You’ll have it to add flavour to salads, or baked in a delicious pasta dish – but did you know the many nutritional benefits that come from eating feta? Read below to find out more about the history of this versatile, rich cheese and its health benefits.
Feta is a Greek cheese crafted with precision and tradition. Carefully cured in a salt brine solution, infusing it with its characteristic flavour, it’s made primarily from sheep’s milk, occasionally blending in goat’s milk. Maturing over time, it develops a firmer texture and a delightful balance of saltiness. The term ‘Feta’ is reserved exclusively for PDO cheeses made within Greece’s borders adhering to strict production methods and upholding the highest quality standards.
Feta is celebrated for its versatility and flavour it brings to dishes, but many are unaware of the nutritional benefits that come from eating this cheese as part of a balanced diet. Here are 5 ways feta can benefit your diet:
1. Rich in protein: every 100g of feta contains an average protein intake of 15g! This means that a 30g portions gives around 5g of protein – which contributes to the development and maintenance of muscles.
2. Source of calcium: with an average of 220mg/100g of calcium, feta is considered a ‘source of calcium’. In fact, calcium is necessary to the development and maintenance of bones as well as normal muscle function. A 30g portion would cover 10% of the recommended daily amount.
3. Naturally low in lactose: if you are lactose intolerant, you may still be able to enjoy feta! Due to its maturation process, feta is very low in lactose (>0.5%)
4. Source of iodine: iodine helps make thyroid hormones, which help keep cells and the metabolic rate (speed at which chemical reactions take place in the body) healthy! It also contributes to the normal growth of children.
5. Vitamins: Feta cheese is an appropriate source of Vitamin B2, B12 and vitamin A ! Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and eyes, Vitamin B2 contributes to the maintenance of the normal function of the nervous system and Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to the normal function of the immune system.
It’s a sunny day, and you’re now craving feta. Look no further! Try out our delicious recipes featuring our PDO feta Islos in our ‘Recipes‘ page.
