If you are a health nut or someone who wants to satisfy some food cravings, it’s time to indulge in a piece of cheese. Contrary to popular belief, cheese is a dairy product that does not only contain fat and calcium. In fact, cheese is packed with several nutrients that are not only essential for the body’s overall function but are also key in preventing certain types of diseases.

Besides calcium, cheese is also filled with other life saving nutrients that include: protein, zinc and even vitamin A. A treat that is considered to be a favorite by many, cheese has become a key ingredient in many of our favorite dishes today.

If you fancy a slice or two, here are the top benefits you will be getting from this tasty treat.

Keeps your teeth and bones in tip top shape.

The high calcium content in cheese is responsible for strengthening one’s bones and teeth. The vitamin components present in the cheese works hand and hand with calcium by not only fortifying the bones, cartilage and teeth but also in its formation and maintenance. It also prevents osteoporosis.

Prevents cancer and strengthens your immune system.

Linoleic acid and sphingolipids are just some of the essential amino acids and lipids found in cheese. These two play a significant role in cancer prevention. When paired with vitamin B, they also maintain body functions and boosts one’s immune system, thus protecting you from any disease.

Helps you get a good night’s sleep.

The tryptophan is an amino acid in cheese which is capable of lowering stress levels in your body, thereby inducing sleep.

Lowers blood pressure and blood sugar.

Cheese is a surprising choice of food that lowers one’s chances of developing high blood pressure and blood sugar. According to a study conducted in Spain, adults who consumed dairy products made from whey and casein (the source for making cheese) showed lower risks in developing high blood pressure.

The scientists further discovered that the protein from these sources had the same high blood lowering characteristics similar to that of blood pressure lowering drugs. Sodium content varies from one cheese to another. It is essential that cheeses with low sodium content like goat cheese, mozzarella, cream cheese and swiss should be consumed.

Helps you lose weight.

For those who wish to lose weight, cheese should become a part of one’s diet. Cheese contains the high anti-inflammatory fatty acid called butyrate that increases energy production. It has been found that butyrate increases one’s metabolism, maintains the body’s fat percentage and prevents the development of obesity.

Prevents metabolic syndrome.

Surprisingly, cheese also proved to be another treat that prevents one from developing metabolic syndrome which will develop into diabetes and heart diseases later in life. This was the conclusion to a study made by Iranian researchers who studied 827 men and women who consumed the most dairy in their everyday food consumption.

Helps you get that healthy, glowing skin.

Like milk, cheese also aids in achieving that healthy skin. The cheese contains essential minerals like selenium that help combat dry skin. Not only that, vitamins like vitamin B aids in cell metabolism and growth.

Sophie White is a foodie blogger based in Australia. She is passionate about all things food-related and is an accomplished home cook herself. With a tongue for all dishes local and international, she leads the online marketing campaign for American cheese brand Sargento.