{"id":722,"date":"2024-07-18T17:17:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-18T17:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/friscotimes.org\/?p=722"},"modified":"2024-07-18T17:17:00","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T17:17:00","slug":"3-surprising-cottage-cheese-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/friscotimes.org\/?p=722","title":{"rendered":"3 Surprising Cottage Cheese Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"


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2024 has given us all a very unlikely social media superstar: Cottage cheese<\/a>. And it\u2019s not just online hype. In 2024, MyFitnessPal users logged cottage cheese 35% more times than they did in 2023.<\/p>\n

So far this year, a whopping 7 million pounds of cottage cheese have been logged by MyFitnessPal users around the world!\u00a0<\/p>\n

Influencers are using this retro ingredient to make flatbread<\/a>, pizza<\/a>, and even fudge<\/a>. The curds have morphed from a plain-Jane food you eat to lose weight and build muscle to the must-have ingredient of the moment.<\/p>\n

All this culinary creativity is happening because people know they need to get enough protein. Protein helps you feel full longer<\/a> and hold onto lean muscle<\/a> even as you lose weight.<\/p>\n

Cottage cheese is practically synonymous with protein\u2014about 25 grams<\/a> per cup\u2014but this versatile dairy product offers more than just protein. We got the nutrition scoop on cottage cheese, plus tips for incorporating it into your diet by MyFitnessPal registered dietitian Stephanie Tarnacki.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

1. It\u2019s a Probiotic Powerhouse<\/h2>\n

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that play a crucial role in maintaining gut health<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Just like yogurt, cottage cheese can be a good source of probiotics<\/a>. Just be sure to seek out a brand that says it contains \u201clive and active cultures\u201d on the label, says Tarnacki. \u201cThis ensures that there are live bacteria present that can aid in digestive health<\/a> by increasing the amount of healthy bacteria in your gut microbiome.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Including probiotic-rich foods in your diet can help improve digestion, boost the immune system, and enhance overall gut health, according to some research<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Dietitian Tip: <\/strong>Try adding a scoop to your morning smoothie, use it as a base for a creamy dip, or simply enjoy it with a sprinkle of fresh berries and a drizzle of honey to add some probiotics to your day. \u201cYou can even add it to sweet treats like pancakes and waffles,\u201d says Tarnacki.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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2. It May Help Prevent Certain Diseases<\/h2>\n

Regular consumption of dairy products like cottage cheese has been linked to a lower risk of several chronic diseases, like type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer<\/a>, including colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, gastric cancer, and breast cancer. Researchers think it might be due to bioactive compounds and essential nutrients found in dairy.<\/p>\n

Studies<\/a> suggest that dairy\u2019s calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients may help regulate insulin levels, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dietitian Tip<\/strong>: To maximize the possible benefits, Tarnacki recommends pairing your cottage cheese with whole-grain crackers or vegetables. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar and could potentially help prevent type 2 diabetes<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

3. It Can Help for Weight Loss<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re on a weight loss journey, low-calorie foods are dietary staples. Low-cal foods with tons of satisfying protein? That\u2019s where cottage cheese can really save the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n

One cup of cottage cheese has just 183 calories and 25 grams of protein<\/a>, making it a perfect snack or addition to meals without adding a lot of calories. Its high protein content also contributes to a feeling of fullness<\/a>, helping to curb hunger and reduce overall calorie intake.<\/p>\n

Dietitian Tip<\/strong>: To incorporate cottage cheese into a weight loss-friendly diet, consider pairing it with low-cal fruits and vegetables for a nutritious snack. \u201cOpt for the lower fat option to ensure you are getting all the benefits without all the fat,\u201d says Tarnacki.<\/p>\n

Fun fact<\/strong>: Did you know MyFitnessPal has one of the world\u2019s largest food databases, with over 19 million foods? Track your protein<\/a> and more on the app!<\/p>\n

Next time you\u2019re strolling the dairy aisle at the supermarket, consider picking up a package or two of cottage cheese to see how it can add variety, nutritional benefits, and (of course) plenty of protein to your daily meals and snacks.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Here are a few shopping tips from Tarnacki for the next time you\u2019re choosing a cottage cheese:\u00a0<\/p>\n