Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Aaron
The answer to this question depends on how much mozzarella cheese you are consuming and what other foods you are including in your diet.
Mozzarella cheese does not cause constipation on its own, as it is a source of calcium, phosphorus and protein. However, if you are eating a large amount of cheese without any other dietary sources of fiber, it could lead to constipation.
There is no direct link between mozzarella and constipation. However, people are worried about the high-fat content of cheese and its potential to cause constipation; while healthy fats contain Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) can contribute to various health benefits including heart health and obesity, the type of fat in mozzarella cheese is mostly saturated fat. And saturated fat had been shown to associate with constipation [1] in the United States.
For instance, 100 grams of mozzarella is providing ~55% of the daily value of saturated fat. That’s a lot! That being said, moderation is always the key.
If you consume mozzarella cheese as part of a balanced diet that includes other sources of fiber such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, it will not cause constipation and will leave you satiated until the next meal. Thus, you will not crave snacks in between.
Also, eating a balanced diet will help keep your digestive system in good working order and prevent issues like constipation. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day will also help to reduce your risk of becoming constipated. If you are already having problems with constipation, then limiting your intake of mozzarella cheese may be beneficial.
In general, mozzarella cheese is a nutritious food option that can be part of a healthy diet. It provides important nutrients and can help to provide an enjoyable source of calcium and protein. Just be sure that if you are eating cheese, it is in moderation and accompanied by other fiber-rich foods for optimal digestive health.
A note before you go…
Compare to other cheese, mozzarella is considered lighter and healthier. If your meal is quite heavy already from other salty fatty food, try to reduce the portion of mozzarella cheese you’ll be using. Ultimately, constipation is usually caused by routine and lifestyle, but not a certain kind of food.
Reference:
- Taba Taba Vakili, S et al. “Association of high dietary saturated fat intake and uncontrolled diabetes with constipation: evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.” Neurogastroenterology and motility : the official journal of the European Gastrointestinal Motility Society vol. 27,10 (2015): 1389-97. doi:10.1111/nmo.12630
