Nutrition

Mozzarella Nutritional Profile and 18 Health Benefits

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Did you know? In 2000, mozzarella was consumed slightly above 9 pounds but by 2022 it had skyrocketed to around 12.6 pounds. There is no question that mozzarella has steadily gained fame in the US as a preferred kind of cheese since this period.

On the other hand, besides tasting great, mozzarella cheese provides various advantages for your body that enable all efforts carried out within a balanced diet. Let’s explore more about how consuming it can help your health!

Mozzarella Cheese Nutrition

Mozzarella is loved by all, especially by the Italians. Apart from being such flavorful, it has good nutritional value. Each serving (28 grams or 1 ounce) of mozzarella contains the following nutrients:

  • Calories: 85
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Sodium: 138 mg
  • Calcium: 143 mg (10% Daily Value)
  • Phosphorous: 100 mg (8% Daily Value)
  • Zinc: 0.8 mg (7% Daily Value)

Health Benefits of Mozzarella Cheese

There is no doubt that Mozzarella is a great source of protein and calcium as it is derived from milk,  which can help in muscle building and bone strengthening. In addition, this tasty cheese is rich in vitamins that are highly essential together with other major minerals.

Despite being high in saturated fats, mozzarella has many health benefits. Detailed health benefits from Mozzarella are as follows:

1. Supports Bone Health

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Calcium contributes in large part to promoting bone health, because it is distributed all over the body in large amounts and is used for many various functions. It especially supports maintaining strong muscles and helps in sending strong signals through the nerve cells, and signals that get passed with the neurotransmitters. 

At least 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily is vital for the maintenance of health and for pushing back against the risk of developing some significant conditions, particularly osteoporosis. Mozzarella can be a good source of calcium to regulate such functions.

2. Good Source of Energy

A decent amount of Healthy Fats are found in Mozzarella, which is the key element to produce energy in your body. This particular cheese has a balanced mix of proteins and carbs that promotes energy production in the body.

The protein present in mozzarella provides a steady source of energy and also aids in muscle functioning. Whereas, Its fat content offers a concentrated form of energy. 

In addition, there are B vitamins found in mozzarella including B12 which are known to help convert food into usable forms of body energy by playing major roles in metabolism processes involved with energy. More so, calcium which is present in this cheese plays a significant role in cellular energetic processes.

Thus despite being calorie-dense as compared to some other types of cheese, when consumed with a balanced diet, mozzarella can still provide a sizable amount of the daily caloric needs.

3. Low in Lactose

Mozzarella is the perfect choice for the lactose intolerant to eat as it contains a minimum amount of Lactose. Among many kinds of cheese, mozzarella is more easy to digest. 

Mozzarella is very versatile as well and including this cheese in your diet can help your boring food to taste and look better. Mozzarella is an amazing ingredient and pairs up with literally anything, from watermelon to breadsticks!

4. Weight Management

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There is no doubt that maintaining a healthy body is a lot of work. In the battle against obesity, mozzarella is here to save us because of its protein levels and nutritional value. This high-quality protein promotes satiety leading to minimizing food intake which consequently lowers overall energy consumption.

Moreover, calcium in dairy products such as mozzarella has been linked to fat metabolism regulation according to some studies implying that it might promote weight loss or maintenance. Mozzarella’s mixture of fats and proteins stabilizes blood sugar levels and prevents binge eating thus it prevents excess food consumption.

Nevertheless, it’s important not to go overboard with mozzarella consumption and eat moderate amounts along with other balanced diet components as cheese contains calories too.

5. Good for your Eyes

The source of vitamin A in mozzarella is the key element in good eyesight, strong immune function, and healthy skin. It is involved in practically every bodily function and is also essential for a variety of functions to occur.

Vitamin A is crucial for your eyes as it enhances retinal cell activity making it possible to see in the dark and that enables good depth perception. In the cell layer of the retina, another type of cell - the photoreceptor cells convert an image into a format that the brain can process.

So, the role of vitamin A in the visual system is responsible for the presence of the molecules needed for the visual system to work.

6. Contains Antioxidants

Believe it or not, Mozzarella has antioxidants! It is these antioxidants in mozzarella that help the cells against oxidative stress and inflammation. All these compounds are best known for their capacity to help chronic diseases stay away from you and to keep your entire health in a good state.

Dietary cheese is not only a tempting way to get in these antioxidants but also a good alternative for people whose eating habits are not so-called healthy.

Whether as a starter or an extra to the family’s dinner, the melted kind, or a regular cheese, mozzarella is a considerably mild but delightful way to keep your body from oxidative damage.

7. Promotes Muscles Function

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Essential proteins and various minerals in mozzarella contribute significantly to the strength and recovery of muscles. Muscles require proteins as a basic component, so that anything directs muscle health must first contain proteins and mozzarella happens to contain them too.  

Nevertheless, the serving has a significant amount of phosphorus and, more importantly, Calcium. These two unavoidable minerals form the foundation of muscle recovery as well as the overall strength and integrity of the muscle system.

8. Aids Immunity

Zinc is found in Mozzarella, a mineral that supports a system by aiding in cell division, protein synthesis, and immune response. Adequate zinc intake helps the body fight infections and heal wounds effectively.

Consuming mozzarella can help meet your zinc requirements promoting an immune system and potentially reducing the risk of illnesses.

9. Sound Metabolism

Eating mozzarella is beneficial, for your body in many ways. Vitamin B12 present in mozzarella helps with metabolism by converting food into energy and supporting the system and brain function.

For your overall vitality and maintaining weight, metabolism plays a vital role. Including mozzarella in your diet can ensure you get enough vitamin B12, which is crucial, for metabolic processes potentially boosting energy levels and overall well-being.

10. Keeps You Full

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Mozzarella, a unique combination of protein and fat, is a food product that satisfies your hunger for a longer time which means you do not have to eat again before or after meals.

It can avoid the vicious circle of hunger and unhealthy food that happens during meal breaks. This will specifically be useful for people trying to control their intake.

If mozzarella is eaten in limited portions, it will function as a good catalyst for a healthy diet. More than that, stronger conviction and emotional satisfaction can come through the inclusion of this cheese. 

11. Prebiotic Properties

Most of the Mozzarella cheese is made from raw milk, which may contain beneficial bacteria. These bacteria probiotics can help improve digestion in the gut and increase nutrient absorption making it healthier. 

With a well-balanced blend of gut microbiome, it can also stimulate the immune system hence this type of bacteria may lead to a reduction of inflammation in the digestive tract which would then contribute to overall wellness. 

Regular consumption of mozzarella with high levels of probiotics could lead to enhanced gut functioning, better immunity as well as improved psychological well-being.

Nevertheless, it is still worth mentioning that not all mozzarella is rich enough in probiotics therefore it would be wise to check for content or choose fresh and minimally processed ones.

12. Helps in the Structure of the body

Mozzarella has a high contribution of phosphorous which is a good source of minerals and calcium that helps in building the body's bone and teeth structures. Besides that, mozzarella can be added almost everywhere. It's not just a topping for pizza, but it can be incorporated into countless things like lasagna, for example.

If you eat 200 grams (7 ounces) of mozzarella, you contain 684 mg of phosphorus, which is, for the most part, exceeding the 70 percent daily human requirement for phosphorus.

13. Supports Reproductive Health

The benefits of mozzarella cheese for reproductive health include its rich zinc content in it. It is essential for sperm formation and healthy levels of testosterone in men. On the other hand, women rely on it for producing eggs and regulating their hormones. 

Furthermore, zinc is important in fetal development during pregnancy. The protein within mozzarella comprises the reproductive hormones as well as tissue formation. There is also calcium, which plays a significant role in the bone development of the fetus, whereas prevention of hypertension during pregnancies can also be supported by this mineral found in mozzarella. 

The B12 vitamin present in this cheese supports red blood cell production that’s necessary, especially for pregnant women.

14. Nail and Hair health

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Mozzarella’s nutritional composition is highly beneficial when it comes to maintaining healthy hair and nails. We obtain high-quality proteins from mozzarella that are made up of all the necessary amino acids which result in strong nails and hairs. Additionally, there is a B vitamin contained within mozzarella that supports good nails and growth of hairs known as biotin. 

Also, it has calcium in it that protects our nails therefore avoiding brittle hair. Another mineral that is also found in mozzarella called zinc is necessary for protein generation and strengthens the structure of both hair and nails alongside the oil-secreting glands around these follicles. Yes! It supports your cuticles too!

Included in this is vitamin A content helping to produce sebum that naturally cares for hair. As much as mozzarella can contribute to maintaining healthy fingers or hair, you should not forget it must be part of balanced food choices for better outcomes.

15. Electrolyte Balance

It might be hard to believe, but Mozzarella contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium which help in maintaining the electrolyte balance in your body. 

The electrochemical gradient is responsible for nerve function muscle contraction and everyday hydration. Blood regulation is majorly helped by the sodium content present in the mozzarella. Whereas, normal heart functions and muscle contraction are regulated by the potassium content in mozzarella. 

Mozzarella has an incredibly high amount of calcium which is vital for strong bones and proper muscle functioning. This might also prevent muscle cramps and unwanted spasms.

16. Skin health

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Skin health relies upon several nutrients contained in mozzarella cheese. Promoting a healthy complexion, vitamin A in mozzarella supports to repair of skin cells. In this regard, riboflavin or vitamin B2 found in mozzarella helps retain elasticity and moisture levels in the skin which could help reduce wrinkles. 

Meanwhile, regulating oil production helps manage acne thus enhancing its healing process since it assists wound recovery while zinc also works on other aspects like inflammation control. Essentially, protein is essential for collagen & elastin production which ensures that our skins are flexible enough without sagging due to age or gravity. 

Also, mozzarella cheese is an antioxidant that prevents free radical harm to skin cells. It follows from this that even though mozzarella can support healthy skin, it has to be part of a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are good for your skin.

17. Cognitive Function

Cognitive function is regulated because of nutrients present in this cheese. Vitamin B12 is crucial for the maintenance of myelin sheath around nerve fibers to carry out nerve signals well. 

In addition, proteins from mozzarella provide amino acids needed in the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and cognitive performance. Besides, calcium found in mozzarella assists with releasing neurotransmitters and transmitting impulses along neural circuits. The phosphorus contained in the cheese is important for how brain cells operate and also for energy metabolism.

Some studies also show that dairy products such as mozzarella containing CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) might offer neuroprotection. Therefore, even if this contributes towards brain health, it’s still important to have different kinds of foods that will help your brain work better creating a proper diet plan to improve learning function.

18. Thyroid Function

Among the nutrients in mozzarella, the one nutrient that promotes thyroid function is iodine as it facilitates the synthesis of hormones necessary for metabolism regulation. Selenium found in mozzarella is responsible for converting thyroid hormones from inactive to active forms while also protecting the gland against oxidative stress. 

This protein contains zinc which is essential for the synthesis of TSH regulating thyroid production and levels. Moreover, it provides amino acid building blocks for protein hormones. Consuming too much dairy may inhibit TSH absorption hence it should be consumed moderately. Nonetheless, it supports thyroid health as well.