For National Cheese Day, benefits of eating more cheese.

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It’s National Cheese Day! If you’re like me then, you celebrate this wonderful food every single day by including it in most of your meals and snacks. If you’re like me then also, in your friend group, when anyone brings up cheese, everybody’s eyes light up and we all repeat the word cheeeeeese as if it’s some sort of a God. I put cream cheese on my bagel in the morning, I have a string cheese with fruit mid-morning, I sprinkle feta on my lunch salad, and have some cheese and fruit with wine before dinner—which also involves some cheese. If your stomach can tolerate dairy, you can get some pretty wonderful benefits from cheese. It’s no wonder there are entire stores dedicated just to cheese, and many supermarkets are opening up gourmet cheese tasting counters. For National Cheese Day, here are the wonderful benefits of eating more cheese.

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It has protein

Cheese is high in protein. If you’re tired of eating meat, if you’re a vegetarian looking for meat-free protein sources, or if you need a quick and easy energizing snack to store in your office refrigerator, cheese is perfect.

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It improves brain function

Those omegas we spoke about are also important for proper brain function. Having some cheese at lunch could help you feel sharper during your afternoon tasks and prevent that late afternoon slump.

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High in calcium

Cheese is very high in calcium, which we need for so many functions. We need calcium for proper blood clotting, for muscle contractions, and even for a good heart rate.

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It’s high in antioxidants

Cheese is high in antioxidants—linoleic acid and sphingolipids in particular. These can help in the fight against cancer.

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It boosts the immune system

Mozzarella cheese contains 19 percent of your daily value of zinc, which is very important for a healthy immune system. Even half a cup of low fat ricotta will deliver 11 percent of your zinc needs for the day.

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It aids in weight loss

Cheese contains butyrate, a substance that improves metabolism. Not only that, but some cheeses are known to increase the body’s own production of butyrate.

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It improves gut health

Cheese contains probiotics. Swiss, cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, in particular, boast healthy bacteria that can make it deep into your GI tract.

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High in vitamin B

It’s almost as if cheese was designed by a genius engineer. Not only is it high in calcium, but it’s also high in vitamin B, which spreads calcium through the body, helping it do all of its important jobs.

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Improve mood

Cheese is high in B-12, which you need for plenty of functions, but one very important one is mood boosting. Those low in B-12 often suffer depression and fatigue. Cottage cheese has the most of this important vitamin.

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It fights osteoporosis

Cheese can be a great ally in the fight against osteoporosis. It contains the magical trio of calcium, protein and certain vitamins that can prevent bone loss and deterioration.

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It’s a bodybuilder’s best friend

Some cheese is high in whey protein, which is especially good for building muscles. Ricotta is the highest in whey protein, so consider having a breakfast of ricotta and berries before hitting the gym.

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It boosts cardiovascular health

With its magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, cheese can boast cardiovascular health. Stick to lower-fat varieties though, as those high in fat can have the opposite effect.

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Boosts tooth health

Your teeth also need calcium to grow! Eating more cheese could help in the fight against cavities and the need for fillings. Plus, cheese is low in sugar, which dentists love.