Cottage cheese is a product that has a lot of useful components. Learn about its benefits, composition, and uses. And also how to choose and store cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is considered one of the most useful fermented milk products that are necessary for the full functioning of the body. It is thanks to the special technology for making cottage cheese that it is considered such a valuable product. Indeed, during the preparation process, when the whey is fermented and separated from the curd, the most useful components are released - milk fat and protein.
Unfortunately, there is no history of who and how first got this product. But it is known for sure that our distant ancestors ate cottage cheese. Indeed, at that time, dairy products were indispensable. This allowed people to be strong, resilient and healthy. That is why they rarely got sick and lived for a very long time.
Nowadays, cottage cheese is considered a completely affordable fermented milk product. You can buy it ready-made, or you can cook it yourself. In addition to the natural fermentation of milk and the preparation of cottage cheese from it, there is an easier way: the use of special lactic acid bacteria (starter cultures), which in a short time allow you to get a ready-made healthy curd.
What is included in cottage cheese?
As already mentioned, the main components of this product are protein, which is easily absorbed by the body and milk fat. They play an important role in the functioning of all organs and systems of the body. But, in addition, the curd contains a large percentage of calcium, which is considered the basis of the skeletal system. Therefore, cottage cheese, first of all, is necessary for pregnant women, because in order for the fetus to develop and be strong, it takes all the calcium reserves from the mother's body. So that the expectant mother does not experience a deficiency of this component, she should eat cottage cheese every day. This will help the baby to develop correctly and preserve her health.
Cottage cheese is a fairly low-calorie fermented milk product. Indeed, 100 g of cottage cheese contains only 18 g of fat, but if it is generally fat-free (low percentage of fat), then there is practically one protein in it. That is why it is included in the menu of many diets, as it saturates the body well, is quickly absorbed, which in turn prevents the accumulation of toxins in the body. In addition, this fermented milk product contains more than 10 types of useful vitamins. Among them, these are vitamins of group B, A, D, C, E, H and PP. The latter (PP) is presented in two active forms - nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. Its sufficient amount in the human body regulates almost all important processes. For example, it regulates the functioning of the central nervous system, has a positive effect on digestion and protects the cardiovascular system.
Also, in addition to calcium, curd contains other minerals. Among them are: iron, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, as well as potassium, copper, selenium, fluorine, manganese, etc. All these components are perfectly absorbed by the body and support the work of all systems and organs.
The benefits of cottage cheese for the body
- As already mentioned, one of the main components of cottage cheese is calcium. If you regularly eat cottage cheese, it will strengthen the entire skeletal system. As a result, bones will be strong, healthy and this will reduce the risk of frequent fractures.
- In addition to strengthening bones, dentists recommend regularly eating cottage cheese for healthy and strong teeth. After all, it strengthens the tooth enamel, thereby helping to avoid its destruction.
- Cottage cheese is considered the basis of dietary nutrition, because the protein that it contains resembles a vegetable one. That is why it is always eaten by athletes and bodybuilders. After all, it not only contributes to the growth of muscle mass, but also helps to keep the body in shape, since it does not lead to the accumulation of fat.
- With regular use of this product, the risk of depression, stress and even neurosis is reduced. Indeed, thanks to the composition of useful components, cottage cheese normalizes the work of the nervous system.
- Cottage cheese is indicated for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. If, with pancreatitis or gastritis, it is forbidden to consume milk, as it can lead to an exacerbation of the disease, then cottage cheese in this case can be eaten without fear. This, again, is due to the fact that it is an easily digestible product that helps to normalize the intestinal microflora. The only thing worth remembering is that it is advisable to choose not fat cottage cheese.
- Due to the fact that this fermented milk product contains a huge amount of vitamins, minerals and other useful components, it is recommended to use it to increase immunity.
- The use of cottage cheese prevents the appearance of constipation and diarrhea, because the lactic acid bacteria that it contains improve the metabolism in the body.
The use of cottage cheese in cosmetology
In addition to the fact that the use of cottage cheese contributes to the healthy functioning of the whole body, it is also used as an effective product for beauty. For example, it is used as the main ingredient in the preparation of masks (for face, body, neck, hands and hair). The use of a curd mask allows the skin to become soft, clean and fresh. In addition, it is suitable for all skin types without irritating the skin on the face.
- Cottage cheese mask for problem skin. To prepare this mask, you must mix low-fat cottage cheese with sour cream. The mask should be of such consistency that it adheres well to the face. Apply the resulting mixture in an even layer on the face and neck and keep for about 20 minutes. Then wash off with warm water and soap. The mask moisturizes the skin well, cleanses it, and also removes all imperfections on the face.
- Mask for dry skin. Prepare one ripe banana, 2 tbsp. l. cottage cheese, 1 tbsp. l. sour cream or cream and 1 chicken yolk. Mix everything well until smooth and apply on face for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This mask perfectly nourishes, moisturizes and vitamins the skin. The beneficial effect of curd can also be directed to the hair. After all, it contains all the necessary components for their strengthening, recovery and healthy growth. In addition, by regularly applying such natural masks, you can always have beautiful and healthy hair.
- Hair strengthening mask. Mix 2 tbsp. l. cottage cheese and 1 tbsp. l. fruit puree. For example, banana, apple, mango. Distribute the resulting mass over the entire length of the hair, rub it especially well into the roots. Keep the mask for 20-30 minutes, and then wash your hair well with shampoo. This will help strengthen your hair from roots to ends. They will become thick, lush and healthy.
- Mask for dry and weakened hair. Mix 3 tbsp. l. cottage cheese, 1 tbsp. l. honey and the same amount of olive oil. With the resulting mixture, lubricate the hair along the entire length and keep for about 30 minutes. Then wash your hair thoroughly several times with warm water and shampoo. This mask is especially suitable for hair that is often dyed or severely damaged from the use of hair dryers and irons. This mask nourishes the scalp, makes the hair strong, shiny and manageable.
How to choose and store cottage cheese correctly?
Of course, homemade cottage cheese is much more useful than store cheese, and in addition, you can be sure of the quality and freshness of such a product. But not always, it turns out, to eat fresh homemade cottage cheese. In this case, you can buy it at any store or supermarket. But how to choose the right quality product? This is what you will learn later.
Useful tips on how to choose tasty and healthy cottage cheese:
- First of all, the color of the curd is important. It should be cream-white and never blue or yellow. A bluish color may indicate that the product has begun to deteriorate, and a yellowish color is a sign that sugar or flour may have been mixed into the cottage cheese.
- If you buy cottage cheese on the market by weight, then it is better to taste it. It should not be too sour (slightly sour). The smell in high-quality cottage cheese is pleasant and not sour.
- Pay attention to the composition of the cottage cheese, ideally it contains: cream, milk, sourdough, and calcium chloride. There should not be any "E" signs in high-quality cottage cheese.
- It is also imperative to check the date of manufacture and shelf life of the product on the packaging. All this should be indicated legibly, the date should not be erased or reprinted. Particularly important is the inscription on the packaging "GOST". This indicates that the product has passed strict control and received the highest quality certificate.
If you still do not like cottage cheese, then after rereading our article, you must love it. After all, it contains all the necessary components for our body. Eating at least 1-2 times a week cottage cheese, you will not only feel better, it will also affect your appearance: the skin will become clear, hair and nails strong. Therefore, eat this wonderful product and be healthy!
For the benefits, dangers and contraindications of cottage cheese, see this video:
