#1: Vegan cheese is easier on the digestive system.

Even die hard cheese lovers will admit that cheese can do a number on their digestion. This could be because our bodies quit producing the enzymes necessary to digest milk as we age. Regardless, an estimated 50 million Americans suffer from some degree of dairy intolerance and/or milk protein allergy. Choosing a plant based cheese instead can alleviate the gastrointestinal issues.

#2: Its good for you

Made with heart healthy nuts and seeds and even vegetables, plant based cheeses are rich in good-for-you vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids like omega-3s. Plus the gut-friendly goodness of probiotic-rich acidophilus.

Of course, not all vegan cheeses are created equal. Read labels carefully and choose vegan cheeses that are not highly processed or better yet, make your own! Check out my bonus recipe below.

#3: They’re delicious!

There’s a reason people are switching to a plant based diet and its not just for health benefits. Similarly, they wouldn’t eat vegan cheese if it didn’t taste good. I might not taste exactly like the dairy kind, but it’s darn close. Especially if you can appreciate it for what it really is, simply good food.

RECIPE:

VEGGIE NACHO DIP

*Makes about 3 cups

Nut-Free / Seed-Free / Soy-Free

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup boiled cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup boiled chopped carrot
  • ½cup diced tomato
  • ½ red onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup tomato juice

DIRECTIONS

Place all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Store, refrigerated, in a sealed container; will keep for up to 1 week.

*Nutrition Note: Turmeric, the bright, warm, peppery spice best known as a main ingredient used in curry, also gives ballpark mustard its bright yellow color. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory that has been used for centuries to treat wounds, infections, and other health problems.

Recipe from Vegan Cheese, Simple, Delicious Plant-Based Recipes.