Health benefits of paneer vs cheese nutrition value, gastroenterologist picks the winner

Paneer vs cheese: Can you guess which one out of the two has more nutritional value? (Picture Credit: Pexels)

Most Indians often opt for paneer as it offers healthy amounts of fats and proteins. It is accessible, affordable, and a popular choice. However, cheese may not be far behind. Fortis Delhi gastroenterologist Dr Shubham Vatsya compared the two and explained which should be prioritised, stating nutritional facts.

But first, for those who often think paneer and cheese are the same, here’s what they should know!

Difference between paneer and cheese

Paneer is a fresh, non-melting cheese that is made by curdling hot milk with lemon juice or vinegar and is usually eaten soon after preparation. On the other hand, cheese is made using rennet or bacterial enzymes, which make the milk proteins coagulate. The solid curds are then separated from the liquid whey and pressed into cheese. They are salted and matured for weeks or months, which gives them a strong flavour and texture.

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Paneer vs cheese: What the gastroenterologist said

In his new post on Instagram, Dr Shubham Vatsya compared the nutritional value of both cheese and paneer. He said, “100 grams of paneer has an average of 250 kilocalories, 20 grams of fat, and 18 grams of protein. Now I take 100 grams of cheese. There are many types of cheese: processed and unprocessed. I am talking about pure, unprocessed cheese. 100 grams of cheese has 400 kilocalories, 33 grams of fat, and 25 grams of protein.”

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A post shared by Dr. Shubham Vatsya (@dr.shubhamvatsya)

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This clearly indicates that cheese has a higher nutritional value, but given that it is loaded with calories, it may not be suitable for everyone. Dr Vatsya said, “Cheese is quite a calorie bomb but has good fats and more protein. So if you are a health freak and want to lose weight, then paneer is better for you. But for children who are suffering from malnourishment and want to gain weight, cheese is better than medicine.”

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The gastroenterologist also blamed the unpopularity of cheese on poor marketing. Otherwise, it supersedes paneer with its high protein content and healthy fats. In the end, he recommended making smarter choices, not popular ones.

FAQs on paneer vs cheese:

1. Is paneer healthier than cheese?

Paneer is generally healthier as it is lower in fat, less processed, and easier to digest than most cheeses.

2. Which has more protein: paneer or cheese?

Paneer usually contains more protein per serving compared to regular processed cheese.

3. Is paneer better for weight loss than cheese?

Yes, paneer can be more filling and supports muscle maintenance, while cheese is higher in calories and fat.

4. Can diabetics eat paneer or cheese?

Paneer is a better choice as it has a lower glycaemic impact and fewer additives.

5. Which is better for heart health?

Paneer is generally more heart-friendly when consumed in moderation, while cheese should be limited due to high saturated fat and sodium content.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.