Even as Thanksgiving or the National Day of Gratitude is just around the corner, those who celebrate have started preparing to cook up their favourite meals. Most people pack with dairy goodness, but is it healthy?

Cheese is a big part of the Thanksgiving tradition, but according to experts, you must know how to add it and how. While some cheeses are better for you than others, getting a tasty meal while also loading up on protein, vitamins, and good bacteria. According to dietitians, cheese should not be off limits.

Cheese is packed with protein and calcium, and so it is an important part of your diet. However, aged cheeses help to aid digestion and boost immunity. However, you need to be sure to consume full-fat dairy, which can develop type 2 diabetes or hypertension. Studies say consuming two daily servings of dairy of any kind can reduce the risk posed by either condition by 11–24 per cent.

Research also suggests eating cheese can lead to a longer, richer life.

A few best cheeses to add to your holiday spread include:

Cottage cheese is a low-calorie cheese with a mild flavour that is highly nutritious, meaning it helps with weight loss and muscle gain.

Not just high in protein, cottage cheese is also packed with calcium and vitamin D. According to experts, it is an easy substitute for ricotta, making it an excellent pick for lightening up lasagnas or crafting a high-protein cheesecake.

Regular consumption of cottage cheese helps preserve muscle mass, keeps you satiated throughout the day, and increases metabolism through the thermic effect of food, being effective in weight loss. The casein protein, in particular, has amino acids that help with your appetite, energy, mood, sleep, and immune system.

Cheddar cheese - particularly the aged cheddar, is low in lactose, which makes it easier to digest than other cheeses. It is one of the best for holiday parties and platters that aim to please as many palates and GI tracts as possible. Loaded with calcium, vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, vitamin A, protein, and amino acids like leucine, cottage cheese helps promote muscle growth and repair.

Incorporate aged cheddar into your broccoli casserole or use a slice to add a bite to your leftover turkey sandwiches.

Also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, Parmesan is a hard Italian cheese with unique nutritional qualities. Even though it is considered a functional food, Parmesan’s components help improve health and reduce the risk of diseases.

It is packed with nutritional characteristics that include protein and calcium and is super easy to digest.

The vitamins, minerals, protein, and heart-healthy fats in goat cheese help improve health in many ways. It is loaded with calcium, which builds and strengthens bones and even protects against cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Goat cheese also contains riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2. Goat cheese makes for a great appetiser and an excellent complement to cranberry dishes. Versatile goat cheese can also be whipped and sweetened into a delicious dessert.

Feta is a soft, white-coloured cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is one of the oldest cheeses in the world, known for its rich aroma and slightly sour taste.

According to experts, feta cheese is an excellent source of nutrients like calcium and prot while being high in sodium and saturated fat. However, it is also lower in fat than many other cheeses and is considered a reasonable option to eat in moderation.

Nutritionists say a single serving of feta provides half of the daily recommended dose of phosphorus, an essential mineral critical to bone and dental health.

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