Cheese is considered as one of the most popular and versatile foods worldwide. It comes in different colors, textures, and flavors and can be used in a variety of dishes. One type of cheese that has gained widespread popularity over the years is provolone.
Provolone cheese has always been enjoyed for its mild flavor, rich texture, and long-lasting shelf life. However, with the increasing awareness about healthy eating habits today, people are more concerned about whether their favorite foods have any nutritional value or not.
Therefore, in this article, we will analyze whether provolone cheese is a healthy option or not:
What Is Provolone Cheese?
Provolone Cheese originates from southern Italy but became popular in different parts of the world due to its mild taste and stretchable texture. This semi-hard cheese is produced using cow’s milk or buffalo milk curdled with rennet diluted with water.
It is first placed in brine to give it a salty flavor before aging for 2-3 months or longer periods when aged provolone cheese becomes harder and stronger-tasting than fresh ones.
Is Provole A Healthy Cheese?
When it comes to nutrition facts per serving size (28g) – around two slices- provolone shows an impressive scorecard as you’ll see hereunder:
Calories 98
Carbohydrates 1 gram
Saturated fat 5 grams
Trans fat 0
Unsaturated Fat 3 grams
Protein 7 grams
Calcium 20 percent of your daily needs
Cholesterol 21 milligrams
Vitamin D Zero micrograms
The above summary reassures us that consuming some Provolone won’t hurt our efforts towards maintaining good levels overall health condition providing that moderate amounts are consumed wisely .
Health Benefits Of Provolone Cheese :
Hereunder are some important components found inside slice(s) of provolone cheese:
1. Protein
Provolone cheese is a good source of protein that can help build and repair muscles in our body. A small serving size of 28 grams (nearly two slices) contains around 7g of protein.
Protein is considered as the bricks for our bodies, which makes up many essential structures like blood cells, organs, hair, and nails.
2. Calcium
Another nutritional benefit found in provolone cheese is Calcium., calcium helps keep bones and teeth strong while playing an integral role in muscle function.
An ounce-sized slice of Provolone provides you with almost (10% to 20%) percent recommended daily intake(RDI).
3. Vitamin B12 :
Provolone Cheese naturally has this important vitamin; it plays a significant role maintaining healthy red blood cells along with controlling DNA production and promoting normal brain functions .
4 .Phosphorus
Furthermore we find amounts of phosphorus compound within Provolene ,an essential mineral participating strongly in bone health development along with its supporting kidney functionality status through proper circulation levels among other benefits .
5 .Sodium
Worth mentioning as well ;each serving slice contains roughly around 150 milligrams sodium promising elevated electrolyte balance maintenance inside every cell while taking required caution not over-consuming shares caused due ongoing generous salt presence inducing any unwanted outcomes if disregarded!
Are there Any Side Effects?
While consuming provolone cheese might offer some health benefits yet it doesn’t mean that enjoying large amounts won’t cause any negative effects-
Firstly overweight or obesity risks may occur leads to chronic diseases such diabetes type-2 alongside cardiovascular problems plus hypertension symptoms too arising from fatty foods being consumed heavily without limits..
Secondly fiber intakes may be negatively affected mostly leading towards excess indigeution issues causing diarrhea particularly among those who had ignored moderating themselves.
And thirdly allergic reactions could happen amongst people sensitive towards lactates -chemicals often met within provolone cheese of which they need to be aware before indulging in it .
Conclusion
Provolone cheese is a popular and versatile food that can provide some essential nutrients like calcium, protein, vitamin B12, phosphorous plus others from the list. As with other types of foods , having balance regarding consumption levels is essential as any excessive portions intake may lead to certain side effects stated above.
Nevertheless; people who enjoy eating various meals inclusive this flavorful semi-hard Italian originated type of cheese can reassure themselves on those benefits by consuming moderate amounts wisely .
In summary, provolone cheese can be considered as a healthy option when consumed in moderation. It provides the body with beneficial nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamin B12, phosphorous and moderate amounts of sodium.
However, excessive consumption of provolone may lead to negative effects such as weight gain or obesity which are associated with chronic diseases like type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses. Additionally, those who are lactose intolerant must be cautious before consuming this cheese.
Overall, provolone has been enjoyed globally because of its mild flavor and long-lasting shelf life. As we navigate through our daily lives with health-conscious decisions in mind; it’s perfectly fine to indulge ourselves every once in a while on pizza loaded with some mouth-watering melted Provolene among other dishes -as long as we’re mindful towards moderating consumptions levels that could help us reap its benefits without over indulging causing any unwanted side-effects!