How to Properly Combine Cottage Cheese: What to Eat Together and What Not to 0 7

To ensure that cottage cheese provides maximum benefits and does not cause digestive discomfort, it is important to combine it correctly with other products. Experts shared their recommendations with "Doctor Peter".

Cottage cheese is one of the healthiest dairy products, rich in calcium and protein. It is ideal for those looking to lose weight or build muscle mass. However, to achieve the maximum benefits from cottage cheese, it must be combined with the right foods; otherwise, even such a healthy food can cause health problems.

Nutritionist Dr. Mariyat Mukhina explained which products should not be combined with cottage cheese.

The composition of cottage cheese (per 100 g of product):

calories — 236 kcal;
proteins — 15 g;
fats — 18 g;
carbohydrates — 2.8 g.

Avoid Fish, Meat, and Sugar

The specialist emphasizes that cottage cheese should not be combined with sugar, fish, and meat. This is because animal proteins are poorly absorbed together. If you combine cottage cheese with meat or fish, it can lead to digestive problems, putrefaction, fermentation, and irritation.

Why is it not recommended to eat cottage cheese with sugar? The product itself contains lactose — milk sugar. Adding sweeteners can increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Furthermore, experts advise against mixing cottage cheese with eggs, as they also contain a lot of protein. It is also not advisable to wash down cottage cheese with coffee, as this drink interferes with calcium absorption, and you will not get all the benefits from the cottage cheese.

What to Eat with Cottage Cheese

What products pair well with cottage cheese? Nutritionist Svetlana Peres de Montes Ratheryk recommends adding sour cream and nuts to cottage cheese. Greens, cucumbers, and onions also pair well. For a variety of flavors, spices and seasonings can be used.

After consuming cottage cheese, it is better to avoid heavy foods. This is because cottage cheese contains the complex protein casein. Stomach acid does not break it down immediately, and it forms clumps of proteins and fats in the stomach. These sticky lumps are digested slowly, especially if pieces of other food stick to them.

Who Should Avoid Cottage Cheese

Despite its benefits, cottage cheese has contraindications. First of all, it is not suitable for people with lactose intolerance. Allergies to cottage cheese are rare, so those with allergies can consume it without worry. Caution is advised for those with gastritis or kidney problems.

Healthy individuals are recommended to consume up to 250 grams of cottage cheese per day. Athletes and those looking to build muscle mass can increase their portion to 400 grams.

By the Way

Many, seeking to reduce the calorie content of their diet, choose low-fat dairy products. However, doctors warn that fat-free dairy is not as beneficial, especially cottage cheese, sour cream, milk, or yogurt. People believe that they gain weight from them, but when switching to low-fat options, weight does not decrease. Moreover, it can increase, which also causes problems with calcium and vitamin D metabolism. This is because fats are necessary for the body to perform a number of important metabolic functions, such as:

* energy production for cells;
* formation of cell membrane structures;
* participation in hormone synthesis;
* maintenance of stable body temperature;
* support of immune protection;
* dissolution of certain compounds (including vitamins A, E, D, and K);
* transportation of certain substances.

Therefore, choose full-fat cottage cheese.