Nutrition and Health

Cheeses from Switzerland provides the valuable nutrients of milk in concentrated form. It is an important source of protein, vitamins and minerals and thus contributes to a varied and healthy diet. 

A balanced and healthy diet is characterised by consuming foods from different food groups in appropriate proportions. The Swiss Food Pyramid of the Swiss Society for Nutrition (SGE) illustrates this visually. Cheese is classified there in the level of protein suppliers. In addition, cheese contains many other important nutrients. 

Cheese contains the biologically valuable protein casein. It is well utilised by the body and converted into the body’s own protein. Animal proteins generally have a higher biological value than vegetable protein. They contain all the important and essential amino acids – a complete package, so to speak. Vegetable proteins, on the other hand, contain only a part of the essential amino acids – in different compositions and amounts depending on the product. Therefore, for a full supply, several plant proteins must be combined if animal protein is dispensed with. 

Cheese contains milk fat and a large number of different fatty acids essential for life. These fulfil important tasks in the body. The digestibility of milk fat is very good compared to other dietary fats and oils. The reasons for this are the physical arrangement as milk fat globules and the fatty acid composition.  

Cheese contains hardly any carbohydrates. Only in cream cheese are parts of lactose and thus carbohydrates still present. In matured cheese, the lactose has been broken down into lactic acid. It therefore no longer contains any carbohydrates and is also a healthy food for people with lactose intolerance. 

Cheese contains the fat-soluble vitamins A and D. Vitamin A is an important cell and skin protection vitamin. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the body. Cheese also contains water-soluble vitamins, especially vitamin B2 and vitamin B6. B vitamins are of great importance for the metabolism of the brain and nerves. 

Cheese contains a lot of calcium. This is essential for building and maintaining bone mass, muscle function and healthy teeth. 

Cheese also contains magnesium, phosphorus and the trace element zinc, which is particularly important for the skin. 

The SGE recommends that adults consume three portions of milk or dairy products per day. One serving is equal to 

• 2 dl milk or  

• 150 – 200 gr yoghurt / curd / cottage cheese or other dairy products or  

• 30 gr hard or semi-hard cheese or 

• 60 gr soft cheese