What Is Blue Cheese Dressing?
While one can certainly find most of the pre-made dressings of blue cheese in grocery stores, the blue cheese dressing is easy or simple to prepare in the comfort of the home with just a few basic ingredients. Blue cheese dressing, popular in the United States, is now available throughout the globe; however, the recipes would vary on the types of blue cheese dressings. They commonly contain a mixture of blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, some added flavors, and spices like a dash of lemon juice, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, or even cumin. Although one may have commonly come across this myth that any mayonnaise-based dressing has more saturated fat, it is certainly not true as it also contains equal amounts of heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Even the olive oil-based blue cheese dressings are also cardioprotective.
The fat comprised in the blue cheese dressing made from blue cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise contains fat-soluble vitamins, such as the vitamins A, D, E, and K. Filled with rich nutrients, this dressing can be added to the meals, the much needed nutritional benefit one can avail from salads or veggie-based dishes. Blue cheese can have quite a polarizing taste (it has a robust, tangy taste); however, this tangy flavor can also be toned down when one combines it with a mixture of ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt, which makes the dressing both flavorful and unique.
What Are the Nutrition Content of Blue Cheese Dressing?
According to the nutrition information enlisted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), approximately 3.5 ounces of blue cheese dressing, the following content can be found;
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Fat: 1.5 ounces.
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Sodium: 0.19 ounces.
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Carbohydrates: 0.7 ounces.
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Fiber: 0.1 ounces.
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Sugars: 0.4 ounces.
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Protein: 0 ounces.
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Calcium: 71000 ounces.
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Total Calories: 464 kilocalories
This dressing is also an excellent source of calcium, selenium, and phosphorus which are essential nutrients for the body's metabolism and also important for bone health, and ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) or energy production in the system.
A single serving of blue cheese dressing, around two tablespoons, contains around 130 to 140 kilocalories. According to nutrition research, the effect of blue cheese dressing on blood sugar levels is quite negligible, and the amount of added carbohydrates is also insignificant. Typically, blue cheese dressing does not contain added sugars; however, if one purchases the dressing from the store, it is always wise to check the ingredient label to see if there are any added sugars in it.
What Are the Health Benefits of Blue Cheese Dressing?
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Cardioprotective: Blue cheese dressing contains approximately 0.0000105 ounces of cholesterol in one tablespoon; however, the combination of heart-healthy fats and saturated fats reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. The compound spermidine, present in blue cheese dressing, is a natural polyamine that slows the aging process and can potentially promote cardiovascular health. Spermidine also additionally has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. The high intake of spermidine is known to be associated with a lower incidence of heart disease as well as a decrease in blood pressure levels.
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Promotes Digestive Health: Research shows that fermented dairy is associated with a reduced risk of metabolic disorders and further promotes digestive or gut health. By including the blue cheese dressing in the diet, one is adding a good source of healthy gut-promoting or pro-digestive bacteria. Blue cheese dressing is also suitable for Individuals who opt for gluten-free diets, as it does contain any gluten-related ingredients.
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Reduces Cognitive Decline and Risk of Dementia: Nutrition research shows that when fermented dairy is added to a regular diet, there is a neuroprotective potential, especially in the aged or elderly population, that can prevent cognitive decline (loss of mental capabilities). The blue cheese dressing has certain anti-inflammatory properties that are associated primarily with neuroprotection and may reduce the risk of dementia in aging individuals.
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Lowers Osteoporosis Risk: The blue cheese dressing is a great source of both calcium and phosphorus, bone metabolism can be regulated well by consumption through a regular diet. Also, calcium and phosphorus are much needed for maintaining the strength of teeth. Research demonstrates through various studies that consuming dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, or sour cream, all three of which are contained in the blue cheese dressing, decreases the risk of osteoporosis and also prevents hip fractures.
What Are the Different Varieties of Blue Cheese Dressing?
Blue cheese dressing comes in different varieties, such as full-fat, reduced-fat, or fat-free versions. One can find other similar vegan options of blue cheese dressing at their local grocery store or through online retailers or shops.
How Is Blue Cheese Dressing Stored And Preserved?
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Storage: Blue cheese dressing, purchased from the market or prepared at home, ideally needs to be stored in the refrigerator and can last up to six to nine months. If the dressing purchased from commercial stores is stored in a very tightly covered or packaged form, it will still remain undamaged whether the seal is broken or not; although there would be slight variations in the texture, color, or flavor of the dressing. The dressing would still be safe to consume unless one does not observe signs of spoilage like foul odor or loss of flavors.
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Preservation: It would be best to not store the blue cheese dressing for a long duration ideally as it may lose its flavor or might get contaminated over time. Therefore, one must be careful not to consume spoiled or contaminated dressings as the foul odor and spoiled appearance is the first indication that it needs to be discarded.
Are Allergies Possible With Blue Cheese Dressing?
As blue cheese dressing primarily contains dairy, it would not be suitable for individuals who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products or milk. Symptoms of lactose intolerance would range from stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, or even diarrhea. Therefore, if one notices any possible allergies after consuming blue cheese dressing, immediately report it to the healthcare provider to find out if one has any lactose or dairy allergy. The healthcare provider can then perform suitable testing to determine if one is allergic to milk.
Conclusion
To conclude, the blue cheese dressing can be certainly an excellent addition to the diet owing to its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective properties unless individuals suffer from lactose or dairy allergies for whom it is not suited. Though blue cheese is a nutrient-rich product it should be consumed in moderation by the people after consulting their doctor, as the cheese contains high levels of sodium, calories, and saturated fats.
