Parmesan Cheese

Overview

Parmesan cheese provides CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), vitamin K2, C15:0 pentadecanoic acid, high protein, and calcium, with studies showing it doesn't raise LDL despite high calcium. Parmesan Cheese: CLA, vitamin K2, glutamate, high protein, calcium; fermented, C15:0. C15:0 (Parmesan and grassfed Butter). Studies have shown that hard cheeses with high calcium do not raise serum LDL levels. Instead of excluding them, dietary strategies should focus on unprocessed, nutrient-dense sources such as Parmesan cheese, grass-fed butter, and pasture-raised egg yolks.

Food Context

Synergies

• Part of nutrient-dense animal food strategy

Sourcing

• Choose quality sources when possible

Preparation

• Use as grated topping or snacks for flavor and nutrient density
• Supports K2 and calcium intake; studies have shown that hard cheeses with high calcium do not raise serum LDL levels Soerensen et al. 2014
• When consumed in moderation within an anti-inflammatory, micronutrient-rich diet, foods like Parmesan cheese provide essential brain nutrients including choline, vitamin K2, butyrate, and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E

Essential Amino Acid Profile

Parmesan Cheese contribute plant protein. Pair with complementary protein sources (e.g. grains and legumes) for a balanced essential amino acid profile.

Recipes

2 recipes containing this food

Creamed Corn on Roasted Sweet Potato

Roasted sweet potato with creamed corn and a mixed lipid phase to enhance carotenoid absorption; served with broccoli for fibre and glucosinolates.

Linguine alle vongole mantecate (Linguine with cockles in a silky emulsified sauce)

Whole-wheat linguine with cockles in a silky emulsified sauce; Italian emulsification technique without cream, supporting taurine, B12, and choline intake.

Nutrient Tables (per 100 g)

Core nutrients

Nutrient	Amount per 100 g	% RDA per 100 g
Energy	400 kcal	—
Protein	40 g	—
Total fat	30 g	—
Saturated fat	20 g	—
Carbohydrates	0 g	—
Fibre	0 g	—

Key micronutrients

Nutrient	Amount per 100 g	% RDA per 100 g
Iron	0 mg	0%
Calcium	1200 mg	120%

Reference intakes: US Dietary Reference Intakes for adults (19–50 years; using the higher of male/female values where they differ).

Data provenance (core / micronutrient panel): USDA FoodData Central, PARMESAN CHEESE, FDC ID 2096212, API, per 100 g edible portion, last checked 2026-03-14

Substances

Substances in this food: editorial (Overview / literature) plus analytical (nutrition table).

3 substances in this food

Calcium

Bone health; neurotransmission; interacts with vitamin D and K2

Tyrosine

Dopamine and norepinephrine precursor; LAT1 competition with LNAAs

Vitamin K2 (MK forms)

Calcium handling; potential roles in brain health; often co-occurs with fat-soluble vitamins

References

• Parmesan Cheese: CLA, vitamin K2, glutamate, high protein, calcium; fermented, C15:0
• C15:0 (Parmesan and grassfed Butter)
• Studies have shown that hard cheeses with high calcium do not raise serum LDL levels Soerensen et al. 2014
• Instead of excluding them, dietary strategies should focus on unprocessed, nutrient-dense sources such as Parmesan cheese, grass-fed butter, and pasture-raised egg yolks
• When consumed in moderation within an anti-inflammatory, micronutrient-rich diet, foods like Parmesan cheese and grass-fed butter provide essential brain nutrients including choline, vitamin K2, butyrate, and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E
• Dopamine: Attention, motivation, executive function; food sources include lean poultry, beef, fish, dairy, soy, pumpkin seeds (Parmesan provides tyrosine)