Parmigiano-Reggiano D.O.P. (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) is not the same as the notorious ''parmesan cheese''. Parmigiano-Reggiano marked as D.O.P. will ensure its quality and origin. This is a more strict labeling of food in Italy to preserve and protect regionally produced foods from less superior versions. So look for that! Now onto why is Parmigiano so good:

• Probiotic properties thanks to Lactobacillus rhamnosus that appears in 12 months old cheese
• High in protein making it perfect for both adding as a garnish, or even as a plate meal when added to a cheese platter
• Rich in vitamin B12, calcium and zinc as well as antioxidants
• The crunchy bits that you see looking like salt flakes, are actually bits of tyrosine
• Mood booster thanks to tyrosine interacting in your body with tyrosine hydroxylase - for which we notice profound effects on mood!

Tyrosine increases dopamine and noradrenaline production with the help of other nutrients that you intake from foods most likely at the same sitting when enjoying Parmigiano, such as folate, B vitamins, copper and magnesium.

Tyrosine helps with:
• protecting the brain against stress and helps with depression management
• increasing your energy levels and cognitive performance (PMID: 7794222)
• weight loss (PMID: 16652130)
• supporting your thyroid and metabolism health by making thyroxine

The production of thyroxine becomes important as it helps decrease symptoms of an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) and all what a sluggish metabolism entails!

Eat your Parmigiano-Reggiano weekly! 👏
*p.s.: Parmigiano-Reggiano D.O.P. is ALWAYS made from RAW MILK. Otherwise, it would lose its denomination as ''Parmigiano-Reggianno''.