Kamil Perry
Polly-O cheese sticks are a popular snack, but are they a healthy choice? On the positive side, cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, both of which are essential for strong bones and healthy muscles. Polly-O cheese sticks have no processing concerns and are made with whole foods without additives. However, it's important to remember that cheese is usually high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. As a result, it can be a concern for those trying to maintain a balanced diet or lose weight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, but it also contains a lot of calories, saturated fat, and sodium. |
| Ingredients | No processing concerns. |
| Additives | None. |
| Pesticides | None. |
| Hormones | Milk-boosting hormones (rBGH) are injected into about 20% of American dairy cows. |
| Antibiotics | Often used in dairy production, primarily to treat sick animals. |
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What You'll Learn
Polly-O cheese sticks are high in saturated fat
The Polly-O cheese sticks, in particular, have been identified as containing a high level of saturated fat. While the specific nutritional values of the product are not publicly available, it is worth noting that cheese, in general, is a high-fat food. This means that even a small amount can contribute a significant amount of saturated fat to one's diet.
Saturated fat is known to increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood, which can, in turn, increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Therefore, consuming too much saturated fat is generally not recommended for maintaining good health.
It is worth noting that the Polly-O cheese sticks are marketed as "reduced-fat" mozzarella cheese. This indicates that the manufacturer has likely taken steps to lower the overall fat content of the product compared to regular cheese. However, even reduced-fat cheeses can still contain a significant amount of saturated fat.
In addition to the high saturated fat content, there are other concerns associated with dairy production that may impact the decision to consume Polly-O cheese sticks. Antibiotics are frequently used to treat sick animals, and about 20% of American dairy cows receive milk-boosting hormone injections (rBGH). These treatments are not allowed in Europe due to public health and animal welfare concerns, primarily the risk of breeding antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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They are a good source of calcium
Polly-O cheese sticks are a good source of calcium. Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining strong and healthy bones. It helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, ensuring overall bone health. Calcium is also important for maintaining healthy muscles and proper nervous system function.
As a good source of calcium, Polly-O cheese sticks can contribute to an individual's daily calcium requirements. Calcium is necessary for people of all ages, especially growing children and adolescents, to build and maintain strong bones. A sufficient calcium intake throughout life can help prevent bone-related health issues in later years.
Cheese, in general, is a well-known source of calcium. However, it is important to note that cheese also tends to be high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. Polly-O cheese sticks, being a reduced-fat variety, offer a healthier option while still providing a good amount of calcium.
When considering the health benefits of calcium-rich foods like Polly-O cheese sticks, it is important to understand the role of calcium in the body. Calcium is not only important for bone health but also plays a vital role in muscle contraction and nerve signalling. It helps muscles contract properly and ensures the transmission of signals between nerves, contributing to overall physical health and well-being.
In summary, Polly-O cheese sticks are a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and overall health. While enjoying these cheese sticks as a source of calcium, it is also important to be mindful of the overall consumption of cheese due to its high-calorie, fat, and sodium content. Including Polly-O cheese sticks as part of a balanced diet can help ensure adequate calcium intake while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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They contain protein
Polly-O cheese sticks contain protein, which is an essential nutrient for several reasons. Firstly, protein provides the body with amino acids, which are the building blocks for important enzymes and hormones. These amino acids are necessary for the proper growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues in the body. This means that a diet containing sufficient protein is important for muscle growth and recovery, as well as for the repair of bodily injuries.
Protein also provides calories, which are important for energy. However, consuming excess protein can have negative health consequences, as the body will store the extra calories as fat. It is important to note that protein is found in high amounts in other food sources, such as beans, nuts, eggs, seafood, and meat. Therefore, while Polly-O cheese sticks can contribute to your daily protein intake, they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes other protein sources.
In addition to protein, Polly-O cheese sticks also contain calcium, which is another essential nutrient. Calcium is necessary for maintaining strong bones and decreasing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Adequate calcium intake also supports healthy muscle function and a healthy nervous system. While Polly-O cheese sticks can provide some calcium, it is worth noting that this comes with a high level of saturated fat, which is the primary type of fat found in cheese.
Overall, while Polly-O cheese sticks do contain protein and calcium, it is important to consider the overall nutritional profile, including the high saturated fat content. As with any food, moderation is key, and including a variety of protein sources in your diet is generally recommended to ensure adequate nutrient intake and avoid any negative health consequences associated with excess consumption of certain foods.
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The cheese sticks have no processing concerns
Polly-O cheese sticks have been classified as having no processing concerns. This means that they are generally whole foods without additives.
The Polly-O cheese sticks are made from part-skim mozzarella cheese, which is a good source of calcium and protein. Calcium is necessary for strong bones and decreasing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. It is also important for healthy muscle and nervous system function. Protein is a source of amino acids that are required for the proper growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues.
However, it is important to note that cheese usually packs a lot of calories, saturated fat, and sodium in small amounts. In fact, cheese is the number one source of saturated fat and one of the top sources of sodium and calories in the American diet, according to the USDA and DHHS in 2010. Therefore, while the Polly-O cheese sticks may have no processing concerns, it is still important to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Additionally, there are other concerns related to dairy production that may impact the decision to consume Polly-O cheese sticks. Antibiotics are often used to treat sick animals, which poses a risk for breeding antibiotic-resistant bacteria. About 20% of American dairy cows are injected with milk-boosting hormone injections (rBGH), which are not allowed in Europe due to public health and animal welfare concerns. These factors may influence the overall healthiness of the product.
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Polly-O cheese is made with milk from cows treated with antibiotics and hormones
Polly-O cheese is made from pasteurized part-skim milk, vinegar, salt, enzymes (non-animal), and vitamin A palmitate. While the company does not disclose whether or not the milk used in their cheese comes from cows treated with antibiotics and hormones, it is important to note that the use of antibiotics and hormones in dairy production is a common practice in the United States.
Antibiotics are frequently used in dairy production to treat sick animals, and this practice has raised concerns about the potential impact on human health and the environment. The use of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which poses a risk to public health and animal welfare. In response to these concerns, organic farms ensure that cows treated with antibiotics permanently leave the herd, while conventional farms only remove cows from the milking herd during treatment and return them once their milk tests free of antibiotics.
Hormone injections, such as recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) or rBGH, are also commonly used in dairy production to increase milk production. About 20% of American dairy cows are injected with these hormones. However, there is growing consumer awareness and a push to move away from this practice due to concerns about the potential impact on human health and ethical implications. As a result, consumers are increasingly seeking out RBST-free or rBGH-free cheese options.
While Polly-O cheese may be made with milk from cows treated with antibiotics and hormones, it is important to note that strict regulations are in place to ensure the safety of the final product. All milk is rigorously tested to ensure it is free of antibiotics before it reaches consumers, and the FDA has stated that there is no significant difference in the nutritional value or safety of milk derived from treated and non-treated cows. However, consumers concerned about the use of antibiotics and hormones in dairy products can look for labels indicating that the cows were not treated with these substances, such as the RBST-free or rBGH-free label.
In conclusion, while Polly-O cheese may be made with milk from cows treated with antibiotics and hormones, there are strict safety measures in place to ensure the final product's safety. Consumers concerned about the use of these substances can opt for cheese labeled as RBST-free or rBGH-free, which is becoming increasingly available due to growing consumer awareness and demand.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Polly-O cheese sticks are a good source of calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and decreasing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture.
Cheese is usually packed with a lot of calories, saturated fat, and sodium in a small amount. Polly-O cheese sticks are no exception, as they contain a high level of saturated fat. However, they are also a good source of calcium and protein, so they may be considered healthy in moderation.
The ingredients in Polly-O cheese sticks are part-skim milk, vinegar, salt, enzymes (non-animal), and vitamin A palmitate.
