Randy Chandler
Cheese is a beloved food for many, but it has also been a topic of controversy due to its potential health impacts. One of the concerns is the presence of hormones in cheese, which has sparked debates and raised questions about its effects on consumers. Cheddar cheese, a popular variety, finds itself under scrutiny as people seek clarification on its hormone content. This discussion is particularly relevant as consumers become more conscious of the link between diet and health, prompting a reevaluation of the ingredients we consume regularly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Presence of hormones | Yes, all animal cheese is laden with hormones. |
| Type of hormones | Estrogen, steroids, progesterone, corticoids, and androgens. |
| Health impact | Hormones in cheese can mess with the body's natural hormonal balance and increase the risk of hormone-related cancers. |
| Recommended intake | Cheese can be consumed in moderation. It is a good source of calcium and protein but also contains high amounts of fat and salt. |
| Alternative options | Low-fat yoghurt, tinned fish, tofu, lentils, and beans are good alternatives for calcium and protein. |
| Brands with hormones | Sargento, Great Value (Walmart), and Kroger. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese's hormone content
Dairy products, including cheese, are known to contain hormones. Specifically, the presence of steroid hormones in dairy products has been indicated as a possible risk factor for various cancers in humans. The most important hormones found in milk and other dairy products include prolactin, steroids including estrogens, progesterone, corticoids, and androgens. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and local hormones, including prostaglandins, have also been detected in dairy products.
Cheese contains trace levels of estrogen and other chemicals given to pregnant cows that remain in their system and are passed on to humans through their milk. Regular consumption of these hormones can disrupt the body's natural hormonal balance, increasing the risk of hormone-related cancers such as breast, uterine, and prostate cancer. Dr. Neal Barnard, an activist and author, has suggested that cheese should carry a warning label due to its potential health risks.
While some sources indicate that cheddar cheese may contain hormones, others specify that certain brands of cheddar cheese are rBST/rBGH-free, including Walmart's Great Value brand in North Texas. However, it is important to note that cheese suppliers can vary by region, and hormone presence in cheese may differ accordingly.
The presence of hormones in milk and dairy foods has been a topic of discussion for decades. While hormones in milk can serve essential functions for infant growth and immunity, there are growing concerns about their impact on human health. Recent evidence suggests a possible link between hormones in dairy products and the initiation and progression of certain cancers, including breast, prostate, and endometrial tumours.
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Health risks of eating cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese is a whole food, and whole foods are generally considered healthy as long as they are consumed in moderation. However, there are some health risks associated with eating cheddar cheese, especially in large quantities.
Firstly, cheddar cheese is high in fat, calories, and sodium. A diet high in saturated fat can increase the risk of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems. Eating foods high in saturated fats, such as cheddar cheese, can also raise cholesterol levels and put you at risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is recommended to limit saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily total calories. A 30g portion of cheddar provides seven percent of your daily calories, and there can be more salt in this amount of cheddar than in a packet of crisps. As such, it is advisable to keep portions small and weigh them to reduce temptation.
Secondly, cheddar cheese contains lactose, a sugar that can cause digestive problems for people with lactose intolerance. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea. While harder cheeses like cheddar have lower levels of lactose, people with lactose intolerance may only be able to tolerate these cheeses in small amounts.
Thirdly, some people are allergic to a protein in cheese called casein. An allergic reaction to casein can cause inflammation, rashes, acne, headaches, and sinus congestion.
Finally, there is a potential link between the hormones in cheddar cheese and an increased risk of certain cancers. Cheddar cheese, like all animal cheese, contains trace levels of estrogen and other hormones that can mess with the body's natural hormonal balance. Regular consumption of small amounts of estrogen can increase the risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast, uterine, and prostate cancer.
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Recommended daily intake of cheddar cheese
There is no one-size-fits-all recommended daily intake of cheddar cheese, as this can vary depending on a person's age, gender, and overall health. However, it is generally advised to consume cheese in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
According to the Australian Dietary Guidelines, most Australians need at least two servings of dairy per day, and this recommendation increases with age as nutrient demands rise. Specifically, it is recommended that adults consume at least 2.5 servings of cheese, yogurt, or milk per day. For post-menopausal women, this increases to four servings of dairy per day, while senior men should aim for 2.5 to 3.5 servings. A serving of hard cheese, such as cheddar, is considered to be approximately two slices (40 grams) or 30 grams, which provides over a quarter of an adult's daily calcium requirements and seven percent of daily calories. However, it is important to note that a serving of cheddar can contain more salt than a packet of crisps, so it is recommended to keep portions small and weigh them to control intake.
While cheese can be a good source of calcium and protein, it is also high in fat and calories, and can contain hormones and chemicals that may negatively impact health. Dr. Neal Barnard, an activist and author, has suggested that cheese should come with a warning label, as regular consumption may cause "hormone haywire" and increase the risk of hormone-related cancers, including breast, uterine, and prostate cancer. He recommends that people reduce their intake of dairy products, including cheese, and instead obtain calcium and protein from low-fat yogurt, tinned fish, tofu, lentils, and beans.
It is worth noting that some people may be more sensitive to the effects of cheese than others. For example, those with high cholesterol or blood pressure should use high-fat cheeses sparingly. Additionally, those who believe they may be addicted to cheese or struggle to control their portion sizes may benefit from reducing their intake or choosing lower-fat cheese options.
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Alternatives to cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but it is high in fat and salt content, and also contains hormones that can interfere with the body's natural hormonal balance. If you are looking for alternatives to cheddar cheese, there are several options available, including other non-vegan cheeses and vegan substitutes:
Non-vegan alternatives
- Colby cheese: Colby cheese has a similar texture and flavour to cheddar and is a great substitute if you want something a little different. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste with a rich, buttery flavour and a smooth texture.
- Gouda cheese: Gouda has a rich, buttery flavour and a smooth texture, making it a fantastic substitute for cheddar in grilled cheese sandwiches or macaroni and cheese.
- Havarti cheese: Havarti has a creamy and mild flavour and melts beautifully, adding a touch of sophistication to your dishes as a cheddar substitute.
- Monterrey Jack cheese: Monterrey Jack is a good alternative to cheddar, especially if you are looking for a traditional flavour in dishes like macaroni and cheese.
- Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese has a decidedly different flavour profile from cheddar, but its nutty and slightly sweet taste can complement many dishes.
- Muenster cheese: Muenster has a smooth texture and a mild flavour, making it a versatile substitute for cheddar in sandwiches, casseroles, and other recipes.
- Parmesan cheese: While Parmesan has a much stronger flavour than cheddar, its salty and nutty taste can add depth to dishes where cheddar is typically used as a topping or ingredient.
Vegan alternatives
If you follow a plant-based diet or are looking to reduce your dairy intake, there are several vegan cheddar cheese alternatives available that mimic the taste and texture of traditional cheddar. These substitutes are perfect if you are lactose intolerant, vegan, or just looking to switch things up in the kitchen:
- Vegan cheese alternatives: There are many vegan cheddar cheese alternatives on the market that mimic the taste and texture of traditional cheddar. These can be found at specialty food stores or online.
- Nutritional yeast is a popular vegan substitute that adds a cheesy flavour to dishes like popcorn, pasta, and soups without any dairy.
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Brands of cheddar cheese without added hormones
It is a well-known fact that all animal cheese contains fat and hormones. However, the presence of hormones in dairy products has been a cause for concern in recent years, with some studies indicating a possible link between the hormones in dairy and an increased risk of certain cancers in humans.
While cheese made from cows' milk is the most commonly consumed type of cheese, there are also those made from the milk of other animals, such as goats, sheep, and camels. According to Dr. Neal Barnard, the author of the book "Your Body in Balance," the consumption of cheese and other dairy products may cause "hormone haywire" in the body, increasing the risk of hormone-related cancers, particularly breast, uterine, and prostate cancer.
Some consumers are now actively seeking out cheese and dairy products that are free from added hormones. While some brands may advertise their products as being free from added hormones, it can be challenging to verify these claims. Here are some brands of cheddar cheese that are marketed as being free from added hormones or are believed to be free from added hormones based on available information:
- Tillamook: This brand has been mentioned by a blogger as being RBST-free.
- Simple Truth (Kroger): This is Kroger's organic brand, and their products are expected to be RBST-free.
- Costco: While Costco cannot guarantee that their shredded cheddar is RBST-free, they claim that there is a less than 1% probability that it contains RBST.
- Athenos: This brand offers a fat-free feta cheese option that can be a healthier alternative to regular cheddar cheese.
It is important to note that the absence of added hormones in cheese does not necessarily make it healthier, as other factors such as fat content, sodium levels, and additives should also be considered. When choosing a cheese, it is advisable to opt for one with the fewest ingredients, preferably just dairy, salt, and enzymes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all animal cheese, including cheddar cheese, contains hormones. These hormones are naturally-occurring and are transferred into the milk by diffusion. However, some hormones are also artificially introduced into the milk through chemicals given to cows.
The most important hormones found in milk and other dairy products include prolactin, steroids (including estrogens, progesterone, corticoids, and androgens), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
The natural hormones in cheddar cheese can have biological effects on humans, ranging from growth-promoting effects related to sex steroids to carcinogenic properties associated with some active metabolites of estrogens and IGF-1. Research suggests that the hormones in cheddar cheese and other dairy products may increase the risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast, uterine, and prostate cancer.
