Caserta mozzarella is one of Italy’s best-known gastronomic products. It is said to be the world’s most famous cheese, and considered a national symbol of Naples, of Italy and the whole Mediterranean. The word “caserta” derives from “castrum”, which means “castle”. This is because the highest ranking official kept his residence in that area. In fact, the Caserta Palace was built on a small island in Lake Maggiore where cattle were brought for slaughtering, which marked its beginning.
Health benefits of caserta mozzarella
- It is a good source of calcium and protein.
The cheese that is produced in Naples and whole Campania is rich in proteins, including the casein proteins. It contains substantial amounts of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
- It is rich in vitamins.
Caserta mozzarella is a good source of the vitamins A, D, E and B12, as well as iron and zinc. It also has antioxidant properties which protect your body from free radicals that cause various diseases. The cheese contains vitamin K that stimulates blood clotting and prevents bruising, as well as anti-inflammatory properties to treat swelling.
- It lowers cholesterol levels in the blood system while reducing blood pressure and stress levels.
Studies show that with two portions of mozzarella di bufula per day over a period of two months you can reduce your cholesterol levels by 10%. The cheese has been found to lower blood pressure and stress levels, thus reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease.
- It stimulates brain health.
Caserta mozzarella contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are very useful to stimulate brain health and contribute to the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease as well as other forms of dementia. The type of fats it contains is DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which supports the structure and function of our brains by supplying it with oxygen. These fats act as an anti-inflammatory that can reduce oxidative stress in the brain, boost memory, improve learning and thinking skills.
- It protects against and treats some cancers.
It is rich in vitamin E, which protects against cancer and helps prevent and treat it. It also contains selenium, an essential trace element that is found in all cells of the human body and required by most of the enzymes that enable our body to function normally. It prevents cancerous cell growth while increasing the immune system’s capability to recognize abnormal cells and destroy them safely. One portion of mozzarella per day has been found to protect against certain cancers such as stomach, breast, esophageal, prostate or colorectal cancer (because of its high content in vitamin D).
- It regulates blood sugar levels
It is rich in lactose or milk sugar that helps regulate blood sugar after eating, preventing low blood sugar and hunger attacks. It keeps your insulin levels stable throughout the day which combats diabetes and prevents other health problems caused by insulin resistance such as high cholesterol levels, blood pressure and weight gain.
- It is a good source of essential vitamins for athletes.
One portion can give you 36% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6, which is useful for bodybuilders because it plays an important role in protein metabolism allowing you maintain muscle mass while suffering from fatigue and muscle pain during workouts.