Is Parmesan Cheese Bad For You?
Also Known As: Parmigiano Reggiano
Short answer
Parmesan cheese is actually quite good for you in moderation. The version commonly found in America is slightly different and may cause diarrhea, but only when overconsumed.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Parmesan cheese, strictly speaking, is Parmigiano Reggiano, a special type of aged hard cheese made in Northern Italy. In the United States, however, "Parmesan" cheese does not necessarily follow the same standards as the original (it is worthy of note that in Europe, "Parmesan" always refers to Parmigiano Reggiano).
Still, both versions are rather good for your health. For the purpose of this entry, "Parmesan" will refer to Parmigiano Reggiano. Just two ounces of Parmesan cheese is packed with several of the daily essentials. There are 671 mg of calcium - 67% the amount recommended per day. In addition, 41% the value needed for protein is present in just 2 ounces. Other important nutrients include Vitamin A (necessary for eyesight, skin, teeth, and body tissue), Vitamin B12 (nervous system and blood formation), and Vitamin B2 (also known as Riboflavin and an important antioxidant). Apart from their special uses, the B complex vitamins are vital in converting food into energy, breaking carbohydrates down into sugars the body needs to function.
The calorie count in Parmesan cheese is very low, with one tablespoon accounting for just over 20 calories and one gram of fat. If used in hefty amounts, the calorie and fat total could add up, but Parmesan has such a strong flavor that small amounts usually add enough potency.
Other than possibly adding too much fat due to overconsumption, Parmesan cheese is quite high in sodium, to the tune of 780 mg per two ounces. This represents 32.5% of the daily value. When ingestion large amounts of sodium at one time, symptoms such as dehydration, dizziness, stomach cramps and nausea are possible. Again, moderate the amount you use and you will be fine.
In the United States, one well-known brand of 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese also adds cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, and cheese cultures into its ingredients, three items which are not found in Parmigiano Reggiano. Potassium sorbate, consumed in large quantities, can cause a depletion in nutrients via diarrhea. Cellulose powder, made from wood pulp, may also cause diarrhea when consumed in large amounts. Still, in the case of Parmesan cheese, the benefits outweigh the negatives.
Possible short-term side effects
- headache / migraine
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dehydration
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stomach cramps
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nausea
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diarrhea when having consumed a large amount
Possible long-term side effects
- increased blood pressure due to sodium
Ingredients to be aware of
- cellulose posder
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potassium sorbate
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sodium
Benefits
- good source of protein
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provides energy
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promotes healthy vision
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promotes healthy nervous system
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promotes blood formation
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helps prevent various bone diseases
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