
Feta cheese calories and nutrition facts may vary according to the method of preparation and ingredients used to make the cheese. This article presents nutrition information and health benefits of feta cheese.
Feta cheese is an invariable part of Greek culture. Greeks have been using this cheese since 3000 years. Traditionally, it was made from goat’s milk or sheep’s milk. These days, it is made from pasteurized cow’s milk. Shepherds living in the mountain ranges of Greece, still make it from unpasteurized cow’s milk or sheep’s/goat’s milk. Those who have cow’s milk allergy can enjoy cheese made from goat’s or sheep’s milk. Calories in feta cheese depend on the ingredients used to prepare it. The calories may vary according to the method of preparation. Though there are different types of cheese, use of low fat cheese in diet is recommended.
Nutritional Information
1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese contains:
Name of the Element | Quantity | Name of the Element | Quantity |
Calories | 396 | Phosphorus | 506 mg |
Carbohydrates | 6.1 g | Calcium | 739 mg |
Protein | 21.3 g | Iron | 1.0 g |
Dietary Fiber | 0 g | Magnesium | 28.5 mg |
Sugars | 6.1 g | Sodium | 1674 mg |
Omega 3 Fatty Acids | 398 mg | Zinc | 4.3 mg |
Omega 6 Fatty Acids | 489 mg | Potassium | 93 mg |
Saturated Fat | 22.4 g | Selenium | 22.5 mcg |
Monounsaturated Fat | 6.9 g | Vitamin A | 633 IU |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.9 g | Vitamin E | 0.3 mg |
Total Fat | 31.9 | Vitamin K | 2.7 mcg |
Thiamin | 0.2 mg | Riboflavin | 1.3 mg |
Niacin | 1.5 mg | Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
Folate | 48.0 mcg | Vitamin B12 | 2.5 mcg |
Pantothenic Acid | 1.5 mg | Choline | 23.1 mg |
Cholesterol | 133 mg | Calories from Fat | 281 |
The table shows that feta cheese is loaded with calories. Calories from the cheese promote weight gain. So, dietitians suggest to include limited amount of cheese in daily diet. Feta is rich in proteins, phosphorous, calcium and a number of vitamins and minerals. But, it is also rich in fat and sodium. It may contain 30 – 60% fat. Usually cheese with 45% fat is sold in markets. Cheese calories can be lowered by reducing the fat content. Although numerous kinds of cheese with their low fat versions are available in the market and are popular in all parts of the world.
Low Fat Cheese Nutrition
1 oz. of fat-free feta cheese contains:
Name of the Element | Quantity | Name of the Element | Quantity |
Calories | 30 | Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Total Fat | 0 g | Sodium | 450 mg |
Protein | 6 g | Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Calcium | 10 % | Vitamin A | 20 % |
Dietary Fiber | 0 g | Calories from fat | 0 |
Health Benefits
Limited consumption of low fat cheese can improve your health in several ways. Those following weight loss diet can consume fat free or low fat version of feta cheese as it is also rich in calcium, protein and phosphorous. Calcium and phosphorous are necessary for strong bones and teeth. Calcium helps prevent colon cancer and also helps lower the symptoms of migraine headaches. It also lowers PMS symptoms and bone loss due to menopause or arthritis. Calcium levels play an important role in blood clotting and nerve conduction. They influence muscle contraction and enzyme activity. Cell membrane function and blood pressure regulation is also influenced by calcium levels. Feta cheese can especially prove to be beneficial to growing girls. It is a very good source of protein. Protein is required for proper functioning of the body. Calcium rich cheese can boost the process of fat-burning after meal. Regular consumption of low fat cheese can reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome significantly. The cheese can help lower the risk of breast cancer too. Vitamins and minerals in this cheese help maintain heart health.
You may include limited quantity of fat free or low fat feta cheese in your daily diet and enjoy its health benefits. Excessive consumption of cheese can result in weight gain and health complications.