen” for a while. The resulting mass is divided into whey and cottage cheese. The result is a dense mass without excess liquid. The product has undeniable value to the body. However, if used improperly, cottage cheese can do harm. Let's consider the most important aspects.
Composition of cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is a nutritious food. Along with saturation, it energizes the body and gives a whole range of useful vitamins. Cottage cheese contains a lot of calcium, which is needed by bones, teeth and nails.
Incoming casein introduces essential amino acids into the body, they do not break down for a long time and keep the stomach full after taking cottage cheese.
Lipotropic action of casein allows you to reduce body weight. The substance normalizes the fat balance, reduces the reserves of bad cholesterol. Thus, weight loss and cleansing of the blood channels are achieved.
Cottage cheese is a storehouse of macro- and microelements. It contains sulfur, potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc, fluorine and copper. In addition, the fermented milk product contains a small part of fats (from 0.5% to 23%).
The human immune system and vision need vitamin A (retinol), it is found in cottage cheese. Also, the product is rich in nicotinic acid, which is responsible for vasodilation and hematopoietic function.
Incoming vitamin D contributes to the rapid absorption of calcium, tocopherol prevents premature aging of tissues. The B group of vitamins is needed to maintain the condition of the hair, speed up brain activity, improve perception and memory.
Methionine is an amino acid that protects the liver. The substance cleanses the internal organ from decay, prevents the development of cirrhosis and hepatosis.
Calorie cottage cheese
Caloric values vary depending on the fat content of the raw materials from which the fermented milk product was made. Also important is the method of processing milk and further sourdough.To date, fatty cottage cheese is distinguished (from 19 to 23%), classic (from 5 to 18%), fat-free (from 0.5 to 1.8%). The higher the fat content, the higher the calorie content of the product. To get cottage cheese with 23% fat content, you must use whole cream.
Speaking conditionally, cottage cheese with a fat content of 5% includes 144 Kcal., 9% - 158 Kcal., 23% - 312 Kcal.
When a fermented milk product is prepared under production conditions, butter, dried fruits or nuts, starch, and other sweet impurities are added to it. All this affects the final calorie content.
- The value of the product is determined by the technology of preparation. When the curd separates from the whey, it takes all the beneficial elements with it. A fermented milk product is superior in quality to milk. Cottage cheese is indicated for consumption by people suffering from flatulence and heaviness in the stomach.
- Incoming protein is digested quickly, so muscle fibers are built in accordance with the norm. This quality is appreciated by people who play sports. Unlike the protein in beans or meat, consuming cottage cheese does not cause gas and heartburn.
- Calcium, which is contained in large quantities, is needed by all categories of citizens. The element forms the musculoskeletal system of the child, improves the structure of nails and teeth. With the systematic use of cottage cheese, the likelihood of caries or bone fractures is reduced.
- Cottage cheese is a highly balanced product. Its minerals and vitamins are ideal for daily consumption. As a result, the tone of the body increases, the person receives a charge of vivacity for the whole day.
- The fermented milk product improves mental activity, enhances vision and concentration. Cottage cheese increases physical endurance, and also helps to get rid of excess weight. The latter quality is appreciated by obese people and those who simply follow the figure.
- Despite the high calorie content, the product quickly saturates the body and retains this feeling for a long time. As a result, a person is less prone to unplanned snacking. This reduces the likelihood of gaining excess weight.
- Incoming amino acids in combination with the B group of vitamins are responsible for the central nervous system. With the systematic intake of cottage cheese, a person becomes less susceptible to stress, the mood rises and peace sets in.
- The main advantage of a fermented milk product is its positive effect on the digestive system. Incoming coarse fibers contribute to bowel emptying, eliminating even the most severe stagnation. Cottage cheese improves the functions of the pancreas, stomach, duodenum. The composition eliminates heartburn and discomfort after eating junk food.
- The product is indicated for use during gastritis and ulcers. It gently envelops the walls of internal organs without irritating the mucous membranes. Regenerative properties heal ulcers. The product must be used for gout, metabolic disorders, ailments of the endocrine system, obesity.
- A low calorie formulation is indicated for a dietary diet. Cottage cheese should be consumed by children from the age of six months. The product is required by pregnant girls to make up for the deficiency of calcium in the body.
- Fat-free sour-milk composition must be consumed by patients with pancreatitis. It quickly relieves the symptoms of the disease and removes discomfort. Cottage cheese is useful for old people, because it has the peculiarity of strengthening joints and fighting dementia.
- People with high blood pressure (hypertension) need to take lightly salted cottage cheese to reduce blood pressure. The product lowers cholesterol levels and fights its deposits in the form of plaques.
- Cottage cheese improves mood, promotes rapid regeneration of skin cells. On the basis of sour milk, it is useful to prepare face masks, body scrubs, compresses from severe abrasions.
- Whey from cottage cheese also has value. When it is taken, the work of the gastrointestinal tract improves, even the oldest toxins come out, the activity of the kidneys and liver normalizes. Cottage cheese prevents the risk of cancer of these internal organs.
- Goat curd contains much more calcium than its cow's milk counterpart. The product treats burns, insect bite marks, sore joints.
- Cottage cheese belongs to the content products. It is a source of protein, calcium, retinol, vitamin B. All this is required for men who play sports and want to build muscle.
- The composition is recommended for bodybuilders, as well as individuals leading an active lifestyle. Casein accelerates mass gain, as a result of which muscle tissue is formed even during sleep.
- The product is indicated for men with low fertility. Cottage cheese accelerates the production of spermatozoa and enhances their pungency. It also prevents diseases of the prostate gland.
The benefits of cottage cheese for women
- The invaluable composition of cottage cheese is necessary for the female body. The product of animal origin effectively helps girls to keep their figure, as well as maintain hair, skin and nails in good condition. Cottage cheese is rich in a subgroup of vitamins B and protein, while there is little fat.
- Nutritionists recommend including 3 meals per week in the diet. As a result, the figure will be transformed before our eyes. Curls will acquire their original appearance and beauty, the skin will become velvety and tender. Also, the product perfectly strengthens bone tissue.
- The animal product is recommended for girls during gestation. The problem is that the female body in a critical period lacks calcium, along with this, heartburn and toxicosis appear. The systematic use of cottage cheese will deprive the body of such problems and restore the normal activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
Milk and sour cream
- Sour cream contains a high concentration of phospholipids and a small amount of cholesterol. Enzymes are involved in the synthesis of fat metabolism. The homemade product includes beta-keratin, biotin, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium and potassium.
- Milk has a sedative effect on the body, fights insomnia, soothes and relieves migraines. In combination with cottage cheese, animal products have a positive effect on humans.
Raisin
- Many people know the benefits of raisins. The product is rich in magnesium and potassium, which have a positive effect on the activity of the heart muscle. Raisins effectively lower blood pressure and eliminate swelling of varying degrees.
- The product has proven itself well during a cold, as an effective antitussive. Raisins help with hair loss, anemia and fever.
- The composition is recommended for pregnant girls, in the crucial period the woman's body suffers from iron and hemoglobin deficiency. Together, raisins and cottage cheese are rightfully considered a healing delicacy.
- The product of beekeeping is known firsthand for its healing qualities. The product acts as an effective antioxidant and is rich in active enzymes.
- A mixture of honey and cottage cheese is a storehouse of trace elements for the body. The condition of a person improves, immunity and vitality increase. Regular use will save you from beriberi.
Banana
- Bananas are rich in potassium, a mineral involved in the activity of muscles, brain and heart. The unique composition of the fruit suppresses hypertension, gastrointestinal ailments.
- Bananas contribute to the rapid recovery of the body after heavy physical exercise. Fruit in combination with cottage cheese improves health by an order of magnitude and makes the body more resilient.
Harm of cottage cheese
- Harm to the body can be caused by individual intolerance to the composition. This phenomenon is extremely rare. In this case, completely discard the product.
- The recommended daily intake of cottage cheese should not exceed 250 gr. The body is fully saturated with the necessary elements. If you overeat, you will feel bad.
- It is forbidden to use an animal product for atherosclerosis and serious ailments associated with the kidneys. Also consider the freshness of the cottage cheese, otherwise poisoning cannot be avoided.
Try to purchase homemade cottage cheese from a trusted supplier. Keep in mind that the shelf life of a natural product does not exceed 3 days. Follow practical advice, combine cottage cheese with other ingredients. Improve your health with pleasure.
Video: the benefits of cottage cheese for athletes
Cottage cheese is a first-class source of protein and easily digestible calcium
Cottage cheese is one of the most valuable products on which human civilization is "fed". And this is not an exaggeration. Cottage cheese, in fact, is a concentrate of milk, the taste and benefits of which we learn from early childhood.
The inhabitants of ancient Greece, Rome, India, and China knew the recipe for making cottage cheese. The Slavic peoples, who in all ages had a particularly reverent attitude towards cottage cheese, did not stand aside.
Having safely passed through the “sieve of history”, cottage cheese still occupies a worthy place on our table today. It is used in its pure form or with the addition of raisins, dried apricots, honey, vanilla. Cheesecakes, casseroles, cheesecakes, desserts are prepared from cottage cheese. In many recipes for pies, cakes, donuts, muffins, cottage cheese is an indispensable ingredient.
But not only the culinary properties of cottage cheese distinguish it from other products. In addition to the fact that cottage cheese is a first-class source of high-grade protein and easily digestible calcium, it contains a wide range of other useful substances, vitamins, and microelements. That is why it demonstrates high efficiency in maintaining the health of the organs and systems of our body.
The immune system
It is her health and normal functioning that are the basis of the health of the body as a whole. Curd contains all the substances necessary to strengthen the immune system. Vitamin A, which protects against oncology of the mammary gland and prostate. Vitamin B9, without which the productive activity of the bone marrow is impossible - a factory for the production of immune cells. Vitamin C is a powerful broad-spectrum antioxidant. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and the best protector of connective tissue from the manifestations of free radicals. Vitamin P, which supports the body's resistance to radiation of various nature, the development of inflammatory processes, the formation of tumors. Calcium, whose ions give "alarm" signals to the immune system when danger occurs.
Minerals and vitamins that are part of cottage cheese have a beneficial effect on the work of the digestive system. So, vitamin A in tandem with potassium prevents the development of peptic ulcer. Vitamin C quickly normalizes damaged areas of the mucosa. Beta-carotene, also known as provitamin A, promotes the elimination of toxins, and also protects the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines during the abundant release of hydrochloric acid against the background of stress factors. Vitamin B6 stimulates the protective functions of the mucosa itself, reduces the risk of cancer. Vitamin E, as befits any antioxidant, inhibits cell aging, thereby maintaining the functions of the digestive system at an appropriate level.
Nervous system
Support for the functions of the nervous system due to a complex of vitamins and trace elements is another useful property of cottage cheese. Vitamin C contained in this fermented milk product is an active participant in the production of anti-stress hormones and a stimulant of mental activity. Vitamin B2 is involved in energy production and improves the quality of sleep. Vitamin B9 reduces excitability, helps relieve stress. Vitamin B6 activates brain functions. Vitamin B12, being an antioxidant, protects nerve cells from the damaging effects of external factors, regulates sleep and emotional background. Vitamin E strengthens the vessels and capillaries of the brain, prevents degenerative changes in the nervous tissue. Vitamin A, as it should be an antioxidant, performs a protective function, has a general strengthening effect on the nervous system, and stimulates brain activity.
Calcium, magnesium, selenium, which are part of cottage cheese, are not just microelements with useful properties, they are extremely important for the functioning of the nervous system. So, calcium ensures the transmission of nerve impulses. Phosphorus stimulates metabolic processes, enhances the sensitivity of nerve endings and muscle response. Selenium maximizes the life of the cells of the nervous system. Magnesium contained in cottage cheese performs a regulatory function and is a participant in almost all processes occurring in the nervous system.
Micronutrient deficiencies do not go unnoticed by the central nervous system. Sleep disturbance, causeless anxiety, nervousness - her typical reaction.
Musculoskeletal system
Calcium in union with phosphorus and magnesium form a kind of triad that is directly involved in the formation and support of the musculoskeletal system of our body. These three trace elements, as well as vitamins D and A, which are responsible for the absorption of phosphorus and calcium, are contained in the right amount in cottage cheese and determine one of its most useful properties - the ability to favorably influence the condition of bone tissue.
Vitamins C and P, also contained in cottage cheese, strengthen blood vessels, thereby protecting joints from internal hemorrhages. In addition, vitamin C actively counteracts inflammatory processes and is involved in the production of collagen, which gives bones flexibility. Vitamin B6 present in cottage cheese strengthens the collagen layer, retains magnesium in the body and ensures its better absorption. Vitamin E slows down the aging of joint tissues and stimulates their regeneration.
visual system
Among the useful properties of cottage cheese is the ability of the vitamins in its composition to be effective.
Vitamin A is vital for vision. It is a component of rhodopsin, a light-sensitive pigment concentrated in the rods of the retina. A sufficient amount of vitamin A allows us to distinguish objects in low light and even in almost complete darkness. With its deficiency, this ability is lost.
Vitamin B2 is very useful for our eyes, stimulating visual acuity and increasing the ability to perceive colors brighter. The body does not accumulate vitamin B2, but it is found in large quantities in cottage cheese.
Vitamin C present in this fermented milk product “takes care” of the integrity of the eye capillaries, protecting them from ruptures. In addition, vitamin C, preventing the clouding of the lens, counteracts the development of cataracts.
Vitamins E, B6, B12, calcium, potassium, phosphorus are also found in the required amount in cottage cheese and are involved in physiological processes that directly affect our visual acuity.
Cottage cheese- a fermented milk product with high nutritional value. It is included in the diet, recommended for children, pregnant women and professional athletes. Why is cottage cheese so useful, what does it consist of, and how to choose this product in the store?
The nutritional value
The main components of cottage cheese are calcium, which supports the health of bones and teeth, and a protein involved in the vital processes of the body. The protein content is about 15%, and in a fat-free product - up to 18%. Therefore, it is an alternative to meat. In addition, curd protein is better absorbed.
The composition of cottage cheese also contains other useful substances:
- numerous vitamins - A, E, D, H, group B, ascorbic and nicotinic acids;
- minerals - iron and potassium, sodium and chlorine, fluorine and phosphorus, selenium and others;
- amino acids - choline and methionine;
- lactose (milk sugar).
Useful properties of cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is made by fermentation, as a result of which the casein protein coagulates. This improves its digestibility. Therefore, cottage cheese has long been considered a useful product for people of all ages. The protein contained in it acts as a building material for bones, muscles, ligaments, skin, tissues and internal organs. It is involved in the creation of hemoglobin, which supplies oxygen to the blood, and enzymes that start chemical reactions in the body.
Useful properties of cottage cheese depend on the type of product:
- Fat-free, including grain, is recommended for the nutrition of people seeking to lose weight.
- Medium-fat cottage cheese is an important element in the diet of children from the age of 5 years and women during pregnancy and lactation.
- A high-fat product suitable for athletes who gain muscle mass during training.
Health food
When choosing a menu for their patients, doctors often include cottage cheese in it. First of all, this fermented milk product is necessary for people suffering from diseases of the digestive system, including:
- gastritis;
- stomach ulcer and 12 duodenal ulcer;
- hepatitis;
- dysbacteriosis;
- disease of the operated stomach;
- colitis;
- cholecystitis.
With gastritis and peptic ulcer, the acidity of the stomach is disturbed, so sour curd is contraindicated in these cases. But a fresh product is beneficial, saturating the body with the substances it needs, improving the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended to give preference to homogeneous cottage cheese. In this form, it is better absorbed and does not burden the digestive system.
Cottage cheese is used in the complex treatment of other diseases:
- Due to the content of phosphorus and calcium, it becomes an important part of the diet of people with bone fractures, pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, rickets, and tuberculosis.
- Due to the mild diuretic effect, the product is recommended for hypertension, heart and kidney diseases.
- Dietary cottage cheese is included in the therapeutic diet of patients with diabetes mellitus.
- Vitamins and minerals contained in the fermented milk product help weakened patients recover after operations, burns, and injuries.
Cottage cheese in the diet of children and pregnant women
Doctors recommend cottage cheese for baby food. Milk protein, which this product is rich in, stimulates the formation of new cells. It also contains calcium and phosphate salts, which have a positive effect on a growing organism:
- strengthen tooth enamel;
- participate in the development of bone tissue;
- strengthen immunity.
During pregnancy, the calcium that a woman consumes with food enters the unborn child. This microelement is necessary for the normal development of the fetus. With a lack of calcium in a pregnant woman, the condition of the hair, teeth, nails worsens, aching joints appear. To avoid these problems, expectant mothers are helped by cottage cheese, which restores calcium reserves in the body.
Maintaining slimness and beauty
Fat-free cottage cheese is included in diets for weight loss. Due to the balanced composition and low calorie content, it accelerates weight loss without harming the body. Modern nutritionists recommend giving preference to grain cottage cheese. It is considered the most delicious, while being easily digested and contains an increased amount of protein.
To improve metabolism and cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, it is useful to arrange fasting days on cottage cheese. Due to the content of easily digestible calcium, it slows down aging. Moreover, in the female body, this effect is more pronounced than in the male. If a cottage cheese unloading day is held every week, then within a month the vitality rises, depression disappears, the condition of the skin, hair, and nails improves.
Cottage cheese is also useful for athletes. The proteins contained in it help to gain muscle mass. This fermented milk product is popular among professional bodybuilders who eat it every day.
Daily rate of cottage cheese
To benefit from cottage cheese, eat 150-200 g of a fermented milk product daily. This is the amount that the body is able to absorb without creating an increased burden on the gastrointestinal tract.
During pregnancy, a woman's need for calcium increases sharply, since the fetus needs it for bone formation. At this time, the daily norm of the fermented milk product is recommended to be increased. Some doctors advise pregnant women to consume 1 kg of cottage cheese per day. However, in this matter it is important to listen to the body. If he lacks calcium, eat cottage cheese. If you do not feel the need for it, do not force the body.
When does cottage cheese become harmful?
Despite the positive properties of cottage cheese, sometimes it brings harm to the body. The reason is the improper use of a fermented milk product:
- With excessive eating of fatty cottage cheese, the level of cholesterol in the blood rises. Consequences - obesity and atherosclerosis. Therefore, for problems with the heart and blood vessels, it is better to choose a low-fat product.
- If a person suffers from kidney disease, the high protein content in cottage cheese aggravates the health condition.
- Some people have allergies and individual intolerance to cottage cheese. Such people can use the product, but with caution.
- Cottage cheese is a fermented milk product, so E. coli develop in it. They provoke poisoning and infectious diseases. It is important to monitor the expiration date of the cottage cheese, and store it only in the refrigerator.
How to choose fresh and natural cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese is made in accordance with GOST. If the manufacturer complies with the technical specifications (TU), he independently chooses the raw materials. Instead of natural fats, vegetable fats are used - they are cheap and less healthy. Such products are sold with the mark "curd product" and can be radically different from cottage cheese.
Examining packaging and labels
Useful only fresh cottage cheese, consisting of natural ingredients and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Please check the product packaging before purchasing. It should be solid, without traces of worn paint, with a clearly visible expiration date.
On the label of healthy cottage cheese, the following composition is indicated:
- milk;
- cream;
- calcium chloride;
- leaven;
- rennet enzymes.
How to check the quality of weight cottage cheese before buying?
When buying cottage cheese by weight, it is impossible to study the label, so the composition remains unknown. You can check the quality of a fermented milk product according to the following rules:
- product color - white-cream, without extraneous shades;
- it is worth asking the seller to give the cottage cheese a sample: a healthy product has a slight sourness and a pleasant smell;
- the consistency of cottage cheese is homogeneous;
- if the product has a yellow tint, sugar or flour was added to it.
Fresh cottage cheese, consisting of natural ingredients, is a source of proteins, calcium and vitamins. Regular use of the product heals, rejuvenates the body, has a positive effect on the figure and appearance.
Curd contains many nutrients. It will help to lose weight or make the body embossed. Cottage cheese can be eaten with fruit, toast, or added to salads and pastries.
Curd is divided into:
- fatty - 18%;
- bold - 9%;
- lean - less than 8%.
There is also a fat-free product.
The composition and calorie content of cottage cheese
One of the most valuable nutrients in cottage cheese is vitamin K2.
Nutritional information for 1 cup 1% cottage cheese:
- 163 kcal;
- 6.1 gr. carbohydrates;
- 28 gr. squirrel;
- 3 gr. fat.
In % of daily value:
Nutrient composition of cottage cheese:
Organic cottage cheese has an ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, does not contain antibiotics and growth hormones.
The beneficial properties of cottage cheese have been studied and proven by research. The combination of nutrients in this product will improve immunity.
For bones and muscles
Cottage cheese in the diet - prevention of osteoporosis. It is a source of calcium, which is important for healthy teeth and bones.
Athletes consume cottage cheese because of the content of the neurotransmitter Alpha-GPC, which increases the production of growth hormone and muscle mass.
Curd is rich in phosphorus. When working together with calcium, the elements strengthen bones. This is especially important for postmenopausal women.
For the heart and blood vessels
Cottage cheese contains a magical trio: vitamin D3, vitamin K2 and calcium. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
For nerves and brain
The neurotransmitter in cottage cheese improves brain function in the elderly. It is effective in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
For the gastrointestinal tract
Cottage cheese improves metabolism and reduces the risk of obesity. People who regularly consumed cottage cheese have lower cholesterol levels and a good metabolism.
The cottage cheese diet helps patients with chronic constipation. Some cottage cheese manufacturers add live bacteria to the product or that are beneficial for intestinal health.
Cottage cheese contains a lot of protein, which helps to lose weight and creates a feeling of satiety.
For the pancreas
Slow metabolism is a problem for diabetics, especially men. The use of cottage cheese reduces the likelihood of its development.
Cottage cheese prevents insulin sensitivity by 21%, which also leads to the development of type 2 diabetes.
For the reproductive system
Cottage cheese contains folic acid, which ensures the prevention of malformations of intrauterine development.
Curd helps prevent prostate cancer.
For immunity
Cottage cheese contains beneficial bacteria that support the immune system and reduce the development of allergies.
Linoleic acid in cottage cheese helps treat and prevent cancer. It improves metabolism.