If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious cheese to add to your meals or recipes, you might want to consider organic shredded mozzarella cheese. One-fourth cup (1 oz) of this cheese has around 80 calories, making it a great option for those who are watching their caloric intake while still wanting to enjoy their favorite foods.
Not only is organic shredded mozzarella cheese low in calories, but it's also a good source of various nutrients. For instance, this cheese provides a decent dose of protein, fat, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining good health.
In this article, we'll explore more details about organic shredded mozzarella cheese, including its nutritional content, usage in cooking and baking, and health benefits.
Calories in Organic Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
As mentioned earlier, one-fourth cup (1 oz) of organic shredded mozzarella cheese contains around 80 calories. This calorie count might vary slightly depending on the brand or the type of cheese, but it should be roughly the same for most options on the market. Compared to other types of cheese, mozzarella cheese is considered relatively low in calories. For instance, one-fourth cup (1 oz) of cheddar cheese has around 113 calories, while the same amount of Swiss cheese has approximately 106 calories. Therefore, if you want to reduce your calorie intake but still enjoy cheese in your meals or snacks, organic shredded mozzarella cheese could be a great option to consider.
Fat Content of Organic Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
While organic shredded mozzarella cheese is low in calories, it does contain a moderate amount of fat, which is a key component of any cheese. One-fourth cup (1 oz) of this cheese has around 6 grams of fat, with 4 grams of that being saturated fat. Saturated fat is often considered unhealthy and can increase your risk of heart disease if consumed in excess. Therefore, you might want to monitor your saturated fat intake when using organic shredded mozzarella cheese in your meals or recipes. On the other hand, mozzarella cheese also provides some unsaturated fats, which are more beneficial to health. These fats can help lower cholesterol levels, protect against inflammation, and provide energy to the body.
Protein Content of Organic Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Protein is another important nutrient that organic shredded mozzarella cheese provides. One-fourth cup (1 oz) of this cheese has around 7 grams of protein, which is a decent amount compared to other types of cheese. Protein is crucial for building and repairing body tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting various physiological functions. Therefore, incorporating organic shredded mozzarella cheese into your diet could help you meet your daily protein needs.
Carbohydrate Content of Organic Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Organic shredded mozzarella cheese is low in carbohydrates, with only around 1 gram of carbs per one-fourth cup (1 oz) serving. This makes it a great option for those who are following a low-carb diet or trying to limit their carb intake for any other reason. Carbohydrates provide energy to the body, but consuming too much of them can lead to weight gain, blood sugar imbalances, and other health issues. Therefore, choosing cheese that is low in carbs, like organic shredded mozzarella cheese, could help you maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
Organic Shredded Mozzarella Cheese as a Source of Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that is essential for strong bones, teeth, and overall health. Organic shredded mozzarella cheese is a great source of this mineral, with around 215 milligrams (mg) of calcium per one-fourth cup (1 oz) serving. This amount of calcium corresponds to around 22% of the recommended daily intake for adults. Therefore, incorporating organic shredded mozzarella cheese into your meals or snacks could help you meet your calcium needs and maintain good bone health.
Vitamins in Organic Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Organic shredded mozzarella cheese also provides several vitamins that are important for health. For instance, one-fourth cup (1 oz) of this cheese contains around 10% of the daily recommended intake for vitamin D, 8% for vitamin A, and 6% for vitamin B12. Vitamin D is mainly obtained from sunlight exposure, but it can also be found in some foods, including cheese. This vitamin is crucial for maintaining strong bones, immune function, and mental health. Vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, and skin health, while vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function, red blood cell production, and energy metabolism.
Minerals Found in Organic Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Apart from calcium, organic shredded mozzarella cheese also provides other important minerals, such as phosphorus, sodium, and selenium. One-fourth cup (1 oz) of this cheese contains around 140 mg of phosphorus, which is essential for bone health and energy production. However, organic shredded mozzarella cheese is also relatively high in sodium, with around 190 mg per one-fourth cup (1 oz) serving. Sodium is necessary for many bodily functions, but consuming too much of it can lead to high blood pressure, fluid retention, and other health issues. Therefore, if you're watching your sodium intake, you might want to be mindful of how much organic shredded mozzarella cheese you're consuming or choose low-sodium varieties.
Sodium Content of Organic Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Apart from calcium, organic shredded mozzarella cheese also provides other important minerals, such as phosphorus, sodium, and selenium. One-fourth cup (1 oz) of this cheese contains around 140 mg of phosphorus, which is essential for bone health and energy production. However, organic shredded mozzarella cheese is also relatively high in sodium, with around 190 mg per one-fourth cup (1 oz) serving. Sodium is necessary for many bodily functions, but consuming too much of it can lead to high blood pressure, fluid retention, and other health issues. Therefore, if you're watching your sodium intake, you might want to be mindful of how much organic shredded mozzarella cheese you're consuming or choose low-sodium varieties.
Organic Shredded Mozzarella Cheese for Cooking and Baking
Organic shredded mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes and cooking methods. For instance, you can sprinkle it on top of salads, pizzas, pasta dishes, or casseroles to add flavor and texture. You can also use organic shredded mozzarella cheese as a melting cheese in dishes like quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, or cheeseburgers. This cheese melts well and has a mild and creamy flavor that goes well with many ingredients.
Health Benefits of Organic Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
In addition to its nutritional value, organic shredded mozzarella cheese may offer some health benefits. For instance, consuming dairy products like cheese has been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease. Moreover, some studies suggest that the probiotics found in certain types of cheese, such as mozzarella, can promote gut health and boost immune function. However, it's important to note that more research is needed to confirm these potential health benefits and to determine the ideal dose and frequency of organic shredded mozzarella cheese consumption for optimal health outcomes.
Organic shredded mozzarella cheese is a tasty and nutrient-dense cheese option that can be enjoyed in various meals and snacks. It's low in calories but high in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients that promote good health. However, like many other types of cheese, organic shredded mozzarella cheese is also relatively high in fat and sodium, so consuming it in moderation is advised, especially if you have certain health conditions that require dietary restrictions.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Organic Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1. What is organic shredded mozzarella cheese?
Organic shredded mozzarella cheese is a type of cheese made from organic milk from cows that have been raised without synthetic hormones, antibiotics, or GMO feed. It is shredded and packaged for easy use in a variety of dishes.
2. How many calories are in organic shredded mozzarella cheese?
One quarter cup (1 oz) of organic shredded mozzarella cheese contains approximately 80 calories.
3. What are the benefits of eating organic shredded mozzarella cheese?
Eating organic shredded mozzarella cheese provides a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Additionally, organic cheese may contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants than conventionally produced cheese.
4. How can organic shredded mozzarella cheese be used in cooking?
Organic shredded mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes such as pizzas, pastas, salads, quesadillas, and more. It can be melted, diced, or shredded and added to any dish that requires a creamy, cheesy flavor.
5. Where can I purchase organic shredded mozzarella cheese?
Organic shredded mozzarella cheese can be found at natural food stores, grocery stores, and online retailers. It is important to read the label and check for organic certification to ensure the cheese is made from organic milk.