Why Parmesan cheese is useful for health: chemical composition, how many calories, harm

The benefits and harms of Parmesan cheese make it stand out from other foods. It is the official symbol of Italy and bears the DOP quality mark. A distinctive feature of the product is the preservation of the recipe for over 900 years. In cooking, it is valued for its unique taste and rich composition.

Parmesan production technology

Parmesan is an Italian hard cheese that matures for a long time. Its original name is Parmigiano Reggiano. The first written mention of it dates back to 1254 in Genoa. Cheese is made annually, from early April to mid-November. The main ingredient is milk from cows grazing in the pastures of the production area.

First, the vats are heated, and then renin is added to them. Under the influence of high temperature, a curd curd is formed from it. It is divided into tiny particles by its sharp movements.

After special processing, the curd is placed on a hemp cloth, after which it is dipped in whey. Putting it into wooden molds, excess whey is removed from the resulting curd. The next step is to spread the cheese mixture into molds. After 4 days of incubation, they are immersed in a barrel of saline. This is necessary to preserve the product. The cheese ripens throughout the year in a special room. It must be turned over and cleaned with a cloth every 10 days. The maturity of the cheese is determined by tapping with a silver hammer. On the finished product, you can find a mark indicating the place of its manufacture:

• Padua;
• Parma;
• Reggio Emilia;
• Bologna;
• Modena.

Parmesan holes typical of cheese should be absent

Cheese undergoes quality control before entering the market. A special commission evaluates its texture, taste, size and smell. Only after that a corresponding seal is put on the head of the cheese.

Parmesan cheese chemical composition

Parmesan cheese is considered one of the most hearty and healthy types of cheese. This is due to its rich composition. It contains 9 essential amino acids for the body. In addition, the product is considered a rich source of protein. 30 g contains 1/5 of its daily value. The chemical composition of Parmesan cheese includes the following components:

• pantothenic acid;
• vitamins B12, D3, PP and A;
• amino acids;
• biotin;
• micro- and macroelements (sodium, zinc, iron, manganese, selenium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and calcium);
• fatty acid.

The main feature of the cheese is its rich calcium content. Even when consumed in small quantities, it is able to fill the daily requirement for the substance.Due to the fatty acids in parmesan, it strengthens blood vessels and starts metabolic processes. The abundance of vitamins stabilizes the emotional state and improves immunity.

How many calories are in parmesan cheese

The calorie content per 100 grams of Parmesan cheese is 292 kcal. Compared to other varieties, it is significantly lower. That is why the use of Parmesan is allowed during the period of weight loss. At the same time, it perfectly replenishes the supply of energy and nutrients in the body.

Why Parmesan Cheese is Good for Health

Experts often recommend introducing parmesan into the diet for people with anemia, diabetes, tuberculosis and cancer. The product is easily absorbed by the body and is not stored in extra pounds. Among the most pronounced properties of cheese are:

• stimulation of peristalsis;
• antibacterial action;
• normalization of metabolic processes;
• nutrition of brain cells;
• restoration of the nervous system;
• arresting the development of pathogens;
• maintenance of visual functions;
• strengthening of the cardiovascular system and the musculoskeletal system;
• restoration of intestinal flora;
• help in losing weight.

The presence of this type of cheese in the diet ensures that energy reserves are maintained at the required level. Due to its high nutritional value, even a small portion of cheese relieves hunger for a long time. A large number of amino acids in the composition has a positive effect on metabolic processes. At the same time, the substances contained in cheese regulate the functioning of the digestive system.

Why Parmesan is good for women

Among the beneficial properties of parmesan for women, stress relief is distinguished. This is especially true in the premenstrual period and during menopause. Nutritionists recommend using Parmesan as a snack for women looking to lose weight. Due to its high nutritional value, it relieves hunger for a long time, but does not lead to weight gain. The product has a positive effect on the condition of hair, nails and skin.

Parmesan is considered one of the most expensive types of cheese

Parmesan during pregnancy

Parmesan does not belong to the category of foods prohibited during pregnancy. Due to the fact that it is easily absorbed, the likelihood of digestive disorders is minimal. In addition, it contains a lot of minerals necessary for the development of a child.

Can Parmesan be breastfed?

This type of cheese can be introduced into the diet of a nursing woman from 1 month of birth. It has the ability to increase the fat content of milk. This has a positive effect on the health of the child.

The benefits of parmesan for men

Parmesan is also recommended to be included in the diet of men. It contains substances that have a positive effect on erection and the quality of semen. Thanks to its high protein content, the product increases physical endurance and accelerates the muscle building process. To get the most out of it, it is enough to eat 50 g per day.

Why cheese is useful for children

Parmesan can be given to children over the age of 3. The daily norm is 15 g. The cheese can be used in sandwiches or as an addition to omelets, cereals and salads. It is advisable to pre-grind the product with a grater. Moderate consumption of Parmesan during childhood helps maintain calcium levels in the body and regulate digestion.

The benefits of parmesan cheese for weight loss

The benefits of cheese during weight loss are due to its ability to support metabolism. In addition, the product perfectly eliminates hunger and replenishes energy for a long time. It is impossible to eat a lot of cheese, so it does not contribute to weight gain.Due to the protein content, the use of Parmesan prevents a strong loss of muscle mass during weight loss. To speed up the process of weight loss, cheese is consumed in the first half of the day in the amount of 2-3 slices.

How to make Parmesan at home

Parmesan can be made by yourself. It will differ slightly from the purchased version. In order for the product to turn out as it should, you must follow the cooking technique.

Components:

• 8 liters of milk;
• enzyme;
• lipase;
• calcium chloride;
• thermophilic culture.

Cooking process:

1. The milk is heated in a water bath to a temperature of 30 ° C.
2. The remaining components are added to it, after which everything is thoroughly stirred.
3. The container is removed from heat, wrapped in a towel and left for 45 minutes.
4. After a specified time, an enzyme is added to the mixture. After half an hour, the mass should curl up.
5. After hardening, the formed clot is crushed into several small pieces. Then the container is again put on fire and brought to a temperature of 38 ° C. It is important not to allow the pieces of cheese to stick together.
6. The temperature is increased to 52 ° C while stirring the cheese in the opposite direction.
7. When the clots become more elastic, the fire is turned off. They must gradually descend. After that, the serum is decanted.
8. The resulting mixture is squeezed out with gauze and placed under a press.
9. The next day, the head of cheese is taken out of the mold and dipped in saline for a day.
10. The ripening process takes 2 weeks. For this, the cheese is stored in a room with a humidity of 75% and at a temperature not exceeding 15 ° C.

The product can be stored at room temperature for no more than a week

The use of parmesan cheese in cooking

Parmesan is especially common in traditional Italian cuisine. It is used for making pasta, salads, pizza and various soups. When baking second courses in the oven, cheese is used to form a golden brown crust. Parmesan is often used as an appetizer for red wine. It goes well with cold cuts, olives, tomatoes and herbs. The most successful gastronomic combinations include Parmesan with arugula, cherry tomatoes, eggplant and walnuts. Italian housewives add cheese crust to soups 5 minutes before cooking. This gives the dish an unusual spicy flavor. In addition, it is often used as a lasagna supplement. Before serving, Parmesan is chopped with a special knife. Due to the unusual granular structure, even slices are not obtained. Therefore, the product is not cut, but chipped off.

How parmesan differs from regular cheese

The main distinguishing feature of Parmesan is its piquant taste and firm grainy texture. It is famous for its nutty aftertaste. The longer the product is aged, the richer its taste becomes. In addition, parmesan is also distinguished by the production technology. It implies a self-pressing method.

Parmesan harm

Parmesan is healthy when consumed in moderation. Despite this, care should be taken with the product. It is high in sodium. In the elderly, the need for the substance is not high. Excessive consumption of Parmesan can lead to oversaturation of sodium, which can negatively affect health. You also need to take note of the contraindications for Parmesan.

Among them, the following are distinguished:

• enterocolitis;
• hypertension;
• allergy;
• pyelonephritis;
• stomach ulcer;
• excess weight;
• gastritis;
• urolithiasis disease;
• complicated toxicosis.

Allergies to dairy products are rare.To rule out possible allergic reactions, you should consume a small amount of Parmesan. Intolerance is indicated not only by skin rashes, but also by violation of the stool. In rare cases, swelling of the mucous surfaces is observed.

If the cheese begins to deteriorate, the damaged areas are cut off, and the rest is heat-treated

How to choose and store Parmesan

When choosing a product, you should pay attention to the presence of appropriate seals and inscriptions. The packaging must contain the abbreviation DOP. Also important is the "PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO" stencil marking. Next to it, in addition to the production date, is a unique serial number. If the cheese has minor defects, there will be horizontal lines on the package.

It is advisable to avoid vacuum packed cheese. It needs to be cut from the large head just before purchasing. It is imperative to pay attention to how the product is stored on the counter. He is able to absorb foreign odors. Therefore, there should be no other products next to it.

The degree of ripeness of the product can be determined by taste. Young cheese has a delicate taste with notes of flowers and herbs. Product from 22 months old is characterized by slight sweetness and a hint of piquancy. Instances over 30 months of age are spicy and tangy.

In a sealed vacuum package, cheese can be stored for up to 8 months. The most suitable place for storage is the refrigerator. After opening, the product must be wrapped in parchment paper and then in foil. In this form, he is able to maintain his benefits for six months. In its original packaging, cheese deteriorates very quickly. It can grow moldy or absorb unpleasant odors. In order to dispose of the spoiled product in time, the date of opening must be recorded after replacing the packaging.

Another way to store cheese is to wrap it in a wet cloth. From above it is covered with foil. As such, the cheese is placed in a plastic container with a lid. The freezer can also be used for storage. But the temperature should be between - 20 and - 15 ° C. The product is wrapped in parchment paper before being placed in the freezer. It is believed that the best preservation in this way can be achieved only with small pieces of cheese.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of Parmesan cheese are often the cause of controversy. But the high taste of the product is beyond doubt. Parmesan is equally delicious, both as an appetizer and as part of culinary masterpieces.