Dairy products are an excellent source of dietary calcium supplementation, with cheese being the most calcium-rich among them. Compared to 250ml of milk and 200ml of yogurt, 40g of cheese contains an equivalent amount of calcium.

Besides, cheese offers several health benefits that make it a valuable addition to one's diet.

Firstly, cheese can enhance the body's disease-fighting ability, promote metabolism, increase vitality, protect eye health, and maintain healthy skin.

The lactic acid bacteria and their metabolites in cheese contribute to maintaining a healthy balance of flora in the human intestinal tract, which prevents constipation and diarrhea. Thus, cheese is beneficial to maintaining a stable and healthy gut environment.

Furthermore, cheese has a relatively low cholesterol content, making it an ideal food for promoting cardiovascular health. Although cheese is high in fat and calories, it is an excellent source of calcium, which is vital for healthy bones and teeth.

Eating foods rich in calcium, such as cheese, can also help prevent dental caries.

Cheese is a food that is suitable for people of all ages. It is especially beneficial for pregnant women, middle-aged and elderly individuals, and growing children and teenagers who need an adequate amount of calcium to promote bone growth and development.

However, it is essential to be mindful of the high-calorie content of cheese. Overconsumption of cheese can lead to weight gain, so moderation is key.

Finally, cheese is versatile and can be used in various dishes, such as cheesecake. Here is a recipe for berry cheesecake:

Ingredients:

200g digestive biscuits

100g unsalted butter, melted

500g cream cheese, softened

200g caster sugar

200ml sour cream

2 tsp vanilla extract

4 eggs

200g mixed berries

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Grease and line a 20cm springform cake tin.

2. Crush the digestive biscuits in a plastic bag with a rolling pin or in a food processor. Mix with the melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared tin and smooth it out evenly.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Fold in the mixed berries gently.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin, and smooth out the top with a spatula.

6. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly.

7. Turn off the oven, leave the cheesecake inside, and let it cool down gradually for about an hour.

8. Take the cheesecake out of the oven, and chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

9. Serve the cheesecake cold, garnished with extra mixed berries, if desired.