Tag: Blue cheese

According to the American Heart Association, monounsaturated fats from olives can help lower 'bad' cholesterol levels, but what happens when you add salty blue cheese? The answer to whether blue cheese stuffed olives are good for you involves weighing the benefits of the ingredients against their downsides, particularly high sodium and saturated fat content.

While medical penicillin originates from certain fungi, the specific strains of Penicillium used to create blue cheese do not produce the drug, according to experts. This fact complicates the popular belief that blue cheese is antibacterial, but scientific research reveals more fascinating truths about its properties.

An estimated 65% of the global population has some degree of lactase deficiency, meaning the enzyme that helps digest lactose is less active. For those with lactose intolerance, finding suitable dairy products can be a challenge, prompting the question: which blue cheese is lactose-free? The good news is that many types of blue cheese are naturally low in lactose, and some are even certified lactose-free.

Historically, the mold cultures used for some blue cheeses were grown on gluten-containing bread, specifically rye. However, manufacturing practices have evolved significantly, making modern blue cheeses a much safer bet. So, is blue vein cheese gluten-free and can it be part of a strictly gluten-free diet?

While the myth of using blue cheese as an improvised antibiotic persists, the scientific reality is far more nuanced. The answer to the question, "can penicillin be made from Roquefort?" is a definitive no, due to the critical differences between the mold species and the industrial processes required.

Despite a common misconception, the mold used to produce blue cheese is not the same strain used to make the antibiotic penicillin. This means that blue cheese dressing does not contain the antibiotic penicillin, though the cheese itself is made with a different, food-safe mold. The confusion arises from both substances belonging to the same genus of fungi, *Penicillium*.

While cheese has long been a subject of debate in nutritional science, emerging research suggests some varieties offer notable benefits. The mold used to make Stilton, for example, is linked to unique bioactive compounds and beneficial bacteria that can contribute to overall wellness.

While the antibiotic penicillin was famously derived from a mold in the same genus, the notion that blue cheese can cure sickness is a widespread misconception. So, does blue cheese help with illness, or is this just an old wives' tale based on a faulty premise?

In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered the antibiotic penicillin from a species of the Penicillium mold, but does blue cheese have antibiotic properties? The distinct, tangy flavor and blue-green veins of cheeses like Roquefort and Stilton are also due to a specific type of *Penicillium* mold, which can produce compounds with antibacterial and antifungal qualities.

According to the Monash University FODMAP App, a standard 40g serving of blue cheese is considered low in FODMAPs. However, many people on a low FODMAP diet for managing conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are cautious about dairy. This is because the aging and fermentation process reduces the lactose content, making blue cheese generally well-tolerated in small portions.