8 Ways Cheese Can Help Your Body

Outside of being delicious, cheese provides 8 essential nutrients that support important functions throughout the body. One 1.5-ounce serving of cheese provides these essential nutrients, while the % Daily Value (DV) shows how much each nutrient contributes to your daily diet.

As a general guide, 10% DV or more is considered a good source, while 20% DV or more is an excellent source. The % DV is based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet.

Calcium builds and maintains strong bones and teeth.

2. Protein from cheese provides 15% of the Daily Value per serving.

Protein provides sustained energy, helps to build and maintain lean muscle and to maintain a healthy immune system. 

3. Phosphorus from cheese provides 10% of the Daily Value per serving.

Phosphorus builds and maintains strong bones and teeth and supports tissue growth.

4. Vitamin B12 from cheese provides 15% of the Daily Value per serving.

Vitamin B12 maintains healthy immune, blood and nervous system function and supports normal energy metabolism. It’s necessary for brain development during pregnancy and infancy; linked to cognitive function in childhood.

5. Niacin from cheese provides 10% of the Daily Value per serving.

Niacin is used in energy metabolism in the body.

6. Riboflavin from cheese provides 10% of the Daily Value per serving.

Riboflavin helps your body use carbohydrates, fats and protein for fuel.

7. Selenium from cheese provides 10% of the Daily Value per serving.

Selenium maintains a healthy immune system, with regulating metabolism and protecting healthy cells from damage.

8. Iodine from cheese provides 15% of the Daily Value per serving.

Iodine is necessary for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and
infancy, and is linked to cognitive function in childhood.

Whether paired with fruit, added to a sandwich or incorporated into a favorite recipe, cheese can be a delicious way to add essential nutrients to your day. As part of a balanced eating pattern, its combination of protein, minerals and B vitamins can help support your body’s everyday needs.

Adapted from National Dairy Council

References:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2016. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 28.
• Nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page, https://www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata; low moisture, part skim mozzarella (#01029).
• The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.