Curd useful properties. Cottage cheese - benefits and harms, beneficial properties for the body What is cottage cheese good for the body

Main character of this article, as you already understood, cottage cheese, its benefits and harms to the body, how it affects the health of women and men, whether older people need it and how important it is for children and pregnant women.

Cottage cheese is not an unfamiliar and little-known product, and I think that not only adults, but also children know that it is useful. I'm sure they often hear the following phrase from their parents: "Eat cottage cheese, it's very healthy." So why is it useful?

A little history about cottage cheese

But before we start talking about the benefits and harms of cottage cheese, let's look into the past of this product.

History is silent about how people learned to make cottage cheese, suggest that it was by accident, but this product has been known for a long time. There is a record of Roman scribes dated to the 1st century AD and it said that cottage cheese was a favorite product among different segments of the population.

According to an ancient legend, the god Krishna considered cottage cheese a gift from Mother - nature because of beneficial influence this product on the human body.

AT ancient Russia they also knew and loved cottage cheese, though they called it cheese, apparently since those times the name of a popular and beloved by many dishes has come to us - syrniki.

Under Peter I, hard cheeses appeared in Russia, and therefore it was necessary to separate the names of products. We borrowed from the Poles and Ukrainians, their version is cottage cheese, but we just changed the emphasis and got the Russian version - cottage cheese. Apparently, therefore, it is not forbidden to emphasize any letter “o”, so feel free to speak the way you are used to, this will not be a mistake.

Where did the word "curd" come from? Experts in this field associate it with the word "create" and there is an explanation for this. After all, before it appears on our table, it must be done, there is even an entry in one old book on nutrition - “cottage cheese was made from milk.”

Cottage cheese - benefits for the human body

In order to understand what benefits, and maybe harm, cottage cheese brings to our body, we will evaluate its composition.
Cottage cheese is a product obtained from milk, but not immediately, but in stages. First, curdled milk is made from milk, adding a special lactic ferment to it, and then, by heating, the liquid is separated - whey, and cottage cheese remains, a kind of milk concentrate, which took all the best from it.

Chemical composition of cottage cheese:

• vitamins A, B, C, D, PP;
• proteins;
• enzymes;
• fats;
• carbohydrates - lactose (milk sugar), galactose;
• minerals - the main phosphorus, calcium, iron, as well as many others, such as fluorine, zinc, selenium, magnesium, sodium, potassium;
• hormones.

Nutritional value of cottage cheese:

Well, the composition of cottage cheese is quite impressive, but before talking about the benefits of cottage cheese for a person, I would like to reveal a little information about some of its useful substances.

• Let's start with the most important nutrient that cottage cheese is rich in - protein. The protein found in cottage cheese is an animal protein, it contains a more complete and balanced composition of essential and non-essential amino acids when compared to vegetable protein sources. Also, vegetable protein during digestion can be accompanied by fermentation, bloating, and the formation of gases. When digesting milk protein, such negative factors do not occur.
• And now let's compare the proteins of cottage cheese and meat - of course, in meat products contains more protein, but it has such a disadvantage as a longer and more difficult digestion process, and for better absorption it is necessary to add vegetable food(greens, fresh vegetables). In its pure form, meat can cause the rapid multiplication of putrefactive bacteria in the digestive tract, which in turn can provoke serious intestinal diseases. Because of the milk protein, such problems do not happen.

Of course, if a person has good health, then such deficiencies in vegetable and meat protein will not cause much discomfort, but for people who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, with the functioning of the liver and kidneys, this can be a significant drawback. Therefore, for such people, cottage cheese will be an excellent source of protein; of all dairy products, it is the easiest to digest.

• What else is interesting about cottage cheese in terms of the protein it contains. There are proteins (proteins) that are digested for a long time, and there are easily digestible ones. Cottage cheese contains a complex protein, it contains both, so this product can be eaten at any time of the day, you just need to take into account its fat content.
• Speaking of fats, our body also needs them, you can read about it. The advantage of milk fat is that it is considered easily digestible, it is especially important for people with serious liver diseases to know that cottage cheese will be useful for them, unlike other fatty foods.
• By the content of carbohydrates - cottage cheese does not go ahead of the rest, it has a fairly low content. But, for example, for people with diabetes, this is a big plus.

Considering the nutritional value of cottage cheese, I have already talked about some of its beneficial properties and positive effects on our body. But this is only a small part of the benefits of cottage cheese.

1. We have already concluded that nutrients, which are in cottage cheese, are quite easily absorbed by our bodies. It also helps other foods to be more easily digested, so cottage cheese is good to combine with different foods, even with spicy foods. Cottage cheese is able to neutralize the effect of spicy foods.
2. If you care about the health of the cardiovascular system of your body, then cottage cheese will help you. It lowers cholesterol, participates in the process of blood formation, thins the blood, normalizes blood pressure, helps strengthen the heart muscle.
3. Cottage cheese promotes the formation of hemoglobin in the blood, reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, contributes to the overall strengthening of the nervous system, so cottage cheese is an excellent replacement for antidepressants.
4. The high protein content makes cottage cheese a product that works to improve our immunity, thereby protecting our body from bacteria, viruses, cancer.
5. Cottage cheese, or rather the beneficial bacteria that it contains, improve the microflora, so it is recommended to eat cottage cheese while taking antibiotics.
6. The antifungal effect of cottage cheese is used even in the fight against dandruff. To do this, you need to make a mask for the scalp from soft grated cottage cheese, although you need to walk with this mask for at least an hour.
7. We all know how important calcium is for the body, its deficiency can cause diseases such as rickets, osteoporosis and other diseases associated with the musculoskeletal system. But for the formation of a full-fledged skeletal system, phosphorus is also needed. So cottage cheese is rich in both calcium and phosphorus. It also strengthens hair, nails, teeth.
8. They said about the benefits for the hair, but cottage cheese is also very good for the skin. It is often used in cosmetology for various masks, due to the content of vitamins and trace elements necessary for the skin. For an example, watch one of the cottage cheese masks in the video:

Doctors from different areas recommend including cottage cheese in our diet for heart diseases and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as liver, gallbladder, etc. Do not exclude cottage cheese and nutritionists - low-fat cottage cheese is present in many diets for weight loss and is recommended for fasting days.

As you can see, the benefits of cottage cheese are obvious, and for everyone, regardless of gender and age. But I will still focus on some individual features cottage cheese.

The benefits of cottage cheese for children

Of course, cottage cheese is very useful for children. The balanced composition of useful substances of cottage cheese makes it an indispensable product of baby food, providing the child's body with harmonious growth and development.

It does not irritate the mucous membrane of the baby's stomach, so they begin to introduce it as complementary foods from the age of 6 months.

Health benefits of cottage cheese for women

• I have already talked about the antifungal effect of cottage cheese, so it is useful for women, as it can prevent thrush.
• Pregnant women should definitely include cottage cheese in their diet, it should actually be the No. 1 product, since it contains very important components for the normal development of the fetus, and will also make nutrition complete and without additional stress on the gastrointestinal tract for the woman herself. After all, if, for example, a pregnant woman does not consume dairy products in sufficient quantities, then the child will take the missing substances from the female body, and this will naturally affect the health of the pregnant woman, there may be problems with teeth, brittle bones and other negative effects.

• At a later age, especially during menopause, calcium deficiency begins in women, which can lead to problems with the musculoskeletal system, irritability appears - including cottage cheese in your diet can help the body cope with this difficult period in a woman's life.

Health benefits of cottage cheese for men

Cottage cheese contains casein protein, so this product is very popular with athletes, it is slowly broken down in the body, promotes muscle growth.

Vitamins of group B, as well as zinc and selenium, which are part of cottage cheese, contribute to the production of natural testosterone, so it is important for men to include cottage cheese in their diet for normal hormonal background and male power.

What is useful cottage cheese for the elderly

• In addition to the above-mentioned beneficial properties of cottage cheese, which have a beneficial effect on people of any age, I would like to note that cottage cheese helps older people cope with problems associated with high cholesterol.
• Often in the body of older people milk is not absorbed (lactose intolerance), there is not so much lactose in cottage cheese, so it, unlike milk, is easily absorbed.

Cottage cheese - harm to the body

We learned about the benefits of cottage cheese, whether there is harm from cottage cheese to a person.

Daily maximum rate consumption of cottage cheese for an adult - 200 gr.

Why such a limitation if it is so useful. I never get tired of repeating - every useful product has its own “but”.

1. The casein protein contained in cottage cheese contributes to the formation of edema, in particular swelling of the joints, and can also cause an autoimmune disease, so it is important to comply with the norm, especially for the elderly.
2. An excess of animal fats can contribute to clogging of the liver ducts.
3. Do not take cottage cheese if you are allergic to milk proteins.

The biggest "BUT" of this dairy product- this is its quality, because our body will benefit only from real cottage cheese, and not from the curd product, which is now so much in our supermarkets.

This concludes my conversation about cottage cheese, about its benefits and harm to the body. I hope the information was interesting and useful for you.

Elena Kasatova. See you by the fireplace.

Cottage cheese is a fermented milk product consisting of easily digestible calcium and growth. It is extremely important for children and the elderly, for people with tuberculosis, diseases of the bones, stomach, liver, kidneys.

How cottage cheese appeared

According to ancient records, mankind has been making cottage cheese for more than 4,000 years. Today it is impossible to say with certainty who and when made the first serving of cheese. Most likely, this product was “born” by accident. In principle, an ancient Eastern legend also talks about this. According to legend, an Arabian merchant, setting off on a journey through the desert, took with him a supply of milk. He kept the milk drink in a bag made from the stomach of a sheep. The rennet from the walls of the bag and the scorching sun did their job - the milk separated into whey and a thick sediment. In the evening, the Arabian found that the resulting serum perfectly quenches thirst, and a white thick substance with a delicious aroma is suitable as nutrient product. The merchant made the next portion of cottage cheese already consciously. Further, the legend says that travelers from Asia passed the art of cheese making to Europeans. And since then, mankind began to mass-produce cottage cheese and other types of cheese.

Neolithic cheese?

But still, not so long ago, scientists made a discovery that casts doubt on the veracity of the legend. The thing is that in Poland, archaeologists discovered ceramic gratings, which are about 7500 years old. “Well, what does cottage cheese have to do with it?”, You ask. And despite the fact that researchers from the University of Bristol found on this ancient find a large number of milk fat residues. This led scientists to think that ceramic products were used by ancient people to prepare or store dairy food. After a more detailed study of the find, the researchers suggested that these same gratings were once used to separate curds from whey.

According to archaeologists, cottage cheese was extremely important product for Neolithic people. Considering that almost the entire adult population at that time suffered from intolerance, then the ancients could use the fermented product without problems, saturating the body with nutrients from milk.

Presumably, in ancient times, people made more liquid cottage cheese. Part of it was eaten immediately, and the remains in clay pots were buried in the ground and fed on the product in winter.

Curd in Ancient Russia

It is known that cottage cheese was also cooked in Ancient Rome, India and Russia. In Rome, this type of cheese was revered by both the poor and the rich. In ancient times, people used this product with milk, honey and wine. But the Hindus believed that cottage cheese is the favorite food of the god Krishna, which gives strength and cures diseases. Therefore, there is nothing strange in the fact that this lactic acid product was part of many ancient rituals in India.

Russians made cottage cheese from curdled milk. The pots of drink were kept in the oven for several hours, then the contents were poured into cone-shaped linen bags and pressed down with a press. If our ancestors wanted to extend the life of the product, then several times they put the strained cottage cheese in a pot and sent it to the oven. The procedure was repeated until the cheese (namely, as cottage cheese was called in Russia) dried out completely. Then it was poured with melted butter and put into the cellar in earthenware. So the cottage cheese could be preserved for several months. By the way, in those days, drier cheese was more expensive.

Types of cottage cheese

Depending on the method of manufacture, it can be of several types:

By fat content, cottage cheese happens:

• fatty: 19 to 23%;
• bold (classic): 4 to 18%;
• lean: 2 to 3.8%;
• fat free: less than 1.8%.

Role in the body

Many of us understand that cottage cheese is good for health. But what exactly does this product do when it enters the human body? What role does he take on? Now let's try to figure it out.

Digestion

One of the main benefits of cottage cheese is the benefits for digestion.

Some studies have shown that it is able to treat infectious disease stomach. In addition, it is important to remember that all lactic acid products have a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, on which, without exaggeration, the state of the whole organism depends.

Immunity

Healthy intestinal microflora is a guarantee of strong immunity. Cottage cheese is one of the best sources of probiotics. Daily consumption of this product helps the body fight harmful fungi, including the Candida genus, strengthens the immune system and restores healthy microflora.

Bones and teeth

Like other dairy products, cottage cheese contains calcium, which plays a key role in strengthening bone tissue and tooth enamel. Phosphorus is also an important component of cheese. In combination with calcium, it promotes proper bone growth, which is especially important for children and adults after fractures. Regular consumption of this product prevents arthritis and osteoporosis.

Dandruff

Have you already tried all known ways to get rid of dandruff? It's time to try the cottage cheese. Dandruff is a fungal infection, and the fermented milk product has antifungal properties. Do you want to speed up your treatment? Then, in addition to eating, sour-milk cheese can be used as a mask for the scalp. Usually 1-2 procedures are enough to get rid of the problem.

stress and anxiety

Nervous system disorders are already a common part of life modern man. But depression and stress have an extremely negative impact on the functioning of the whole organism. And here cottage cheese also comes to the rescue. The whole secret is that the composition of the product contains substances that affect the areas of the brain responsible for emotional stress.

Excess weight

As already noted, cottage cheese contains significant reserves of calcium. And it, in turn, is extremely important for the production of the hormone cortisol in the body, the lack of which leads to obesity and hypertension. Would you like to lose weight? To do this, it is enough to eat about 500 g of cottage cheese daily. For this purpose, there is a special curd diet, the effectiveness of which has been tested by many losing weight.

Vessels and heart

The presence of cottage cheese in the daily diet can reduce the risk of coronary disease heart, regulate and strengthen blood vessels.

Leather

Cottage cheese can replace a whole arsenal cosmetics for the skin. To improve the color and texture of the epidermis, it is important to eat at least a small portion of sour-milk cheese every day. It is a source of vitamin E, zinc, phosphorus and other substances important for the skin.

You can also use a face mask. By mixing a little cottage cheese, flour and lemon juice, in just 15 minutes, you can restore radiance and softness to the skin.

Milk replacer

One of the important benefits of cottage cheese is that people who are intolerant to milk can side effects consume cheese and get the beneficial components contained in dairy products.

reproductive system

Some studies have shown that regular consumption of curd products affects the health of the reproductive system. Also, this product has the properties of an aphrodisiac, enhances libido and potency in men.

Curd Benefits:

• regulates blood pressure;
• lowers cholesterol levels;
• useful for fungal infections;
• effective for intestinal disorders;
• an important source of calcium;
• strengthens bones and tooth enamel;
• protects against cardiac disorders;
• reduces the risk of developing cancer.

• stimulates the immune system;
• relieves stress and anxiety;
• improves digestion;
• relieves hangover;
• provides energy;
• stimulates the brain and its functions.

Skin Benefits:

• promotes exfoliation of dead cells of the epidermis;
• gives freshness and radiance;
• makes the skin smooth;
• natural skin softener.

Hair Benefits:

• excellent product for dry and damaged hair;
• has the properties of an air conditioner;
• stimulates hair growth.

Side effects

Cottage cheese causes side effects very rarely, even in people with lactose intolerance. But still, organisms that are extremely sensitive to lactocomponents can react to this product with abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Allergic reactions are also possible in the form of skin rashes, shortness of breath, swelling, itching.

pure protein

Looking for a product that will provide the highest amount of protein possible? Consider what you have already found. To prepare a protein-rich dish, or more precisely, protein in almost “pure form”, you will need cod (fillet), low-fat cottage cheese, raw protein chicken egg and some onions. Pass all the ingredients through a meat grinder, mix, form meatballs or bake a casserole.

This dish is ideal for bodybuilders and people on a protein diet.

Curd: how to choose the right one?

When choosing cottage cheese, it is important to pay attention to:

• consistency;
• color;
• smell;
• taste;
• fat content;
• preparation method.

Fresh product, as a rule, crumbly, soft, spreadable, with a fresh smell and natural sour-milk taste. Low-fat varieties have a small amount of whey. Properly cooked cottage cheese usually white color with a creamy finish.

By the way, a product made by the acid-rennet method (grain) is digested a little longer than other types of cottage cheese. This is due to the increased viscosity of the cheese.

What's wrong with cottage cheese?

Sometimes you can find that seemingly fresh cottage cheese has an uncharacteristic taste or smell. These hints will help you understand what is wrong with the product.

1. Smell and taste of old.

It says that putrefactive bacteria have appeared in the product as a result of improper storage of cheese, non-compliance with production techniques or the use of bad sourdough.

1. Vinegar notes.

This uncharacteristic taste and smell for cottage cheese is caused by acetic bacterium. Appears when the product is kept warm.

1. bitterness.

Harmful bacteria and molds can grow in fatty curds, causing a bitter taste. The reason is non-compliance with production techniques. More precisely, during pasteurization, the milk was not heated enough.

Another very common cause of bitter curd is cow food. If the cattle ate bitter herbs, this would affect the quality of the milk, and then the quality of the cheese.

1. Too sour.

Excessive pressing of the product, incorrect (insufficient, untimely) cooling, the presence of antibiotics in milk or "chemistry" in the finished curd manifest themselves as an excessively sour taste.

1. Yeast flavor.

The composition of cottage cheese can get from or leaven for it. As a result (especially if the cottage cheese is kept warm), the fungus begins to actively grow and declare itself with a characteristic aftertaste.

The insipid product, devoid of the characteristic curd taste, indicates that a weakly active sourdough was used for its manufacture.

1. Too wet.

The reason is insufficient decantation and squeezing of the curd mass.

1. "Rubber" cottage cheese.

This effect can occur for two reasons. If too much rennet was used in the manufacture of the product or the milk was fermented at too high a temperature.

1. and mold.

It must be said right away that such a defect is dangerous to health. Appears if the product was stored in a damp room and without compliance with the rules.

How to cook yourself

A variation of cottage cheese from supermarkets is homemade cheese, which can always be bought on the market. But it is precisely this version of the product, as nutritionists say, that can be fraught with the most dangers if it is made from low-quality milk.

For greater confidence in the freshness and quality of the product, you can try to cook cottage cheese yourself. Moreover, there is nothing complicated in this recipe.

To prepare homemade cheese, you will need yogurt, which must be placed in a water bath for a while. When a protein lump forms in the liquid, drain the whey and place the cheese lump in a gauze or cloth bag. Press down with weight. When the excess liquid leaves, the cottage cheese is ready for use. Such a product, of course, will appeal to adults and children. But, most importantly, now you are confident in the quality and freshness of your cheese.

The finished product can be eaten without additives, with vegetables, fruits, sour cream or yogurt, added to salads, cooked from it cheesecakes, pies and pies, cookies, cheesecakes and desserts. In a word, everything that fantasy allows.

How to store

Cottage cheese is not intended for long-term storage. The manufacturer indicates safe terms on the packaging. Thermally processed cottage cheese retains its freshness the longest (up to 2 weeks). A product with stabilizers will “last” up to a week. And no longer than 36 hours live 18 percent and fat-free varieties, as well as curd products.

You can extend the life of cottage cheese up to several months if you freeze it. At the same time, it is important to maintain a stable temperature in the freezer. Any hesitation will make the cheese dry and with chunks of ice. You can restore tenderness to defrosted cottage cheese if you mix it with 50% cream or pour milk for 2 hours in a one-to-one ratio.

Curd is a unique product. It tastes equally savory and sweet. It is a nutritious food, which, however, promotes weight loss. And what is most interesting, being a dairy product, it is suitable for people with lactose intolerance. Scientists are still arguing about the age of cottage cheese, and the best chefs in the world compete in cooking skills. delicious food from fermented milk cheese - an almost ideal product in terms of its properties.

The beneficial properties of cottage cheese, a fermented milk product obtained by fermenting whole milk, followed by the removal of the released liquid (whey), are known to each of us. It is valued for its nutritional value, 100% digestibility, taste characteristics and medicinal properties.

Cottage cheese is consumed fresh or with all kinds of additives (pasta, sour cream, fruits, berries, jam, syrup, jam, confiture, honey, yogurt, cream, sugar, dried fruits, vanillin, cinnamon, garlic, leafy greens, vegetable oils, eggs, etc.).

It is also included in the recipe of many dishes prepared by baking, frying, whipping, boiling, grinding. The following cottage cheese products are popular in cooking: cheesecakes, casseroles, cheesecakes, pies, dumplings, pies, sweet curd mass, desserts, cold savory snacks, salads.

Useful properties of cottage cheese and calories

The undoubted benefits of cottage cheese for the body are due to the biologically active compounds present in it. The amount of fat in the product depends on the type and method of manufacture. Tocopherols, folic acid and vitamin B12 are found only in varieties of cottage cheese, the fat content of which is above 19%.

All types of cottage cheese contain casein - concentrated milk protein, carbohydrates (lactose), ash, small doses of vitamins (A, beta-carotene and group B, PP), mineral salts of sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, calcium, iron, phosphorus , amino acids (including methionine and tryptophan).

The calorie content of the product depends on the amount of fat present in it:

• fatty cottage cheese (19-23% fat content) has an energy value of 232 kcal / 100 g of the product;
• classic cottage cheese (9%) - 159 kcal / 100 gr;
• bold cottage cheese (5%) - 121 kcal / 100 gr;
• fat-free cottage cheese (less than 1%) - 79 kcal / 100 gr.

The regular inclusion of cottage cheese and dishes in the recipe of which it is included in the menu helps to increase the amount of hemoglobin and improve blood composition. The product activates the processes of regeneration of cells of the nervous system, thereby improving the conduction of nerve impulses.

Due to the high concentration of calcium, which is in a form easily accessible to cells, cottage cheese strengthens bone tissue.

Curd is especially valued for its diuretic properties - by activating urination, the body is freed from excess fluid in the tissues, which helps to eliminate edema of various origins. Methionine in the composition different varieties cottage cheese prevents fatty degeneration of the liver and the development of obesity in this organ.

A high concentration of readily available proteins (casein) contributes to an increase in muscle mass. Biologically active compounds in cottage cheese improve the body's resistance and condition immune system, normalize the microflora in the intestines and rid the body of toxins, toxins, decay products and fecal blockages.

Many housewives are concerned about the question, does cottage cheese lose its properties when frozen? Nutritionists agree that after proper defrosting, everything useful qualities product are saved. Cottage cheese is frozen at a temperature below -18ºС.

In this form, it can be stored for 6 to 8 months.

For eating, it is thawed for 10 hours, placed on the middle shelf of the refrigerator, after which the released liquid must be drained. Further, cottage cheese is used in the usual way - cooking or fresh inclusion in the diet.

Cottage cheese - benefits and harms to the body

According to experienced nutritionists, cottage cheese should be included in the treatment and preventive nutrition of patients with pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. The product has lipotropic qualities, that is, it improves lipid metabolism, making it indispensable in the diet of people suffering from obesity, atherosclerosis, and hypertension.

The product is required in the diet of both pregnant women and nursing mothers, and children, and adolescents, and adults, and the elderly suffering from osteoporosis. The need for cottage cheese increases with fractures and problems in the joints. Most athletes use this fermented milk product daily to build muscle mass and replenish protein deficiency.

Scientists have proven that the amount of enzymes and gastric juice secreted in the gastrointestinal tract for splitting cottage cheese is several times lower than when digesting whole or fermented milk. That is why cottage cheese, which does not irritate the walls of the stomach, is part of most diets aimed at treating diseases of the digestive system.

Benefits for Women

The benefits of cottage cheese for women are invaluable - thanks to the essential acids tryptophan and methionine, it normalizes the emotional background and improves mood, which is especially important during the period of hormonal changes in the female body (puberty, menstruation, PMS, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, menopause).

According to doctors, cottage cheese should be an integral part of the diet of pregnant women who especially need high doses of calcium, which is spent on building the baby's skeletal system. Healing components dietary species products are indispensable during lactation. They are completely absorbed by the mother's body and come to the newborn along with breast milk.

Particularly popular in last years Bought fat-free cottage cheese. Its benefits and harms lie in the minimum amount of fat and the technology of manufacturing from skimmed milk by lactic acid fermentation as a result of the introduction of starter cultures. Like all low lipid foods, it is useful in the diet of people seeking to slim down.

In low-fat cottage cheese, the maximum concentration of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin PP is noted. It is this type of product that most effectively strengthens bones, teeth, improves the elasticity of blood vessels, and heals the intestinal microflora.

Low-fat varieties are especially appreciated in dietary tables with limited fat intake, for example, diet No. 5 for pancreatitis.

Fatty types of cottage cheese, including country cottage cheese, are contraindicated in the diet of patients suffering from serious kidney diseases and having problems with the pancreas, as well as in situations where it is necessary to limit the intake of protein compounds and calcium.

It is undesirable to use cottage cheese with a fat content of more than 5% for those who follow a diet aimed at losing weight. Higher lipid concentrations can cause unwanted body fat gain. It is also worth abandoning a high-fat product for those who have an increased level of low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol).

According to the recommendations of experienced nutritionists, the daily serving of cottage cheese for an adult healthy person should not exceed 0.3 kg. High doses of protein compounds ingested with food can cause kidney problems. Children's portions depend on the age of the child and the recommendations of a qualified pediatrician.

The ratio of benefits and harms in cottage cheese is determined by the method of its manufacture and the quality of the product. Naturally, the maximum amount of biologically active compounds contains a product obtained at home by fermenting natural whole milk.

You should not eat cottage cheese with an expired shelf life, as pathogenic microflora, in particular E. coli, is actively developing in it. It is undesirable to purchase the product in places of spontaneous trade, since the sale of cottage cheese is carried out in unsanitary conditions. Also, when buying it from hands, from unverified sellers, you cannot be insured against their uncleanliness.

Give up sweet curd cheeses, so popular lately. They contain a lot of sugar, its substitutes, preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilizers, synthetic flavors, sweeteners. It is better to prepare a dessert for your child by whipping cottage cheese with honey, berries or fruits in a food processor, and sprinkling it with natural dark chocolate.

Be sure to include cottage cheese in the daily diet of adults and children. This will help prevent calcium leaching and relieve you of brittle bones, as well as strengthen the body and increase vitality.

Be healthy!

Cottage cheese is one of the most famous and useful fermented milk products. In addition to the taste qualities for which it is famous, cottage cheese has many healing properties for the body.

According to historical evidence, cottage cheese was known in ancient Rome. In Russia, it was traditionally obtained from curdled milk - ordinary sour milk, which was placed in a heated oven in a clay pot, after which the curdled curdled milk was poured into a linen bag so that the whey formed was glass. After that, the curd was placed under a press so that the whey was completely separated and a fairly dense mass formed. In a similar way, cottage cheese is prepared at home today.

• Bold (18% or more);
• Bold (diet soft, 9%);
• Non-greasy (up to 3%).

Cottage cheese is also distinguished by the way milk proteins coagulate. It happens:

• Acidic, usually made from skimmed milk. In this case, the protein is folded under the action of lactic acid, which is formed during lactic acid fermentation;
• Acid-rennet, prepared with the simultaneous use of lactic acid bacteria starter and rennet.

Composition of cottage cheese

The nutritional value of cottage cheese is higher than that of milk, since usually about 200 g of cottage cheese can be prepared from 500 g of milk. Besides, the nutritional value cottage cheese depends on its fat content. Yes, it contains:

• In fat - 15 g of protein, 18 g of fat, 2.8 g of carbohydrates;
• Bold - 18 g protein, 9 g fat, 3 g carbohydrates;
• In non-fat - 22 g of protein, 0.6 g of fat, 3.3 g of carbohydrates.

Curd contains:

• Vitamins - A, D, C and B vitamins;
• Minerals - iron, calcium, phosphorus;
• lactose (milk sugar);
• Enzymes.

Calorie cottage cheese

The calorie content of cottage cheese depends on its fat content. So, low-fat cottage cheese 0.6% contains 110-120 kcal, bold 9% - 169 kcal, fat 18% - 236 kcal.

The most beneficial for health is cottage cheese, which is low in calories and fat. Also, depending on the calorie content, cottage cheese is used both for diets and nutrition of athletes, and for preparing various dishes.

Useful properties of cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is an indispensable product for a healthy and nutritious diet. The beneficial properties of cottage cheese are due to the technology of its preparation, as a result of which two valuable components are extracted from it - milk fat and easily digestible milk protein. Milk protein (casein) has a high nutritional value and is able to replace animal proteins.

One of the beneficial properties of cottage cheese is the amino acids it contains, which are necessary for the prevention of liver diseases.

Cottage cheese is rich in phosphorus and calcium, without which the proper formation of bones and the skeletal system is impossible. These minerals are especially needed:

• With fractures;
• Children during the growth of teeth and bones;
• With hypertension and heart disease;
• With rickets;
• With kidney disease;
• Pregnant women;
• To old people.

Another useful property of cottage cheese is due to the lactic acid bacteria that it contains, which improve work. gastrointestinal tract and also normalize intestinal motility.

The benefits of cottage cheese

The benefits of cottage cheese as a source of calcium, amino acids and vitamins for children and the elderly have been proven. In addition, cottage cheese helps to normalize the functioning of the nervous system, increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood and can be used as a prophylactic for metabolic diseases. In baby food, the benefits of cottage cheese are noted when it is used as part of diets in the treatment of diseases of the kidneys, liver, digestive system, lungs and cardiovascular system.

The benefits of cottage cheese have also been proven:

• To increase the production of growth hormone. Back in the 70s of the last century, it was found that the use of proteins helps to increase the level of growth hormone;
• To reduce excess weight. Many studies confirm that cottage cheese and other milk proteins contribute to effective fat burning;
• To increase muscle mass. The amino acids of cottage cheese, providing the building of muscles and other tissues, are preferable to other sources of protein for building muscle mass. In addition, cottage cheese is rich in calcium, which contributes to an increase in testosterone levels, and, as a result, the rapid growth of muscle mass;
• As a prevention of atherosclerosis, since cottage cheese contains calcium and phosphorus salts, as well as methionine and choline.

Curd storage conditions

Cottage cheese is a perishable product. It must be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 2-3 days. Also, so that it does not deteriorate, it should not be stored in plastic bags. in the best possible way storage of cottage cheese is enameled or glassware.

It is recommended to freeze homemade cottage cheese for long-term storage. In this case, he does not lose his beneficial features, although the taste quality and become somewhat lower.

The use of cottage cheese

Cottage cheese as a source of easily digestible protein and calcium is recommended to eat daily up to 200 g.

Also, many nutritionists advise including it in various diets for weight loss:

• 400 to 600 g fat-free cottage cheese with 60 g sour cream, divided into four meals. In addition, during the day you can drink up to 100 ml of coffee or tea with milk and up to 2 glasses of rosehip broth;
• Three times a day, 100 g of low-fat 0.6% cottage cheese and 900 g of kefir, divided into six doses.

Eating cottage cheese before bed is a popular practice among bodybuilders and strength athletes. It is believed that during sleep, muscles recover and grow, and cottage cheese is a catalyst for these processes. Of course, in these cases, preference should be given to low-calorie low-fat cottage cheese.

Cottage cheese has long been used in folk medicine in the treatment of strokes, bruises, tumors. It is used for compresses, which are prepared from 2 tbsp. spoons of natural cottage cheese with 1 tbsp. a spoonful of honey. When treating burns, slightly warm cottage cheese should be applied up to three times a day to the burned area.

In addition, cottage cheese is also used for cosmetic purposes in the preparation of various creams and masks for the face and body.

With different calorie content, cottage cheese is widely used by culinary specialists all over the world. Many different desserts are prepared from it - cheesecakes, soufflés, cottage cheese, casseroles, muffins, cakes, cheesecakes and many other dishes.

Harm of cottage cheese

Cottage cheese does not cause harm in cases where you eat low-fat species with low calorie content. It is also necessary to carefully observe the recommended storage conditions and you should not eat cottage cheese that is stored longer than 2-3 days from the date of preparation.

Cottage cheese is considered a healthy product suitable for almost everyone. Cottage cheese can bring harm only in cases of individual intolerance to fermented milk products, as well as if it is eaten in excessive quantities.

Harm from cottage cheese can also occur with regular use of a “curd product”, in which starch and other third-party ingredients are added to increase calorie content and shelf life.

Cottage cheese is one of the most popular fermented milk products. It is an indispensable component of the diet of people of all ages. Its beneficial properties have been of interest to man since ancient Rome.

So much is known medicinal properties of this product, which can rightfully be considered unique.

What are the harms and benefits of cottage cheese, is it useful to eat it every day, than the usual one is healthier than fat-free, when is it better to use it - in the morning for breakfast, during the day or at night? Let's figure it out!

Beneficial features

For men

The benefits of this fermented milk product for men are also obvious, because protein. This is true for active strength exercises.

The use of cottage cheese has a positive effect on nervous system helps to cope with stress and overload.

Dairy products are good for potency, therefore, must be present on the table of any man.

For kids

In the first years of life, the protein acts building material for the child's body, so cottage cheese is indispensable in baby food.

Minerals, in which it is so rich, contribute to the growth and strengthening of bones and teeth.

Lactic acid bacteria help to form microflora, local immunity.

Babies who are on breastfeeding, curds should be given starting at 9 months. If your baby is formula fed, you can start at 7 months.

Complementary foods start with one teaspoon, daily increasing the portion.

What is useful for pregnant and lactating

What are the benefits of cottage cheese during pregnancy? While carrying a child, the expectant mother gives the child vitamins and calcium, the lack of which adversely affects her body.

Therefore, pregnant women need to eat cottage cheese. Its use has a positive effect on the development of the fetus.

However, from him will have to be abandoned if the child has an allergic reaction.

The program “Live healthy!” tells about the dangers and benefits of cottage cheese for the body:

We eat right

Let's try to answer the most FAQ: which cottage cheese is the most useful - fat-free or fatty, when is it more useful to eat it - in the morning, in the evening or at night?

The most useful fresh curd. Casseroles, cheesecakes, and other dishes also contain vitamins, but some of the lactic acid bacteria, proteins and amino acids die during heat treatment.

Do not abuse glazed curds, sweet curd masses, curds with additives. They will not bring benefits, and high calorie content will affect the figure.

Cottage cheese will benefit both breakfast and dinner, but do not eat it later than 2 hours before bedtime. If you like more fat, then eat it in the morning - it will bring more benefits.

Contraindications, precautions

Harm is determined by individual intolerance or stale product. Intolerance refers to the inability to digest the lactose found in dairy products.

In such people, the use of lactose causes diarrhea, pain, and bloating.

Cottage cheese can also cause a similar reaction in a healthy person who has consumed a stale product, since it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

Big risk to buy on the market: it may contain E. coli. Especially if you choose a fermented milk product for a child.

For an adult, 100-200 g per day is enough three times a week. Excessive consumption can sometimes adversely affect the liver and blood vessels.

This dairy product often causes allergic reactions, which manifest themselves in the form of a rash on the skin, runny nose, tearfulness, and sometimes swelling of the skin.

Cosmetic use

Curd is not only food product . It is used to make creams and masks that help fight the following problems:

• dry skin, peeling;
• inflammation, black dots;
• wrinkles, pigmentation.

For intense hydration and cleansing from dead cells prepare such a mask: 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese are rubbed with half a teaspoon of honey and.

The skin needs to be cleansed first. Then apply the mask in several layers, taking 5 minutes between applications.

After the last layer has dried, rinse off the mask with cool water, apply a nourishing cream.

To get rid of freckles, mix the main ingredient with lemon juice and yolk and hold on your face for 10 minutes.

Mask helps fight acne with the addition of herbs, egg white, honey and lemon juice.

In folk medicine also used like this useful product. To make the burn go faster, warm cottage cheese is applied to the sore spot three times a day. A compress with the addition of honey works well for bruises.

Varieties of cottage cheese diets for weight loss

Curd diets are very effective. They are easily tolerated, characterized by good results and lack of hunger.

Here are some ways to lose weight.

Curd-kefir diet. The daily diet consists of 500 g fat-free cottage cheese and 2 glasses. Food is divided into 5 meals. You can drink water, tea without sugar. Duration - 3 days.

It is allowed to eat 400 g of low-fat cottage cheese per day with the addition of bran, brewed in boiling water. You can eat berries, fruits and vegetables. In the morning and evening, a glass of kefir or fermented baked milk is allowed. Observed 5-7 days.

Cottage cheese diets with the addition to the diet are popular, eggs, yogurt, or. On average, a mono-diet helps to lose 500 g of excess weight per day.

About what can be a diet during pregnancy for weight loss, in our publication.

Everything you would like to know about the low-calorie and low-carbohydrate Japanese diet, in another material.

the consistency should be loose, homogeneous, and the color should be white or cream;

look at the expiration date;

give preference to plastic containers, which guarantee protection against bacteria, extend the shelf life.

Purchased cottage cheese is stored in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days at a temperature of +2 to +6 degrees. It is advisable to transfer it to a plastic or enamel bowl with a tight-fitting lid.

Homemade stored in foil or parchment and no more than 3 days.

When the product is hard, dry, or yellow color, has a bitter or sour taste, it is expired, you should not eat it.

To extend the shelf life, the product can be frozen. It will not lose its beneficial properties within a week. If the expiration date ends, make cheesecakes, casseroles, dumplings or pancakes from the leftovers.

Cooking at home

A quality product is obtained from natural homemade milk. Purchased pasteurized is not suitable, you need to find fresh whole.

First you need to wait for the souring of milk. To do this, add a crust of black bread or a couple of tablespoons of good sour cream to it and leave it for a day in a warm place.

Average From three liters of milk you can get about 1 kg crumbly useful substance.

When milk turns sour, thick lumps form on the surface, the milk is poured into a saucepan and put on fire. Heat the resulting yogurt for 10-15 minutes to separate the whey.

Remove the pan from the heat, discard the contents in a colander or cheesecloth, folded in several layers. Wait for all the serum to drain. This takes several hours.

You can enjoy a delicious and fresh fermented milk product. By eating fresh cottage cheese several times a week, you will forget about many diseases.. And the variety of dishes that can be prepared from this valuable product will greatly diversify your daily menu.

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