Muenster cheese originated in France, where its flavor ranges from mild to pungent, depending on how long it’s aged. American muenster is less likely to vary in flavor; it’s usually mild-flavored. Even though it has health benefits -- it contains protein, minerals for strong bones and vitamin B-12 -- all of the potential benefits must be balanced against the calories and saturated fat you’ll consume with the nutrients.

With 103 calories in one slice, or 1 ounce, of muenster cheese, it’s easy to eat more than you realize if you’re not paying attention to portions. As long as the calories count as part of your total daily intake, and they’re not added on top of a normal daily diet, then an occasional serving can fit in your menu. However, you’ll need to watch the saturated fat in the foods you eat for the day. One slice of muenster has 8 grams of total fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat. This represents about one-third of an entire day’s saturated fat, according to the American Heart Association. Low-fat muenster has 76 calories and half the fat.

Proteins are essential to build and support your body. They provide resilience for bones and ensure your muscles work. They’re a source of energy when necessary and, as neurotransmitters, proteins keep your brain operating. They also form enzymes, hormones and antibodies. The proteins you eat are digested into amino acids, which are reassembled into the specific proteins each cell needs. Amino acids aren’t stored in your body, so it’s essential to get a regular supply through your diet. For women, that means consuming 46 grams daily, while men need 56 grams. You’ll get 7 grams from a 1-ounce serving of muenster cheese.

Calcium isn’t the only mineral you need to build bones. Calcium binds with phosphorus to create a new substance called hydroxyapatite. Then hydroxyapatite attaches to strands of collagen, which is made from protein. The combination of collagen and minerals creates bones that have strength and resilience. Most of the calcium and phosphorus in your body is used to build bones, but they also contribute to metabolic processes outside your bones. Calcium helps maintain the activity of muscles and nerves, while phosphorus regulates the acidity of fluids in your body. One ounce of muenster supplies about 20 percent of your recommended daily intake of calcium and phosphorus.

Animal-based foods, including muenster cheese, are the primary natural sources of vitamin B-12. This vitamin keeps your cardiovascular system healthy through its role in the synthesis of red blood cells. It also converts an amino acid -- homocysteine -- into other beneficial substances, which reduces the amount of homocysteine in your bloodstream. High levels of homocysteine can damage your arteries and contribute to blood clots, according to FamilyDoctor.org. A 1-ounce serving of muenster cheese contains 0.4 micrograms of vitamin B-12, or 17 percent of your recommended dietary allowance.