Randy Chandler
Cheese grits are a popular American dish, particularly in the South, made from ground corn. They can be served as a sweet or savoury dish and are often eaten for breakfast, but can also be a side or main course. While grits are naturally gluten-free and packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, cheese grits can be less healthy depending on how they are prepared and what they are served with.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of food | Popular Southern dish made from ground corn |
| Gluten | Gluten-free |
| Vitamins | Contain B vitamins such as niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and folate |
| Minerals | Contain lutein and zeaxanthin |
| Antioxidants | High in carotenoids and polyphenols |
| Calories and fat | Naturally low in calories and fat |
| Fiber and protein | Low in fiber and protein |
| Preparation | Boiled with milk, water, or broth |
| Add-ons | Cheese, spices, sauces, vegetables, meat, and seafood |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese grits can be healthy, depending on what you eat with them
Grits are a popular American dish made from ground corn, which can be served as a sweet or savoury meal. They are naturally gluten-free, making them a good option for people with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease. They also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can provide health benefits. For example, grits can help reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Corn is high in carotenoids and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants and help regulate the immune system.
However, the healthiness of cheese grits depends on how they are prepared and what they are served with. Cheese grits can be made healthier by boiling them with water or vegetable broth instead of milk or cream, and by adding vegetables, fruits, or lean protein. For example, shrimp and grits is a popular dish that adds protein to the meal.
Grits are often served with whole milk or cream, butter, cheese, maple syrup, bacon, or fried fish, which can make them less healthy. If you are watching your fat or sugar intake, it is better to avoid loading your grits with these toppings. Instead, try adding skim milk, olive oil, fruits, or vegetables to boost the dish's nutritional value.
Some recipes for cheese grits include Cooking Light's Cheddar Grits, which is a side dish paired with barbecue-rubbed pork chops, and Flying Biscuit's Creamy Dreamy White Cheddar Grits. These dishes can be made healthier by reducing the amount of cheese and butter used and serving them with lean protein or vegetables.
Overall, cheese grits can be a healthy dish, depending on the ingredients used and what they are served with. By making some simple adjustments to the recipe and adding nutritious toppings or sides, you can increase the health benefits of this popular dish.
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Cheese grits are gluten-free and have vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
Grits are a popular American dish made from ground corn. They are naturally gluten-free, making them a good option for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Cheese grits are also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Corn, in general, is high in plant compounds called carotenoids and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants. These compounds help regulate the immune system and reduce cell damage from free radicals. A diet rich in antioxidants can help lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, infections, and other health issues.
Grits, especially in their whole-grain form, retain these beneficial plant compounds even when boiled. Whole grains or enriched varieties of grits also contain folate, which helps prevent birth defects and may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Additionally, grits are high in B vitamins, including niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and folate, which are essential for maintaining healthy metabolism, cells, and energy levels.
Cheese grits can be a healthy option, but it's important to consider what you eat with them. While cheese adds protein, frequently loading your grits with butter, sugar, or processed meats like bacon can increase your fat and sugar intake. To make cheese grits healthier, consider adding vegetables, fruits, or lean proteins. Preparing grits with skim milk or olive oil can also boost their nutritional value.
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Cheese grits are low in calories and fat
Cheese grits are a popular dish, especially in the Southern United States, and they can be a healthy option, depending on how they are prepared. While cheese is often added to grits, the good news is that plain grits are naturally low in calories and fat.
Grits are made from ground corn, which is high in starch and boiled with water, milk, or broth to create a creamy, porridge-like consistency. This simple dish can be made even more delicious by adding butter, milk, and cheese, but these additions can increase the calorie and fat content. Therefore, it is important to consider the toppings and mix-ins when preparing cheese grits to keep them healthy and low in calories and fat.
When making cheese grits, it is best to use a small amount of cheese and opt for a low-fat variety. You can also add vegetables, spices, and herbs to enhance the flavor and nutritional value without adding too many extra calories or fat. For example, you can try adding a hint of smoked paprika or some freshly chopped herbs. If you want an extra kick, you can add some sliced chilies, which will bring spice without adding any significant amount of calories or fat.
Additionally, consider the type of milk and butter you use. Opting for skim milk and using butter substitutes or olive oil can help reduce the overall fat content of the dish. Preparing grits with water instead of milk or broth can also keep the calorie count low. Finally, remember that portion size matters. Enjoying a small bowl of cheese grits as a side dish or part of a balanced meal can be a healthy option, especially when paired with lean proteins and non-starchy vegetables.
In conclusion, cheese grits can be part of a healthy diet when prepared with mindful, healthy additions and in appropriate portion sizes. The key is to enjoy them in moderation and to balance your meal with other nutritious foods to ensure you get a variety of nutrients and keep your calorie and fat intake in check.
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Cheese grits are high in B vitamins
Grits are a popular American dish made from ground corn. They are often served with butter, milk, cheese, maple syrup, or bacon, and can be enjoyed as a sweet or savoury dish. While grits are naturally gluten-free and provide some nutritional benefits, they are also low in fibre and protein. However, they are high in B vitamins, which provide several health benefits.
Cheese grits are a delicious and hearty option, but they can be made even healthier by being aware of a few things. Firstly, the type of corn used for making grits matters. Grits made from whole grains or enriched varieties of corn retain many beneficial plant compounds, even when boiled. As a result, they can provide more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than grits made from other types of corn.
Secondly, the toppings and add-ins used can significantly impact the nutritional value of cheese grits. While butter, milk, and cheese are traditional favourites, they can add extra fat and calories. Instead, consider using skim milk and adding some vegetables or fruits to boost the dish's nutritional value. For example, shrimp and grits or grits with spicy shrimp are popular options that add protein and other nutrients to the dish.
Lastly, preparing cheese grits with chicken bone broth, as some recipes suggest, can enhance the flavour and add nutrients like collagen and minerals. Additionally, using spices like smoked paprika or sliced chillies can not only add a kick of heat but also incorporate the health benefits associated with these spices.
In conclusion, cheese grits can be a healthy dish when prepared with whole-grain or enriched varieties of corn and topped with nutritious add-ins. The high levels of B vitamins in grits offer various health benefits, and cheese grits can be made even healthier by being mindful of the toppings and cooking methods used.
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Cheese grits are rich in antioxidants that keep eyes healthy
Cheese grits are a popular dish in the United States, particularly in the South. They are made from ground corn, which is naturally gluten-free, and have a higher starch content than other corn varieties. While grits are often served with butter, milk, or cheese, they can also be enjoyed with healthier toppings such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
Grits are a good source of B vitamins, including niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and folate, which help keep metabolism, cells, and energy levels healthy. They are also a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that are known to promote eye health.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, which are plant compounds found in high concentrations in corn. These compounds act as antioxidants, helping to reduce cell damage caused by free radicals in the body. By reducing this cell damage, a diet rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can help to maintain eye health and reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
In addition to their eye health benefits, the antioxidants in cheese grits can also provide other health benefits. The carotenoids and polyphenols in corn have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, infections, and other health problems. The folate in grits also helps to prevent birth defects and may lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Overall, cheese grits can be a healthy dish, especially when prepared with skim milk, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. The addition of cheese provides a source of protein and calcium, while also contributing to the dish's overall flavour and creaminess. However, it is important to consume cheese grits in moderation as part of a balanced diet, as they can also be high in fat and calories when prepared with large amounts of cheese or other fatty ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese grits can be healthy, but it depends on how they are prepared and what they are served with. Cheese grits can be a good option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease as grits are naturally gluten-free. They also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can provide health benefits such as a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. However, cheese grits can also be high in fat and sugar if frequently loaded with butter, covered in sugar, or served with bacon.
Grits are made from ground corn, specifically dried, ground dent corn, which has a higher starch content than other corn varieties.
To make cheese grits, you can boil grits with milk, water, or broth until creamy, and then stir in grated cheese until melted.
Cheese grits can be served with a variety of other foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood. Some popular combinations include shrimp and grits, cheddar grits served with barbecue-rubbed pork chops, and grits with lemon and garlic shrimp.
Yes, you can still enjoy cheese grits if you have diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends following the Diabetes Plate Method, filling one-quarter of a 9-inch plate with carbohydrate-rich foods, such as grits, and pairing them with non-starchy vegetables and lean protein foods to slow blood sugar spikes.
