Kelsey Kryger, C.P.T.Mon, September 22, 2025 at 6:52 PM UTC1 min readGenerate Key TakeawaysWho doesn’t love cheese? It’s a guilty pleasure for many, but some types may have a bigger impact on heart health than others."Eating cheese in moderation usually has a small effect on LDL cholesterol, but high-fat cheeses can raise it if consumed excessively," Tariqshah Syed, M.D., chief of cardiology at Holy Name Medical Center tells Parade.Cheese sometimes gets a bad reputation because it's high in calories, saturated fat, and salt. It's also low in fiber.Related: The Best High-Protein Cheese, According to Dietitians"Processed cheeses and hard, full-fat cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan are higher in saturated fat and salt, which can increase LDL and blood pressure,” he says.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFor reference, mascarpone contains 44 grams of fat per 100-gram serving, with 29 grams of saturated fat, per the British Heart Foundation. Cheddar has 35 grams of fat and 23 grams of saturated fat, while Parmesan has 30 grams of fat and 19 grams of saturated fat.The American Heart Association recommends keeping saturated fat to less than 6 percent of total daily calories. For a 2,000-calorie diet, that’s no more than 13 grams of saturated fat per day.Fortunately, there are cheeses that are lower in fats and more heart-healthy that can fit well into your daily diet."Low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta and cottage cheese are better for heart health because they contain less saturated fat and sodium," Syed says.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHalf a cup of ricotta contains 10 grams of saturated fat, while the same amount of cottage cheese has only 3 grams.Related: 4 Surprisingly Filling Foods That Will Make Your Calorie Deficits Less MiserableThis story was originally reported by Men's Fitness on Sep 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Fitness as a Preferred Source by clicking here.