Cheese and Healthy Gut Microbiome - Hampshire Cheeses (2024)

FAQs

Which cheese is best for gut microbiome? ›

This includes both soft and hard cheeses, including Swiss, provolone, Gouda, cheddar, Edam, Gruyère, and cottage cheese. Adding probiotics to your diet can potentially improve your health by helping to foster the growth of good bacteria inside your gut.

Luckily, the aging process that kills off the potentially dangerous pathogens from raw milk and makes cheese safe to eat also allows the development of beneficial bacteria! Gorgonzola, parmesan, cheddar, and gouda are just some of the aged cheeses that can be beneficial to your gut health.

Semi-hard cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda, as well as cottage cheese, may contain higher levels of probiotics than other types of cheese that are aged for longer periods of time. Cheesemakers are exploring new methods to protect probiotic bacteria through the aging process.

"Dairy products that contain short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate play a role in gut health by providing energy to colon cells, maintaining the gut barrier function and reducing inflammation," explains Robbins.

Microbiome-promoting fibers are particularly high in whole grains (e.g. oatmeal) and beans. Phenols give the colors of the rainbow to fruits and vegetables; think blueberries, red peppers and purple cabbage. Fermented foods include brined pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi and yogurt.

The leaky gut diet centers around whole, unprocessed foods with a focus on foods with nutrients that promote gut health. These include: Fruits and veggies. Eggs.

To combat leaky gut, eat foods that promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, including fruits, cultured dairy products, healthy fats, lean meats, and fibrous and fermented vegetables. Avoid processed and refined junk foods.

Pecorino Romano. An Italian cheese made from sheep's milk, Neumann says that Pecorino Romano is rich in CLAs (conjugated linoleic acid), which is linked to lowering inflammation and supporting heart health.

Some of the healthiest cheeses are feta and goat cheese, which are better for lactose intolerance. Cottage cheese and ricotta have more than 11 grams of muscle-building protein in a single serving. Swiss cheese is naturally lower in sodium, so it is a good option for people with hypertension.

Parmesan

Parmesan has mineral-binding compounds that make it an especially useful source of bone-building minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus. It also contains proteins that may modulate the immune system as well as having blood pressure lowering effects.

What are the three gut destroying foods? ›

As part of healthy eating, it's a good idea to avoid or limit foods packed with added sugar, which feeds bad bacteria, Blatner says, as well as highly processed foods, artificial sweeteners, red meat, and alcohol, which can have a negative effect on gut bacteria, and lead to inflammation.

The no. 1 best meat for gut health is (drumroll) chicken! "The amino acids (building blocks for proteins) in chicken meat help support bone and muscle tissue, decreasing the risk of injuries and helping to keep bone weakness away, which is what happens when you develop osteoporosis," explains.

Researchers have proved it's actually good for you. Along with other aged cheeses, blue cheese is great for your gut health and therefore you're over all well-being.

Goat Cheese

It's often easier to digest than cheese made from cow's milk because it has different proteins that don't irritate your digestive system.

How to eat it: Sprinkle parmesan cheese on air- popped popcorn for a healthy and filling snack. Why it's good for you: Some fermented cheeses, like parmesan, contain lactic-acid bacteria that can create gut-healthy probiotics. Cheese also contains important nutrients like protein and calcium.