Does goat cheese increase cholesterol?

Until recently, having high cholesterol meant having to restrict your diet and give up many foods that for some of us are essential in our daily lives, such as cheese. Until now, it was believed that eating goat cheese increases cholesterol; however, recent studies have shown that this is not the case. At Enrique Tomás we are going to explain this in detail!

Cheese does not affect cholesterol

According to a study carried out by the Spanish Federation of Nutrition, Food and Dietetics (FESNAD) coordinated by Dr. Emilio Ros, a member of the Endocrinology and Nutrition department at the Hospital Clínic in Barcelona, cheese consumption helps reduce blood pressure and does not affect cholesterolemia as previously believed.

The reason for this change is that experts have shown that fermented dairy products rich in fat are not harmful. Research shows that "regarding dairy products, there is evidence that makes it clear that the saturated fat they contain is neutral or even slightly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes." According to La Vanguardia, Dr. Ros added: "moderation and variety are the basis of nutrition." Therefore, short and sweet is twice as good!

So, does goat cheese have cholesterol?

No, as we have already seen in the aforementioned study, the effect of cheese consumption is not harmful to cholesterol, regardless of the type. However, some are more beneficial for health than others, and this is the case of goat cheeses. Their properties are:

1. They are low in fat, calories and cholesterol: they have fewer calories and saturated fats than cow's cheeses, which makes them more recommendable for low-fat and low-cholesterol diets.
2. Our body digests them more easily: goat's milk has less lactose and fat particles than cow's milk, which makes this type of cheese ideal for children and people with gastric problems or intolerances.
3. They are full of nutrients: they contain vitamins A, D, K, potassium, iron and phosphorus, among others, and their sodium content is low. All of this makes them more recommendable than cheeses made from cow's milk and they are even advisable to combat anemia or some respiratory problems.
4. They contain high levels of probiotics and fewer hormones: they help improve intestinal flora and the immune system. In addition, they make calcium absorb faster and synthesize vitamin B. The levels of hormones and additives in these cheeses are lower than those found in those made with cow's milk.

Therefore, you don't have to give up goat cheese because not only is it not bad for cholesterol, but it is even good for our body. In 2016, the Oveja Grazalemeña Emborrado cheese received the title of third best cheese in Spain and fourth in the world according to the World Cheese Awards held on that occasion in San Sebastián. This cheese was the first in the TOP 5 of 2016 made from goat's milk and, now that you know this, you can enjoy it or others, such as semi-cured goat cheese, semi-cured goat, sheep and cow's milk cheese or Swiss Tetê de Moine cheese. These three are available in our online store, so if you want to buy them, you can do so at Enrique Tomás!