Cottage cheese - benefits and possible harm to the body. How is cottage cheese useful? Is it possible to eat it when losing weight and at night? Why is cottage cheese useful?

Cottage cheese (from the word “to create”) is a fermented milk product obtained by fermenting milk.

Preparation

Cottage cheese is one of the oldest fermented milk products known to mankind. The inhabitants of Ancient Rome, the ancient Slavs and many other peoples were involved in the preparation of cottage cheese.

History has not preserved for us how cottage cheese was first obtained. This probably happened at the very dawn of civilization, as soon as man began to use animal milk for food.

In Rus', cottage cheese was made from ordinary sour milk - yogurt. It was placed in a clay pot for several hours in a heated oven, and then taken out and poured hot into a linen bag to strain out the whey. Then they put it under a press and got cottage cheese. This method is still used today.

Compound

Cottage cheese contains protein, minerals, lactose (milk sugar), fat, enzymes, and vitamins.

In total, cottage cheese contains 12 vitamins: A, D, C and B vitamins. It also contains large amounts of calcium, iron, and phosphorus. At the same time, cottage cheese contains only 3% carbohydrates. From 500 g of milk, about 200 g of cottage cheese is obtained; accordingly, the nutritional value of cottage cheese is much higher than that of milk.

Properties and application

The beneficial properties of cottage cheese are determined by its healing composition. Milk protein - casein, contained in cottage cheese, has high nutritional value and can replace animal proteins.

The minerals contained in cottage cheese contribute to the formation and strengthening of bone tissue. The amino acids contained in cottage cheese help prevent liver diseases. B vitamins protect against atherosclerosis. Low-fat cottage cheese is included in many diets for weight loss and “fasting days.”

Unlike meat, cottage cheese contains no purines.

Lactic acid bacteria found in cottage cheese improve the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and normalize intestinal motility. It is useful for people suffering from diseases of the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system, and lungs. For people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is preferable to consume cottage cheese in processed form: dumplings, cheesecakes, etc.

Cottage cheese promotes the formation of hemoglobin in the blood and normalizes the functioning of the nervous system. Cottage cheese is used not only as a food product. It is used in the form of all kinds of masks, creams and ointments for the skin of the face and body. Burns are treated with warm cottage cheese.

Despite all the listed beneficial properties of cottage cheese, it should not be consumed more than 200 g per day due to its high protein content.

Cottage cheese is useful for almost everyone, with the exception of cases of serious kidney pathologies, or in cases where it is necessary to limit the intake of protein and calcium.

Cottage cheese is a perishable product, so it must be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2-3 days.

Interesting fact

The words “cottage cheese” and “cheese” are clearly distinguished in Russian only now. And earlier, in Old Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian and some other Slavic languages, the word “sir” meant both “cheese” itself and “cottage cheese”. Therefore, for a long time, everything made from cottage cheese was called “cheese” (for example, cheesecakes).

Calorie content and nutritional value of cottage cheese

Calorie content of cottage cheese 18% fat - 236 kcal, semi-fat 9% fat - 169 kcal, low-fat 0.6% - 110 kcal.

The nutritional value

cottage cheese 18% fat: proteins - 15 g, fats - 18 g, carbohydrates - 2.8 g,

half-fat cottage cheese 9% fat: proteins - 18 g, fats - 9 g, carbohydrates - 3 g,

low-fat cottage cheese 0.6% fat: proteins - 22 g, fats - 0.6 g, carbohydrates - 3.3 g

If you ferment milk and remove the whey that has separated out, you will get cottage cheese - a unique and multifunctional product. After all, it can be used in cooking, folk medicine and cosmetology. The benefits of this fermented milk product are beyond doubt, but there are categories of people who should refrain from eating it.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

Cottage cheese is usually classified into: low-fat, semi-fat, fat. The lower the fat content, the more protein and lactic acid the product contains, but less vitamins. Low-fat cottage cheese contains a minimal amount of lipids, and therefore it is often used by dieters. The following can be found in this fermented milk product:

• – up to 23%;
• fats – up to 18%;
• – up to 4%;
• beta-carotene;
• ascorbic acid;
• B vitamins;
• tocopherol;
• niacin;
• lactic acid;
• minerals (iron, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, etc.).

There are few fat-soluble vitamins in low-fat cottage cheese, but it contains more casein, a milk protein. The diverse and balanced amino acid composition allows this product to be classified as high-protein, and it is presented in an easily digestible form.

It contains many biologically active compounds and minerals, namely calcium. All this indicates that cottage cheese is a product with high nutritional value. As for calorie content, this indicator is directly influenced by fat content. 100 g of low-fat dairy product contains 71 kcal, and a similar amount of 11% contains 170 kcal.

Note! The amount of carbohydrates in this product is minimal, and they are mainly represented by milk sugar - lactose. If you are lactose intolerant, it is not recommended to eat cottage cheese, as it can cause digestive upset.

Cottage cheese and curd product: what is the difference

Granular cottage cheese

Real bio-cottage cheese is made from natural cow's milk, but in some regions goat's milk is used for this purpose. There are several production technologies, but in general terms the process looks like this: first the milk is fermented, then heated to a certain temperature (this is done to better separate the whey). Afterwards, excess moisture is removed, or as they say in the village - “strained out”. Natural cottage cheese is:

• fat (18-23%);
• classic (4-17%);
• low-fat (1.5-3.8%);
• low fat.

In addition, you can find on sale:

1. Peasant or grain(prepared from skim cow's milk - skim milk with the gradual addition of cream and table salt).
2. Albumin (the raw material for its production is cheese whey containing albumin and a record amount of minerals).
3. Calcified or dietary(prepared using calcium chloride, which acts as a catalyst).
4. Homemade (prepared without the use of starter - milk is fermented naturally, due to lactic acid bacteria).

Composition of the curd product

There is a difference between bio-cottage cheese and curd product, because the latter contains components of plant origin, which are not always beneficial for the body. These include: vegetable oils (often palm and palm kernel oils), preservatives, stabilizers, soy protein, synthetic flavors, sweeteners.

If the curd contains: sour cream, sugar, raisins and other harmless ingredients, then it also cannot be considered cottage cheese, because its composition should not contain “anything superfluous”, with the exception of salt, pasteurized cream and substances that act as catalysts.

The benefits of cottage cheese for the female body

This fermented milk product is endowed with lipotropic properties, which means that its regular consumption is recommended for people suffering from hypertension and obesity. It must be included in the diet of patients with pathologies of the liver, heart and blood vessels.

Also, its judicious use is recommended for older people who often suffer from osteoporosis, teenagers and athletes, and especially for people who have been victims of fractures and joint diseases. But cottage cheese brings particular benefits to the female body, which periodically undergoes serious hormonal “shocks”.

The composition of biocottage cheese includes the essential ones - methionine and tryptophan, which help normalize hormonal levels. Every woman’s body undergoes hormonal changes regularly:

• during puberty;
• during menstruation, which is almost always preceded by premenstrual syndrome;
• during pregnancy;
• in the postpartum period;
• at .

According to doctors, cottage cheese must be included in the diet of a pregnant woman, because during this period her body needs calcium, which is necessary for the formation of the skeleton of the unborn child.

An increased need for calcium also occurs during lactation, because breast milk contains this macroelement in large quantities, and it is necessary to ensure its “uninterrupted supply.”

Important! Cottage cheese prevents thrush and is recommended to be eaten by everyone who is forced to eliminate various diseases with the help of antibiotics.

Low-fat cottage cheese is the best option

This is so because this product is made from skim milk (skimmed milk), which is fermented without the use of substances that accelerate the process of lactic acid fermentation. Only the starter is added to the return!

Low-fat cottage cheese contains a lot of minerals, vitamin PP and protein, but little fat, and therefore it is often included in the diet of adherents of a healthy lifestyle. It has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, increases the elasticity of blood vessels, strengthens bones, nails, hair and teeth. But most importantly: low-fat cottage cheese is a worthy alternative to antidepressants.

The use of cottage cheese for a number of diseases

Gastritis with high acidity. There are no special contraindications, because cottage cheese is a high-protein fermented milk product that is easily digestible. It is recommended to include it in dishes such as puddings, casseroles, dumplings, cheesecakes, baked in the oven, and it should not be sour or old. If the disease is in the acute stage, then you should not eat such dishes for two or more days.

Pancreatitis. For people suffering from acute pancreatitis, a medical measure such as fasting is provided, which is prescribed immediately upon arrival at the hospital. When the patient comes out of this state, he needs easily digestible protein foods. And cottage cheese is the best option here, and it can be used both in its pure form and as part of dishes.

For chronic pancreatitis and its exacerbations It is recommended to eat low-fat cottage cheese, gradually replacing it with low-fat or classic cottage cheese, but provided that the patient does not experience side effects such as heartburn or diarrhea.

Gout. The range of products for gout patients is limited, and this list includes low-fat cottage cheese, which can be part of the daily diet or dietary menu during exacerbations. In this case, it is recommended to carry out fasting days, for example, cottage cheese and kefir days. It is understood that a person should eat 400 g of low-fat cottage cheese and 500 g of kefir.

Constipation. Persons suffering from this should not eat curd products containing thickeners. If this problem is not caused by any diseases, then fermented milk products, which include cottage cheese, can take over the function of mild laxatives.

For a stronger effect, it is recommended to give preference to a product with a fat content of at least 5%. Low-fat bio-cottage cheese only aggravates the situation, but if it is consumed with useful additives (prunes and) and at the same time following the drinking regime, then there is a chance to eliminate fecal stagnation. If the cause of constipation is a hormonal imbalance, a neoplasm in the intestines, or a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, then cottage cheese is powerless here.

Cottage cheese masks

Rejuvenating cottage cheese masks

This fermented milk product can be included in masks intended for all skin or hair types. To enhance its effect on the dermis and hair follicles, additional ingredients are used.

Rejuvenating face mask

Mix 1 tbsp. l. cottage cheese (preferably full-fat) with the same amount of honey, add to the mixture half a teaspoon of vegetable oil (preferably olive) and a few drops of a fortified preparation, presented in the form of a solution. The components must be mixed thoroughly. Apply the mixture to your face and wash off after 15 minutes without using soap.

Hair mask with cottage cheese and egg

Helps make hair elastic, more hydrated and healthier in appearance. To prepare an effective mask you will need 2 tbsp. l. olive oil, 2 eggs and 50 g of fat cottage cheese. All ingredients must be mixed with a blender (mixer). Distribute the resulting mixture evenly over dry, clean hair. Put on an insulating cap. After two hours, you need to rinse your hair thoroughly using a pre-prepared rinse.

Homemade cottage cheese recipes

From a product created using “home technology” you can create any dish: casserole, cheesecakes, pies, dumplings, juices, cookies and much more. But to do this, you first need to prepare the cottage cheese itself.

How to make cottage cheese from kefir in a slow cooker

The quality of “store-bought fermented milk” is often questioned, therefore, if you decide to make homemade cottage cheese, you need to purchase kefir of any fat content from a trusted manufacturer. If you “catch your eye” on shelf-stable kefir, then you should refuse to buy it - such raw materials are not suitable. A multicooker is necessary to heat kefir to a certain temperature, upon reaching which the curdling process will begin. A liter of drink yields approximately 200 g of excellent cottage cheese:

1. Carefully pour kefir into the multicooker bowl.
2. Set the device to the “Keep Warm” mode.
3. Wait until the temperature of the kefir reaches 600°C, which will be signaled by the beginning of the formation of flakes.
4. It is necessary to stir the mass periodically, and when a large amount of whey appears, the multicooker must be turned off.
5. Remove the bowl and let its contents cool.
6. Pour the mixture into a colander previously lined with gauze.
7. Tie the ends of the gauze and hang the bundle for a day.

Cottage cheese with garlic and herbs

This light snack is an excellent way to lose weight because it contains ingredients that are beneficial for your figure and health. For those losing weight, it is best to use low-fat cottage cheese. For 400 g, take a circle of lemon, 2 cloves of garlic and a good bunch of any greens, with the exception of green onions. The ingredients are crushed in a blender in the following sequence: garlic, herbs, lemon, cottage cheese. You can add fresh cucumber to this snack.

Cottage cheese is a protein, which means you can eat it at any time of the day (including at night), without the risk of ruining your figure.

Contraindications

Fatty cottage cheese should not be eaten by people who are prone to obesity and who closely monitor their weight. Also, it is contraindicated for persons suffering from diseases of the kidneys, pancreas, and blood vessels (atherosclerosis).

If the buyer is not sure that the cottage cheese is fresh, then it is not worth purchasing it, because E. coli multiplies at an accelerated pace in it, since the product is ultra-perishable. The maximum daily portion for a healthy adult is 300 g.

Who is not familiar with such a wonderful fermented milk product as cottage cheese? We start using it from early childhood. Cottage cheese is extremely healthy and necessary for everyone, children, adults, and old people. Many people love cottage cheese for breakfast; they eat it with berries, sour cream, honey, adding nuts and raisins. Cottage cheese with herbs, an unusually healthy dietary dish, also found its fans. Some people prefer to eat this dairy product salted. Casseroles, cheesecakes, sochni, cheesecakes, cottage cheese cookies, dumplings - this is an incomplete list of dishes that are made from cottage cheese, used as a filling for pies, buns, added to eggplant rolls, and even mixed with wine.

Composition, content of vitamins, micro, macroelements

Cottage cheese is an extremely healthy, easily digestible product with high nutritional value. It is rich in calcium, necessary for bones and teeth, and contains casein protein, which supplies the body with amino acids for a long time, thus providing a person with a feeling of fullness for a long time. In addition, casein has a lipotropic effect, that is, it normalizes fat metabolism and lowers cholesterol. There is a lot of magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium in cottage cheese; there is copper, sulfur, zinc, and fluorine. This is a dietary product containing some fat: in low-fat - up to 0.5%, in fat - usually 18%.

Cottage cheese is rich in vitamins: A (needed for vision, immunity), niacin (has vasodilating properties, helps maintain the stability of the nervous system), D (promotes the absorption of calcium), E (tocopherol is a powerful antioxidant, prevents aging), B1, B2, B6, B12 (activate brain function, necessary for skin, tissue repair).

There is such an amino acid in cottage cheese - methionine, it protects the liver from fatty hepatosis (degeneration).

Calorie content of cottage cheese

The energy value of cottage cheese is not high, depending on the fat content, ranging from 76 to 216 kcal. Unlike cheeses, cottage cheese is low in calories and is recommended for those who are on a diet. It is especially useful for pregnant women, athletes, and anyone who wants to get a lot of easily digestible protein, healthy vitamins, and just a little bit of fat. For comparison, cheeses typically contain 45-55% fat or more.

Cottage cheese - why is it so useful?

• The benefits of cottage cheese stem from the very recipe for its preparation; during fermentation, all the beneficial substances needed by the body are separated from the milk and remain in the finished product - cottage cheese. Thus, cottage cheese is much more valuable than milk, in addition, cottage cheese is suitable even for those people who experience bloating and heaviness in the stomach from milk.
• Cottage cheese proteins are absorbed much easier and faster than those from meat or legumes. To break down meat, additional enzymes are required; when legumes are digested, dyspepsia often occurs, such as increased gas formation, heartburn and other troubles.
• Incredibly rich in the mineral calcium, which is needed by both adults and children. If there is a sufficient amount of this mineral in the body, then the bones, teeth, and nails will be strong, healthy, and durable. A person is not at risk of broken bones, caries, and his nails will stop peeling.
• Cottage cheese is a well-balanced product; all minerals and vitamins are present in it in the proportion required for the body. Regular consumption of cottage cheese gives strength and improves tone.
• Cottage cheese protein, casein, is a slow protein, that is, it is absorbed gradually and over a long period of time. Thus, cottage cheese is a good choice for athletes (promotes muscle growth) and people who want to lose excess weight (prevents the breakdown of muscle proteins).
• Despite the small amount of calories, cottage cheese keeps you full for a long time. This means that a person will not snack and will be able to lose weight more easily.
• Restores the nervous system. The person becomes calmer, more positive, even peaceful.
• Improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach, intestines, and pancreas begin to function more harmoniously. Cottage cheese can even relieve heartburn and reduce discomfort after spicy food.
• Indicated for gastritis and ulcers, as it does not irritate the stomach, but rather contributes to its better functioning.
• Useful for dieting, especially low-fat cottage cheese. The extra pounds fly away very quickly, losing weight is easy, and the feeling of hunger hardly bothers you.
• Cottage cheese is undoubtedly beneficial for children. It is given to children starting from the 6th month of life, always homemade, of course, in case of milk tolerance.
• Cottage cheese is necessary during pregnancy. While waiting for a baby, the need for calcium increases, it also goes to the baby, and the woman herself should consume more dairy products to keep her teeth healthy.
• Good for the liver. The amino acid methionine, found in cottage cheese, protects the liver from fatty hepatosis.
• Cottage cheese is necessary for people with metabolic disorders, obesity, gout, and thyroid diseases.
• Prevents pancreatic diseases, low-fat - indicated after pancreatitis for a quick recovery.
• Necessary for older people, as it replenishes calcium deficiency, which leads to brittle bones, loss of teeth and hair. According to research, after 45 years, the need for calcium increases.
• Indicated for hypertensive patients, they need to reduce salt intake, so it is preferable to replace cheeses with cottage cheese.
• Helps lower blood cholesterol levels.
• Improves mood, brings a person into a state of harmony, all this thanks to the high content of the most beneficial vitamin B2. In addition, riboflavin accelerates the regeneration processes of the epidermis. This means that any wounds or skin damage will heal very quickly.
• Cottage cheese is used in cosmetology. Facial masks with cottage cheese, sour cream and honey are very effective. The skin simply transforms, becomes younger before our eyes, dryness goes away, wrinkles are smoothed out.
• The whey from cottage cheese is also valuable. It has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, cleanses the intestines, removes toxins, stimulates the liver and kidneys, and promotes easy weight loss.
• Goat cottage cheese is richest in protein, calcium, B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus; low-fat varieties are healthier.
• Fresh cottage cheese is used for burns; it is applied to the burned area and covered with a cotton cloth on top. The burn heals quickly without a trace.
• Cottage cheese is also used to treat sore joints by mixing it with horseradish root and applying compresses.

What is useful for men

Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, vitamins A and group B. The benefits of cottage cheese for muscle growth are invaluable. The casein protein contained in cottage cheese is absorbed gradually and slowly, so muscles grow even at rest and during sleep. It is very useful to use this fermented milk product for male bodybuilders, as well as for all those who play sports or simply lead an active, energetic lifestyle. The formation of muscle mass will occur much faster with regular consumption of cottage cheese. Also, this product gives a feeling of fullness for a long time, so nothing will distract a man from important matters.

What is useful for women

Cottage cheese is necessary for all women who dream of a beautiful figure, luxurious hair, strong nails and velvety skin. It contains a lot of B vitamins, protein and very little fat. If you enjoy cottage cheese at least 2-3 times a week, then soon you will not be able to take your eyes off your reflection in the mirror. The figure will become slimmer, the hair will become thicker and stronger, the skin will become soft and radiant. Cottage cheese and dishes made from it are good for teeth.

Cottage cheese is especially needed for pregnant women; at this time, the body consumes calcium for two, and often suffers from toxicosis and heartburn. Regular consumption of cottage cheese will nourish a woman with calcium and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract; the unpleasant effects of toxicosis will no longer bother the expectant mother. Unlike meat, which is often aversion to while expecting a baby, cottage cheese is usually much better tolerated, so protein will enter the body in a timely manner.

Cottage cheese eaten at night: benefit or harm?

Cottage cheese is rich in amino acids and milk protein - casein, which breaks down extremely slowly. If you eat a little cottage cheese shortly before bed, you will prevent the catabolism of muscle mass. During sleep, growth hormone is produced - this is a powerful fat burner; excess weight melts if you spend at least 8-9 hours in a row in bed. Eating a small portion of cottage cheese before bed will help this process, while the muscles will not be destroyed, and the fat will begin to disappear. The main thing is not to overdo it, a small portion - 100-120 grams is enough.

Benefits of cottage cheese

With milk and sour cream

Sour cream contains a lot of phospholipids, which help normalize fat metabolism; it also contains little cholesterol. Sour cream is rich in biotin, beta-keratin, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Its composition is truly impressive. Milk has a sedative effect on the body, calms you down, relieves insomnia, and helps fight migraines. Both cottage cheese, sour cream, and milk are incredibly rich in calcium, so this trio is an excellent option for those who have decided to improve their health and, in particular, nourish the body with a useful mineral - calcium;

With honey

An incredibly healthy treat, and very tasty. Honey is rich in antioxidants and biologically active substances. Cottage cheese is rich in calcium, phosphorus and protein. By consuming cottage cheese in tandem with honey, we strengthen the immune system, increase the body's defenses, and compensate for the lack of the most beneficial vitamins, micro and macroelements;

With raisins

The health benefits of raisins are significant. The potassium and magnesium it contains improve heart function. Raisins help lower blood pressure and reduce swelling. This is a good antitussive remedy. Raisins are indicated for hair loss. It is used for anemia and fever. Raisins are necessary for pregnant women with low hemoglobin and iron deficiency. Cottage cheese and raisins complement each other, resulting in a truly healing delicacy;

With banana

Bananas, first of all, are an excellent source of potassium, necessary for the brain, heart, and muscles. Bananas are rich in various vitamins: C, E, A, PP, group B. They are useful for hypertension, gastrointestinal diseases, and help restore strength after physical exertion. The combination of cottage cheese and banana is an excellent remedy for those who want to improve their health, become stamina and stronger;

With kefir

Kefir, like cottage cheese, contains calcium and a lot of B vitamins, while it is low in calories and is recommended for those who are on a diet. Kefir has the ability to relieve tension, balance the nervous system, and calm. The combination of kefir and cottage cheese is suitable for those who zealously monitor their health, are afraid of gaining weight and want to get one benefit from the products.

What are the benefits of grain cottage cheese?

Grain cottage cheese is extremely tasty and everyone likes it. It is low in calories, high in protein, has a reduced amount of fat, and is easier to digest than usual. Suitable for children, can be used in dietary and sports nutrition. Grain cottage cheese is an excellent remedy for restoring strength after overwork, during periods of increased stress. It is indicated for people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidneys.

Harm, contraindications of cottage cheese

It is difficult to say who is contraindicated for such a wonderful product as cottage cheese. It is too wonderful, it can rightfully be called, probably, an ideal food product. However, in some cases it can cause harm; let’s take a closer look.

• Individual intolerance, which, by the way, is very rare. Such people, unfortunately, will have to give up this fermented milk product.
• Don't overeat yourself with cottage cheese, otherwise you might feel bad. 200-270 g per day is quite enough, no more is needed, the body will receive all the benefits, it will be harder for it to absorb the excess.
• Patients with atherosclerosis and people with serious kidney diseases should reduce their consumption of cottage cheese, as it is difficult for them to absorb a lot of protein.
• Cottage cheese can be harmful if it was not fresh when purchased. Cottage cheese poisoning is a very dangerous matter. You need to be more careful when purchasing cottage cheese, carefully check the expiration dates.
• For gastritis, sour cottage cheese is contraindicated; stomach discomfort may occur.
• Be careful when making cottage cheese at home, on your own. If you introduce harmful bacteria into the cottage cheese during its preparation, then it will not end well.
• Natural cottage cheese is stored for only 72 hours; if there are doubts about how long it has already been lying on the counter, or in what conditions it was packaged, then it is better not to take it, you can simply get poisoned. It happens that the package indicates a shelf life of a month; with the help of the membrane filtration process, cottage cheese can actually acquire a shelf life of a month, but almost all the benefits from it will already evaporate.

Answers to popular questions

Cottage cheese should be included in every person's diet. The main thing is to decide which one. Low-fat contains much more protein and calcium than regular, there is almost no fat, but it is devoid of vitamin A and beta-carotene. Fat cottage cheese boasts a high content of these vitamins, but calcium is much less absorbed from it. Thus, low-fat cottage cheese is more beneficial, but full-fat cottage cheese is also worthy of attention, at least once a week. People with liver and pancreas diseases, or those suffering from excess weight, are better off focusing on low-fat cottage cheese.

Will low-fat cottage cheese help you lose weight?

Low-fat cottage cheese is an excellent product for those who want to lose weight. It contains a lot of calcium, the deficiency of which leads to slow digestion of food, improper distribution of fats, and ultimately to weight gain. Thus, we can conclude that cottage cheese is able to increase metabolism. The casein it contains will also help you lose weight, as this protein breaks down very slowly, helping to maintain a feeling of fullness for a long time. You should eat no more than 300 g of low-fat cottage cheese per day, dividing this amount into 4-5 servings.

What are the benefits and harms of cottage cheese for the elderly?

The benefits of cottage cheese for older people are invaluable. According to research, after 45 years of age, the need for calcium increases, bones become more fragile, and the likelihood of osteoporosis increases with age. It is very advisable for people of advanced age to regularly enjoy cottage cheese, preferably low-fat, since fatty cottage cheese contains less calcium and is much higher in calories, and with age, metabolism slows down.

How much cottage cheese can you eat per day?

There is no need to eat cottage cheese in excess; 200-270 g per day is enough. It is better to eat this amount in 2-4 doses.

Let's sum it up

Such an amazing product as cottage cheese should undoubtedly be included in the diet of all people, from six-month-old babies to old people. Cottage cheese is incredibly healthy, rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins. Choline normalizes cholesterol and helps strengthen protective cell membranes. Eating cottage cheese has a positive effect on the nervous system. Thanks to calcium and phosphorus, bones, nails and hair are significantly strengthened. Cottage cheese helps get rid of edema, regulates blood sugar, and helps lose annoying excess weight.

News that helps!

Cottage cheese is one of the popular fermented milk products. It is an indispensable component of the diet of people of all ages. Its beneficial properties have interested people since the times of Ancient Rome.

So many medicinal properties of this product are known that it can rightfully be considered unique.

What are the harms and benefits of cottage cheese, is it healthy to eat it every day, is regular cottage cheese healthier than low-fat cottage cheese, when is it better to eat it - in the morning for breakfast, during the day or at night? Let's find out!

Beneficial features

For men

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

Eating cottage cheese has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and helps cope with stress and overload.

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

For children

In the first years of life, protein acts as a building material for the child’s body, therefore Cottage cheese is indispensable in baby food.

The minerals in which it is so rich are promotes growth and strengthening of bones and teeth.

Lactic acid bacteria help form microflora and local immunity.

For babies who are breastfed, curds should be given starting from 9 months. If the child is fed formula, you can start at 7 months.

Complementary feeding begins with one teaspoon, increasing the portion daily.

Benefits for pregnant and lactating women

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 has a detrimental effect on 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 refuse if the child has an allergic reaction.

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

We eat right

Let's try to answer the most frequently asked questions: which cottage cheese is the healthiest - low-fat or full-fat, and when is it healthier to eat it - in the morning, in the evening or at night?

Fresh cottage cheese is most useful. Casseroles, cheesecakes, and other dishes also contain vitamins, but some of the lactic acid bacteria, proteins and amino acids die during heat treatment.

You should not overuse glazed cheeses, sweet curds, or curds with additives. They will not bring any benefits, and the high calorie content will affect the figure.

Cottage cheese will be beneficial for both breakfast and dinner, but you shouldn’t eat it later than 2 hours before bedtime. If you like it more fatty, then eat it in the morning - it will bring more benefits.

Contraindications, precautions

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

In such people, consuming lactose causes diarrhea, pain, and bloating.

Cottage cheese can cause a similar reaction in a healthy person who has consumed a stale product, since it becomes a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria.

Buying from the market is a big risk: it may contain E. coli. Especially if you choose a fermented milk product for a child.

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

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

Use for cosmetic purposes

Cottage cheese is not only a food product. It is used to prepare creams and masks that help fight the following problems:

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

For intense hydration and cleansing The following mask is prepared for dead cells: 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese are ground with half a teaspoon of honey and.

The skin must first be cleaned. Then apply the mask in several layers, taking breaks between applications for 5 minutes.

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

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

A mask helps fight acne with the addition of herbs, egg whites, honey and lemon juice.

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

Types of cottage cheese diets for weight loss

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

Here are several ways to lose weight.

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

You are 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. A glass of kefir or fermented baked milk is allowed in the morning and evening. Observed for 5-7 days.

Diets made from cottage cheese with addition to the diet are popular, eggs, yogurt, or . On average, a mono-diet helps you lose 500 g of excess weight per day.

Read about what a diet during pregnancy can be for weight loss in our publication.

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

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

look at the expiration date;

give preference to plastic containers, which guarantee protection from bacteria and extend shelf life.

Stored cottage cheese 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 container with a tight-fitting lid.

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

When a product is hard, dry, or yellow in color, has a bitter or sour taste, it is expired and should not be eaten.

To extend shelf life, the product can be frozen. It will not lose its beneficial properties within a week. If the shelf life is running out, make cheesecakes, casserole, dumplings or pancakes from the leftovers.

Cooking at home

A high-quality product is obtained from natural homemade milk. Store-bought pasteurized ones are not suitable; you need to find fresh, whole ones.

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

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

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

Remove the pan from the heat, drain the contents into a colander or cheesecloth folded in several layers. Wait until all the whey has drained away. This takes several hours.

You can enjoy 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 significantly diversify your daily menu.

In contact with

Cottage cheese is “solid milk”, a traditional fermented milk dish with high value for human health. It is produced by removing the whey from fermented milk. In some countries it is considered to be a type of soft young cheese, and they really have a lot in common. In Russian culture, cottage cheese is a separate product, revered for its healing properties and high nutritional value.

By methods of product production

The product is produced in two main ways: traditional and separate. Traditional production allows you to get two types of cottage cheese:

1. Acidic, usually prepared from skim milk by introducing starter cultures into it. Formed under the influence of lactic acid.
2. Acid-rennet is produced by using rennet or pepsin together with cultures of lactic acid bacteria to coagulate milk protein.

The separate production method means that purified milk is separated into skim milk and cream with a fat content of 50-55%. Using the acid-rennet coagulation process, skim milk is produced from milk, which is then cooled and mixed with cream. Using this method, you can obtain a product with any fat content, for example, soft dietary and peasant cottage cheese.

Types of cottage cheese with different properties

Based on the lipid content of the product, it is divided into four categories:

• low fat (up to 1.8%);
• low-fat or semi-bold (2-3.8%);
• classic (4-18%);
• fat (19-23%).

Cottage cheese is prepared using cream and table salt. The addition of consistency stabilizers is not allowed; rennet imparts hardness to large grains. It is added to pasteurized milk pre-fermented with lactic acid streptococci along with calcium chloride.

Dietary cottage cheese is produced by adding a solution of citric acid, calcium chloride and starter culture to skim milk. To obtain table cottage cheese, a mixture of buttermilk and skim milk is fermented with a pure culture of lactic acid streptococci. The product may also have additives (raisins, candied fruits, nuts, dried fruits, chocolate), and be produced in the form of sweet mass, cheese curds, creams and cakes.

The production of calcined cottage cheese involves adding a 10% calcium chloride solution to fermented milk, which makes it possible to artificially increase the proportion of the mineral in the product and, accordingly, the benefits of cottage cheese for the human skeleton. It has a uniform consistency and a relatively bland taste due to low acidity.

Warning: The daily intake of calcined product should not exceed 100 g for an adult; large doses can be harmful to the body. Its introduction into the children's diet must be agreed with the pediatrician.

Types of product by origin

The origin of the product is determined by the type of animal from which the milk for fermentation is obtained. The most popular is curd made from cow's milk, followed by goat's milk, and other varieties are much less common. Cottage cheese made from sheep's milk is tasty, unusual and very healthy.

Albumin curd

A special type of product is albumin curd. It is produced from whey, its main protein is not casein, like any “regular” cottage cheese, but albumin, whey protein. It goes well with fruits and herbs, and is widely used for the production of confectionery products.

Homemade cottage cheese

The benefits of homemade cottage cheese and its taste are difficult to overestimate. It is fresh, natural, and does not contain stabilizers or other foreign substances. It can be purchased from small private farms or prepared independently from raw or pasteurized milk.

Homemade cottage cheese recipe

Pour fresh whole milk into an enamel pan and place in a dark place to sour (the process takes about 24 hours). Heat the curdled milk in a water bath until the whey separates and curd clots appear, let it cool. Place the resulting mixture in a colander or hang it in a gauze bag to drain the liquid.

Video: Homemade cottage cheese recipe

Useful properties and contraindications

Cottage cheese brings great benefits as a source of complete protein, which is easily absorbed by the human body. It requires significantly less effort from the digestive system than whole milk or yogurt. The dish is used as part of diets in the treatment of obesity, heart disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, disorders of the stomach, liver, kidneys, and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Cottage cheese diets are recommended for athletes to gain muscle mass, especially during intense training. The product has a beneficial effect on fat metabolism and produces a diuretic effect. Regular consumption of cottage cheese for 6 months helps increase the amount of testosterone in men by 50%.

Cottage cheese calcium is indispensable for children during periods of active growth and formation of teeth and bones, for older people - in order to prevent osteoporosis. It is well processed by the body. The product also promotes hemoglobin synthesis and restoration of the nervous system.

The benefits of albumin cottage cheese for the body include maintaining immunity and stimulating metabolism, cleaning the bile ducts and restoring liver tissue. It improves vision, removes cholesterol, improves the quality of milk of nursing mothers, and is useful for pregnant women and diabetics.

Video: “Living healthy!”: Elena Malysheva’s opinion on the benefits of cottage cheese

Using cottage cheese for weight loss

Cottage cheese, especially albumin cottage cheese, is indispensable for people suffering from excess body weight. It helps remove excess fluid from the body and speed up metabolism. The large amount of protein in the product makes it easy to satisfy hunger, preserve and build muscle tissue, while getting rid of fat.

Warning: To lose weight, you should use a product with a fat content of no more than 5%, otherwise it will not bring the expected benefits.

Recipe for high-protein dish "Belip" ("without lipids")

Compound:
Cod (fillet without skin)
Low-fat cottage cheese without salt
Bulb onions
Raw egg white

Preparation:
Mix cod, cottage cheese and onion in equal proportions and pass through a meat grinder, add the white of a raw egg, and prepare meatballs or casserole from the resulting mixture.

Contraindications to the use of cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is harmful to health in case of an allergy to its components or individual intolerance to the product. You should include it in the menu with caution in case of kidney disease, and avoid excesses. Regular consumption of cottage cheese slightly reduces the level of serotonin in the brain. You can compensate for it with dates, bananas, soybeans and lentils, eggs and tomatoes.

Cottage cheese: rules for selecting and storing the product

Fresh cottage cheese usually has a slightly spreadable, crumbly and soft consistency. Whey may be present in small quantities, and milk protein particles of different diameters may be present. The taste and smell should be pure, characteristic of fermented milk products, and the color should be uniformly white, with a slight creamy tint.

A slight bitterness of the product, especially in winter, and a woody taste are acceptable. Attention should be drawn to signs that indicate damage to the product or a violation of the technological process of its production and that can cause harm to the human body:

1. A musty, unclean smell and taste are evidence of the work of putrefactive bacteria that have multiplied as a result of violation of storage rules, production conditions, or the use of inactive starter.
2. Too sour taste is the result of lactic fermentation; its causes may be insufficient and untimely cooling, excessively long pressing, the content of disinfectants or detergents, or antibiotics in the milk.
3. The smell and taste of vinegar arises from the activity of acetic acid bacteria and is a consequence of storing the product at elevated temperatures.
4. A rancid taste means the presence of mold and microorganisms in the food, which can happen with fatty cottage cheese if the milk is not pasteurized at an insufficient temperature.
5. A bitter tint is a clear sign that the cow ate grass or hay of a peculiar taste (wormwood); it can also indicate the presence of putrefactive bacteria and an increased content of pepsin.
6. A yeasty taste, “blowing” of the lid of a container or package are consequences of the action of yeast during long-term storage of an insufficiently cooled product. The cause of swelling can also be E. coli.
7. The “rubber” consistency of grained cottage cheese suggests the introduction of an excessive dose of rennet during its production or fermentation of milk at elevated temperatures.
8. A large amount of whey is released from the curd when it is not pressed sufficiently.
9. Mold and mucus in the product appears as a result of its storage in damp conditions and loose packaging.
10. The bland taste of cottage cheese is caused by the use of low-active sourdough.

Long-term storage of cottage cheese is impossible even at a low temperature of 0-2°C. If frozen, it can be stored for 6-7 months at a constant temperature of -18°C.

At a temperature of 2-6°C in the refrigerator, cottage cheese and curd products are stored for 36 hours; for a low-fat product with stabilizers, the shelf life is 7 days, for heat-treated products - 2 weeks. Increasing the shelf life in this case reduces its benefit to the body.

Advice: If the quality of cottage cheese has deteriorated during storage or freezing, it can be improved by mixing it with cream. Soaking it in milk for 2 hours and then squeezing it out also helps to refine the product.

Composition of the product

Cottage cheese is rich in micro- and macroelements, contains some vitamins and a lot of protein. Depending on the fat content, the composition of the product varies, as does its calorie content. The energy value of cottage cheese 0.6% is 88 kcal, soft dietary cottage cheese 4% is 136 kcal, 9% is 169 kcal, 18% is 232 kcal.

Fatty types of cottage cheese are rich in vitamins A and E, but contain less B vitamins than low-fat varieties. There is slightly less calcium and phosphorus in the low-fat product, and the amount of other mineral salts also varies slightly.

Nutritional value of low-fat cottage cheese 0.6% (per 100 g of product)