The registered dietician at NYU Langone's weight management program, Emily Martorano, and Castro Mortillaro both believe that ricotta is a healthy option.
Real ricotta is made from the whey that remains after other cheeses are made from milk (often sheep's milk) that has been coagulated.
When eaten in moderation, Castro Mortillaro says even tougher cheeses like Parmigiano, pecorino, or gouda may be beneficial to your health.
Hard cheeses are going to be higher in calcium, and you're probably going to be satiated with smaller amounts, so you tend not to over-consume
Protein is essential if you're trying to lose weight. It aids in muscular development and keeps you full for longer.
Martorano recommends selecting a cheese that is high in protein but low in fat if you are trying to watch your weight.
Try to avoid highly processed foods like canned cheese, precut cheese slices, and blocks of cheese that don't need refrigeration.
"Squeezable cheese, American cheese, even cream cheese provide minimal protein for a much higher fat and sodium content," Martorano stated.
Martorano and Castro Mortillaro agree that cheese is better used as an accompaniment to other dishes rather than as a whole meal.
Martorano told CNN that cheese shouldn't be used as a major source of nutrition since it's better suited as a side dish.