Blue cheese is made by adding mold cultures to cheese and allowing it to mature before packaging. Although typically made with cow's milk, blue cheese can also be made with goat's or sheep's milk. Because of its strong taste, blue cheese is most often used as a flavoring only, such as on salads or in cooked dishes.
Protein
Like many other cheeses, blue cheese is a good source of protein. A 1-oz. serving of blue cheese has 6.1 g of protein, which provides 11 percent of the daily value for men and 13 percent for women. Blue cheese is a complete protein because it provides all nine essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are those that your body cannot produce. You must get these amino acids from food.
Histidine and Valine
Two essential amino acids present in high amounts in blue cheese are valine and histidine. One serving provides more than 20 percent of the daily value of these amino acids. Your muscles use valine for energy. Valine also helps your tissues heal from damage. Histidine assists with tissue repair, as well, and plays a role in the production of both red and white blood cells.
Calcium and Phosphorus
One serving of blue cheese has 150 mg of calcium, which provides 15 percent of the daily value for adults under 50 and 13 percent for those over 50. Older adults, especially women, need extra calcium to prevent osteoporosis. One serving of blue cheese also supplies 15 percent of phosphorus. Both calcium and phosphorus are essential for strong teeth and bones. Additionally, calcium supports heart and nerve function, and phosphorus helps your blood clot.
B Vitamins
Blue cheese contains a large amount of two B vitamins: pantothenic acid and B-12. One serving provides 10 percent of the daily value of pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid helps you fight stress because it assists the production of adrenal hormones, such as cortisol. Each serving of blue cheese also supplies 15 percent of B-12, which facilitates production of red blood cells. It also helps you absorb iron and digest your food properly.
Vitamin A
Each serving of blue cheese provides 8 percent of vitamin A for women and 6 percent for men. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for a healthy immune system. It also supports night vision and healthy skin. Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant, so it helps protect your body against damage from toxins.
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