What Are the Health Benefits of Ricotta Cheese?

Ricotta cheese is a soft cheese often used in Italian dishes. Ricotta has multiple health benefits that make it a great addition to your daily diet.

Protein

• One half cup serving of whole milk ricotta cheese has 14 g of protein. This is 28 percent of your daily value of protein, which will help to build muscle.

Calcium

• Calcium is needed for strong bones, and is found in all dairy products. Ricotta cheese is no exception. A half cup serving has 257 mg of calcium, or 26 percent of your daily recommended value.

Omega Fatty Acids

• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are known for helping to prevent heart disease and cancer, and are healthy for the body. Ricotta cheese has 139 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 339 mg of omega-6 fatty acids per half cup serving.

Minerals

• One half cup serving of ricotta is a great source of phosphorus (20%), zinc (10%) and selenium (26%).

Vitamins

• One serving of ricotta cheese is a good source of Vitamin A (11% daily value), Riboflavin (14%) and Vitamin B12 (7%).