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6 signs you might have a vitamin B12 deficiency<\/p>\n
Vitamin B12 is essential for producing energy and some research has shown that it can help with depression and prevent dementia.<\/p>\n
unbranded – Lifestyle<\/p>\n
Once written off as a bland diet food, cottage cheese<\/a> has become a versatile dairy staple that’s surged in popularity thanks to its creamy texture, high protein content and ability to pair well with both sweet and savory dishes.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find it piled on toast with fruit and honey at brunch spots, blended into smoothies<\/a> at health cafes, scooped alongside tomatoes and crackers at summer barbecues and used as a healthier substitute for cream cheese, heavy cream, ricotta and sour cream. “People are incorporating cottage cheese into almost every recipe you can think of,” says Kristen Smith, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics<\/a>.<\/p>\n But as trendy as it has become, is cottage cheese actually good for you? Here’s what to know.<\/p>\n What is cottage cheese?\u00a0<\/p>\n Cottage cheese is a fresh, unripened cheese known for its mild and tangy flavor and distinctive curds. It\u2019s made by curdling milk with an acid or enzyme<\/a>, then “taking the solid parts of the milk (called curds) after they\u2019ve been separated from the liquid part known as whey,” explains Smith. Once this separation occurs, the curds are “drained, rinsed and seasoned with salt” before often being combined with a “creamy dressing” to create the signature texture we associate with cottage cheese, says Kristina Cooke<\/a>, a California-based licensed nutritionist and registered dietitian.<\/p>\n Its signature lumpiness can vary depending on how the curds are cut and processed. Some varieties feature small curds, while others offer large ones. And sometimes the mixture is whipped together, making a smoother product.<\/p>\n No matter which variety you prefer, Cooke says that freshness is what sets cottage cheese apart from other cheeses<\/a> like cheddar, mozzarella or brie. Aged cheeses undergo fermentation and drying processes that intensify flavor and extend shelf life, while cottage cheese has a higher moisture content and must be refrigerated to prevent spoilage. While this gives it a shorter shelf life, cottage cheese has the advantage of retaining more water-soluble nutrients and offering a lighter, more delicate flavor.<\/p>\n