Close-up of Pecorino Romano cheese wheel with texture

Pecorino Romano: The Nutrient-Dense Longevity Cheese Backed by Science

Bala BitesNutrition & Supplements

BALA BITES: PECORINO ROMANO IS THE LONGEVITY CHEESE

Looking to up your cheese game? Something that satisfies you but also keeps you healthy? 

Look no further than Pecorino Romano. It could very well be the healthiest cheese on the planet.

This ancient Italian cheese, made from sheep’s milk, isn’t just delicious. It’s packed with unique nutrients that support longevity, metabolic health, and overall vitality.

Fun Fact: The name "pecorino" comes from "pecora," the Italian word for sheep.

Here's why you should be maxing out on Pecorino Romano, the longevity cheese.

WHAT MAKES PECORINO ROMANO SO SPECIAL? 

Three things: easy to digest, nutrient dense and no additives. 

Pecorino Romano is easier to digest than cow's cheese because sheep's milk is lower in lactose. 

Pecorino Romano is very nutrient-dense. It has more calcium than cow’s milk. It's almost 1/3rd protein with a small 28g serving delivering 9g of protein. It's loaded with natural sources of vitamins A and E.

And the best part? It’s made the old-school way—just three ingredients: sheep’s milk, live cultures, and salt. No additives. No artificial junk.

No wonder why Pecorino Romano is a staple in the Mediterranean diet.

THE SECRET TO LONGEVITY IS C15:0

Beyond its impressive nutrient profile, Pecorino Romano is the richest natural source of C15:0 (Pentadecanoic Acid)—a rare, health-boosting fat that’s been linked to longevity and disease prevention.

Research shows that higher levels of C15:0 are associated with a lower risk of aging-related diseases, including:

Inflammation → C15:0 has anti-inflammatory properties
Metabolic health → It helps regulate glucose levels
Heart health → It supports cardiovascular function
Anti-cancer benefits → C15:0 exhibits anti-tumor properties
mTOR inhibition → This mimics the effects of leading anti-aging drugs like metformin and rapamycin

If you have low circulating C15:0 concentrations, you have a higher risk of having or developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Scientists now recognize C15:0 as a critical nutrient for longevity and Pecorino Romano is the best natural source available.

The bottom line is that this sheep’s milk cheese offers more than a delicious flavor. It is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, which support long-term gut health and digestion.

HOW MUCH PECORINO ROMANO DO YOU NEED?

To hit the recommended 200mg of C15:0 per day, you only need 14.3g of Pecorino Romano.

That’s about:

🧀 A few shavings over your morning eggs
🧀 Two small cubes as a snack with crackers and honey
🧀 A healthy sprinkle on your pasta or salad

(Visualizing 14.3g: It’s roughly the size of two dice or a small pile of grated cheese)


HOW TO EASILY ADD PECORINO ROMANO TO YOUR DIET

Pecorino Romano is versatile and pairs well with just about everything:

Add to eggs → Grate some over scrambled eggs or omelets.

Upgrade your pasta → Toss with warm pasta for a flavorful, nutrient-dense meal.

Pair with hummus and crackers → A perfect snack for energy and satiety.

Use with meatballs or burgers → Boosts flavor and adds an extra hit of protein.

With just a small daily dose, you’ll be supporting your longevity, metabolism, and overall health—all while indulging in one of the world’s most flavorful cheeses.

So go ahead, make Pecorino Romano your daily health hack. Your body (and taste buds) will thank you. 

SUMMARY

  • Pecorino Romano is a nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest sheep’s milk cheese packed with calcium, protein, and vitamins A & E, all with zero additives  
  • Pecorino Romano is the best natural source of C15:0, a rare fatty acid linked to lower inflammation, better metabolic health, heart support and anti-aging benefits  
  • Just 14.3g per day (about two dice-sized pieces or a small sprinkle) provides the recommended dose of C15:0 for optimal health
  • Add it to your diet by grating over eggs, tossing it into pasta, pairing it with crackers or mixing it into meatballs

FURTHER READING

Want more insights like this? Sign up for Bala Bites and get a curated compilation of insights delivered every other week to your inbox 

Overwhelmed trying to buy protein powder? Check out our protein powder buyer's guide

Back to blog