Imokilly Regato cheese is Ireland’s only PDO cheese, produced in County Cork. It is a semi-soft cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. And it is commonly used as a topping for pizzas, salads and pasta dishes. Read on to learn about the nutrition facts for Imokilly Regato cheese. In this post, we will have recommendations for lactose intolerance and pregnancy.
SEE ALSO: Nutrition facts for popular world cheeses in The Cheese Scientist’s index →
Nutrition Facts Summary for Imokilly Regato Cheese
Despite its very Italian sounding name, Imokilly Regato is indeed an Irish PDO cheese. Here are some of its key nutrition facts:
Lactose Intolerance
Imokilly Regato cheese is a low-lactose cheese, which makes it a suitable option for those with lactose intolerance. Since it contains less lactose than most soft cheeses, people who are lactose intolerant can consume it in moderation without experiencing digestive problems.
Fat & Protein Content
Moreover, Imokilly Regato cheese is a high-fat cheese, containing about 26% fat. However, it is also high in protein, with approximately 29% protein content. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, while fat is important for energy production and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
People who are trying to lose weight or limit their calorie intake may want to consume Imokilly Regato cheese in moderation. Having said that, due to its high fat and low carbohydrate content, it may be a suitable option for people following a ketogenic diet.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women may benefit from consuming Imokilly Regato cheese as it is a good source of calcium. Calcium is essential for the development of the baby’s bones and teeth.
However, pregnant women should ensure that they have a pasteurised version of this Irish cheese. Effectively, thanks to its low moisture content and lack of natural rind, all pasteurised versions of Regato are deemed safe for consumption during pregnancy.
Salt Content
Like most cheeses, Imokilly Regato cheese is quite high in sodium (650 mg/100 g). A high intake of sodium can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. People who are trying to reduce their salt intake should limit their consumption of Imokilly Regato cheese.
Conclusion
Imokilly Regato cheese is a delicious and nutritious food that can provide several essential nutrients. It is a good source of protein and calcium and is low in lactose, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance.
However, it is high in fat and sodium, and people who are trying to reduce their calorie or sodium intake should consume it in moderation. Pregnant women should also avoid consuming unpasteurised versions of this cheese. Overall, Imokilly Regato cheese can be a healthy and tasty addition to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
References
Overall nutritional content
The nutritional content of cheese in our table comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository, the Australian Food Composition Database and cheese manufacturers. We realise that there can be variations between different brands and producers. Hence, the numbers we have used are averages.
Fat content
Our fat RDI data comes from Cleveland Clinic’s Healthy Fat Intake resource.
Type of fat in cheese as per Harvard T.H. Chan’s The Nutrition Source.
Protein content
Our protein RDI data comes from Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publishing.
Cholesterol content
Is There a Correlation between Dietary and Blood Cholesterol? Evidence from Epidemiological Data and Clinical Interventions? – Maria Luz Fernandez and Ana Gabriela Murillo
Saturated fat, carbohydrate, and cardiovascular disease – Patty W Siri-Tarino, Qi Sun, Frank B Hu and Ronald M Krauss
Effect of cheese consumption on blood lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials – Janette de Goede, Johanna M Geleijnse, Eric L Ding, Sabita S Soedamah-Muthu
Safety in pregnancy
All the advice relating to what cheeses you can eat during pregnancy in this article is based on the recommendations by health authorities in Australia, the UK and the USA. If you are unsure about what you can or cannot eat, please consult your doctor.
Australia – FSANZ, United Kingdom – NHS and United Sates of America – FDA
Lactose content
Lactose residual content in PDO cheeses
Detection of lactose in products with low lactose content
The analysis of lactose in milk and cheese products by HPLC
Food Standards ANZ Food Composition Database
Lactose & Galactose content of cheese
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
