Cream cheese, often used as a spread, has a smooth texture and is delicious on bread, toast, and bagels. It’s also great in cakes. But what nutrients does cheese actually contain? What are the benefits of cheese? First, let’s take a look at how to make cheese!

Cheese Making Process

Cream cheese is usually made with fresh cream as the main ingredient, or a combination of fresh cream and milk, or milk and butterfat.

For example, fresh cream is generally heated first to sterilize and eliminate harmful microorganisms. Lactic acid bacteria and rennet are then added to give the cream a tart flavor and thicken its texture.

Lactic acid bacteria also break down the fat in the cream into smaller, more uniform molecules, making the cream cheese smoother. Excess water and whey are then filtered out.

The cream cheese is ready.

To make flavored cream cheese, simply mix in your flavorings. Cream cheese is a type of fresh cheese, so its shelf life is relatively short, typically around two weeks. It should still be refrigerated after purchase and consumed as soon as possible, especially after opening.

Cream Cheese Nutrition Facts

Every 30g of cream cheese provides approximately the following nutrients:

• Calories: 106
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 11g
• Vitamin A: 10% of the recommended daily value
• Vitamin B2 (also known as riboflavin): 5% of the recommended daily value

Simply put, cream cheese is high in fat and low in protein and carbohydrates. It is also a good source of vitamin A and provides some vitamin B2.

Cream Cheese Health Benefits

Helps protect eyes and boosts immunity.

Cream cheese is rich in vitamin A, with each 30g serving containing approximately 93mg. Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, is crucial for vision health and helps boost immunity, protecting the skin, lungs, and intestinal tissues.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Function

Cream cheese, containing a variety of antioxidants, helps the body fight free radical damage. Excessive free radicals in the body can cause cell damage. Cream cheese’s antioxidants include small amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids. These powerful antioxidants help fight inflammation and are also beneficial for eye health.

Helps Maintain Intestinal Health

Cream cheese contains lactic acid bacteria, including strains that are beneficial to the gut. They are believed to boost immunity and reduce inflammation. Furthermore, scientists believe that consuming lactic acid bacteria increases short-chain fatty acids, which are the primary food source for colon cells and therefore help maintain intestinal health.

Cream cheese is heated during production, which kills some of the beneficial bacteria. Scientists recommend purchasing products with live cultures.

Contains less lactose

Almost all dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, contain lactose. However, some people cannot digest lactose, a condition known as lactose intolerance.

Consuming these dairy products can cause bloating and diarrhea, so doctors often recommend reducing or even eliminating dairy products.

However, studies have shown that most people with lactose intolerance can consume less than 12g of lactose per meal. Since every 30g of cream cheese contains only about 2g of lactose, scientists believe that even those with lactose intolerance can consume these foods. However, everyone’s situation is different, so please consult your doctor before making any decisions.