Last Updated on June 4, 2022 by Aaron
Asiago cheese is a popular variety of cheese that is often used in dishes such as pizza, pasta, and risotto. It has a nutty flavor and a slightly sharp taste. But is asiago cheese healthy?
Let’s take a closer look at the nutrition and health benefits of this cheese.
The data below is based on the USDA FoodData Central (Belgioioso Asiago) and crossed reference with carbmanager.com. Links below.
Table of Contents
Is Asiago Cheese Healthy?
Asiago cheese is a healthy cheese that provides a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin A. Also, it contains a small quantity of micronutrients and minerals, such as zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, choline, and vitamin B12.
For each slice of asiago cheese (which is about one ounce), it has 100 calories, and lesser than 1 gram of carbohydrates. So, it is a good choice for those who are watching their calorie intake. If you are lactose intolerant, you can still enjoy asiago cheese, because it contains only a small amount of lactose.
Asiago cheese also contains 7 grams of protein (14% of daily needs) which helps build and maintain muscle mass. This high-quality protein provides all the essential amino acids your body needs to function properly.
Additionally for each standard 1-ounce slice, asiago cheese contains 300 IU of vitamin A (6% of daily needs) and 200 mg of calcium (20% of daily needs).
Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth, while vitamin A helps maintain healthy skin, eyesight, and immune system.
The Downside
One downside to asiago cheese is that it contains a high amount of saturated fat.
A single slice of asiago cheese contains 11 grams of total fat, and nearly 7 grams of that is saturated. This high amount of saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk for heart disease (1).
So, if you are watching your cholesterol or trying to reduce your intake of unhealthy fats, you may want to limit your consumption of this cheese.
For sodium, a single slice of asiago cheese contains a considerable 339 mg (14% of daily needs). Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, so it’s best to not eat more than the recommended amount of 2300 mg per day (2).
The Takeaway
Overall, asiago cheese is a healthy and nutrient-rich food that provides many health benefits. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin A, and contains a small amount of other essential minerals and vitamins.
However, it does contain a high amount of saturated fat, which may not be ideal for everyone. So if you are trying to watch your cholesterol or sodium intake, you may want to consume this cheese in moderation.
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