Feta cheese contains friendly bacteria that have been shown to promote immune and intestinal health, in addition to their anti-inflammatory effects.
Or, consider switching to Swiss cheese; one study found the probiotics in this variety could decrease inflammation.
Gut Health
Fermented foods like feta cheese contain probiotics. These strains of good bacteria promote a healthy gut and support immune system function.
Feta cheese is considered to be healthy when eaten in moderation. However, overeating feta cheese can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, such as bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhoea.
Mainly made from sheep or goat milk (often combined), Feta cheese is a nutrient-rich option and a deliciously flavoured dairy. Feta is easier to digest and much less allergenic and inflammatory than cheeses made from cow's milk, which makes it a better option for those who may be sensitive to dairy products.
The cheese supplies key vitamins and minerals, but it can also be high in saturated fat and sodium. You can keep feta cheese as an occasional part of your healthy eating plan, however, because it does have some nutritional value.
Brands vary, but feta is usually the winner. Haloumi tends to have more calories and a higher fat content. Plus, it usually has more salt. Haloumi makes a good cooking cheese thanks to its high melting point.
If you notice bloating, changes in bowel movements, or any other type of digestive upset after eating dairy, this could be a red flag that dairy causes inflammation for you. Then, note other symptoms, like increased mucus production.
For most people, dairy does not cause inflammation, and there is no need to avoid it. Many dairy-containing foods may be eaten as part of a healthy diet.
Feta is a Greek cheese that's higher in salt but lower in calories than other cheeses. It also contains CLA, a fatty acid linked to improved body composition.
A short list of probiotic-rich cheeses includes aged, traditional cheddars, Gouda, and Alpine cheeses like Gruyère. For soft cheeses, try raw milk washed rinds like Rollright from King Stone Farm or Slyboro from Consider Bardwell Farm.
Is feta cheese good for fatty liver? No. Feta cheese, like most cheeses, is high in saturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids lead to fat accumulation in the liver and may increase oxidative stress (19).
The most anti-inflammatory proteins come from plants, such as legumes, and from fish rich in omega-3 fats, says Dr. Ricker. Fish, particularly fatty fish that's low in mercury, (halibut, herring, mackerel, salmon and sardines). In excess, mercury can damage the nervous system of adults and fetuses.
So far, the research hasn't drilled down to say which components of which dairy products might be most healthful (or harmful). The most consistent evidence so far centers on yogurt. “Yogurt is associated with decreased inflammation, decreased insulin resistance and it may prevent type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Hu says.
Nightshade vegetables, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants, contain solanine. This substance may increase the leakiness of the intestines and affect the gastrointestinal microbiota, indirectly increasing the inflammation relating to arthritis.
Consuming eggs regularly can lead to an increased amount of swelling and joint pain. The yolks contain arachidonic acid, which helps trigger inflammation in the body. Eggs also contain saturated fat which can also induce joint pain.
Feta is rich in calcium and protein. And feta is loaded in Vitamin A and B complex vitamins. In addition, feta is lower in fat than aged parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese.
Blood pressure
Calcium can help reduce blood pressure. Low-fat, low-sodium cheeses are recommended. A suitable low-sodium cheese would be low-fat or reduced-fat natural Swiss cheese. Other low-fat cheeses include cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan, feta, and goat's cheese, and low-fat cream cheese.
Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Soluble fiber is found in such foods as oatmeal, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Add whey protein. Whey protein, which is found in dairy products, may account for many of the health benefits attributed to dairy.
The least healthiest cheese overall is Double Gloucester, which contains the highest amount of calories (415 per 100 grams) and a whopping 21.9g of saturated fat - which is more than the NHS's recommended daily saturated fat limit (opens in new tab) for women.
What's more, feta is lower in fat and calories than aged cheeses like cheddar or parmesan. One ounce (28 grams) of cheddar or parmesan contains more than 110 calories and 7 grams of fat, while 1 ounce of feta has only 74 calories and 6 grams of fat (2, 3, 4).