ANOTHER REASON TO EAT CHEESE

This one may surprise you, it did me. I love cheese but was surprised to learn it might decrease the risk of stroke. Since my grandmother and my mother both suffered major stokes, I was glad to see this information. Chinese scientists found that people who ate cheese daily were 29% less likely to suffer a stoke than those who rarely are cheese. They say the calcium in cheese helps keep a lid on blood pressure, while peptide compounds defend arteries against damaging LDL cholesterol. I will continue enjoying my cheese, which I probably have every day in one form or another.

file photo

CHEESE FOR THE LACTOSE INTOLERANT?

Please note: Everyone has a different level of severity of any problem. What works for one doesn't always work for another. However for those who have somewhat of a problem with lactose intolerance this might be helpful information. You might want to only try a small amount first or discuss with your doctor before trying these cheeses!

Here are some facts about cheeses and lactose:

• Cheese doesn't contain as much lactose as other dairy products.
• Most ripened cheeses, ie cheddar and Swiss, contain about 95% less lactose than whole milk.
• Processed cheese, ie American and cream cheese, contain only a small amount of lactose.
• Aged cheeses, ie Parmesan and Romano, contain almost no lactose at all.
• Check the nutrition label on cheese before buying. If the amount of sugar is listed as 0 grams, that cheese contains basically no significant amount of lactose.