What Are the Health Benefits of Feta Cheese?

Traditionally produced in Greece from goat's milk, feta cheese has gained considerable popularity in the United States, partially due to its abundant tangy flavor, but also because of the potential health benefits it offers. Today, many varieties of feta-like cheeses are made outside of Greece, some made from cow's milk or a mixture of cow and goat's milk. True feta is a product of Greece and should contain at least 70 percent goat's milk.

Fewer Calories Than Most Cheeses

• Feta cheese contains about 33 percent fewer calories than most cheeses, but has a much stronger flavor than many other low-calorie cheeses, such as mozzarella.

Less Fat

• The fat content of feta cheese is about a third less than that of most cheeses, particularly soft or "ripened" cheeses. Furthermore, low-fat feta is available in many stores, though at the sacrifice of some flavor and the cheese's natural texture.

High in Calcium

• A single ounce of feta cheese contains nearly 140 mg. of calcium, making it one of the best dietary sources of calcium, essential to the development and health of bones and tooth enamel.

May Aid in Abdominal Fat Loss

• Studies indicate that five servings of cheese in general per day can aid in the loss of abdominal fat and that a high calcium diet may contribute to the breakdown of fat cells. In addition, feta cheese specifically is rich in conjugated linoleic acid, a fatty acid and antioxidant that may aid in abdominal fat loss. The resultant loss of body fat lowers the risk of diabetes and heart disease.