Gouda is a type of cheese that originated in the Netherlands — from a city having the same name, to be exact. One of the nicest things about Gouda is it’s so easy to love. Medium-soft and possessing a sour smell, it has a sharp but nevertheless sweet taste, and many people say that Gouda is a little nutty and buttery in flavor.
So without further ado, let us jump into some of the reasons why Gouda is good for you!
It’s an Excellent Source of Vitamin K2
What makes Gouda so popular among health authorities and health-conscious people alike is the fact that it contains phenomenal amounts of vitamin K2. In fact, it is said that Gouda packs more vitamin K2 than more well-known sources of it such as liver, egg yolks and butter made from the milk of grass-fed cows.
Vitamin K2 is vital for optimum health. It is known to reduce one’s risk of heart disease and cancer. More and more studies are being conducted on the ability of vitamin K2 to prevent dementia. Experts say that vitamin K2 is also a role player in warding off osteoporosis as it promotes calcium absorption of the bone.
If you want to stay young-looking, consider including Gouda in your everyday diet, but in moderation. That’s because vitamin K2 it contains is known to help keep wrinkles and varicose veins at bay. Vitamin K2 also encourages vitamin A to carry out its various roles, which includes protecting the skin from aging.
It’s Loaded with Calcium
Just like other dairy products on the planet, Gouda is a wonderful source of calcium. We all know that calcium is a mineral that helps keep the bones strong and healthy. The inclusion of calcium-rich foods such as Gouda in the diet may help save you from osteoporosis, a condition that is characterized by the loss of bone mineral, thus leaving your bones soft and brittle, and prone to being fractured.
What makes Gouda extra beneficial for the bones is its impressive vitamin K2 content. Just like what’s mentioned earlier, vitamin K2 encourages calcium absorption — it drives calcium from the blood to the bones.
The regular consumption of Gouda in moderate amounts is also good for keeping your beautiful smile intact. Again, it has something to do with the fact that Gouda is loaded with calcium, a mineral so important for keeping not only your bones strong, but also your teeth.
It’s Good for the Gut and Immunity
Everyone knows that probiotics are good for the gut, and some of their most popular sources include kimchi, sauerkraut and yogurt. Did you know that Gouda also has good bacteria in it? Not all cheeses on the face of the earth contain probiotics, and Gouda is just one of the very few to have them.
Supplying your gut with good bacteria helps ward off an assortment of digestive issues. Also, experts say that a healthy gut is vital for a strong immune system. By enjoying Gouda moderately, you can keep your GI tract in a tip-top shape and your body more defended against disease-causing bacteria and viruses.
It’s Packed with Muscle-Building Protein
Because Gouda is made from milk, which is a fantastic source of good quality protein, the regular consumption of the said cheese from the Netherlands can help in building and repairing muscles. No matter if you are trying to lose weight or gaining mass, going for a diet that contains excellent amounts of protein is beneficial.
But it’s not just the muscles that can benefit from protein found in Gouda. It’s also important for the structure of your cells and the production of hormones.
In addition, protein is vital for keeping your nails and hair healthy and eye-catching. Protein promotes young-looking skin, too, because it helps in collagen synthesis. So if you want your skin to stay soft and supple as well as free of wrinkles and fine lines, do enjoy protein-rich Gouda on a regular basis.
