Feta Cheese & Probiotics

Steeped in history, feta is a soft Greek cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk and ripened in brine. With the growing popularity of probiotic foods, researchers in dairy science have been exploring methods to increase the probiotic bacterial content of feta. Though these approaches may alter traditional production standards, they could boost the health-promoting benefits of this flavorful, versatile cheese.

Production

Feta is historically made from sheep's milk curdled in rennet. After the milk has curdled, the curd is drained and left in brine to mature. Because traditional feta is allowed to ferment without bacterial starter cultures, microbial content can be unpredictable. For decades, dairy scientists have been experimenting with strains of Lactobacillus bacteria to control the taste and texture of feta cheese. More recently, researchers have been refining traditional methods to produce a version of feta with a higher concentration of probiotic microbes, the organisms that facilitate digestion and help protect you from infection.

Research

In a study published in the "Journal of Dairy Science" in 2006, Y. Kourkoutas, Ph.D., and colleagues created a feta-like cheese using added Lactobacillus cultures at one phase of production to increase its probiotic content. Though traditional feta may contain Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium species, and other probiotic bacteria and yeasts, this study demonstrated that the probiotic properties of feta can be enhanced through the addition of specific strains of lactic acid bacteria.

Benefits

Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and other beneficial bacteria colonize naturally in your digestive tract. When used as cultures, these bacteria also play a role in the fermentation of dairy products. Lactic acid, a metabolic product of Lactobacillus bacteria, helps protect your digestive tract from colonization by pathogenic organisms. Popular probiotic species like Lactobacillus acidophilus may relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and infectious diarrhea. Probiotic microbes that enter your body through your intestinal tract may also support your immune system, reports the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. More clinical evidence is needed to verify the benefits of probiotic dairy products.

Suggestions

Feta is a soft, porous white cheese that slices or crumbles easily. With its mildly tart flavor, feta blends well into omelets or salads. For a simple sandwich in the Greek tradition, serve sliced feta on fresh, crusty bread with olive oil and oregano. When made with whole milk, feta is a full-fat dairy product and should be eaten in small amounts, suggests the University of Michigan Health System; however, its protein and calcium content make feta a nutritious addition to your diet.

Precautions

If you're pregnant, avoid feta and other soft cheeses unless their packaging confirms that they are made with pasteurized milk, advises MayoClinic.com. Unpasteurized dairy products may carry pathogenic bacteria that could be harmful to you or your baby during pregnancy. More research is needed to confirm the probiotic benefits of feta and other dairy products. Consult your health care provider before starting probiotic therapy for gastric infections or other disorders.