Andy Montoya
American cheese is a processed product with an extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses. It is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins A and D. However, it is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20-28 grams, contains approximately 60-75 calories. Therefore, two slices of American cheese would contain somewhere between 120 and 150 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of calories | 150 calories (approximately) |
| Carbohydrates | 2.2 grams (2 grams per slice) |
| Dietary fats | 12.6 grams (6.3 grams per slice) |
| Saturated fats | 7.46 grams (3.73 grams per slice) |
| Unsaturated fats | 5.27 grams (2.54 grams per slice) |
| Protein | 7.4 grams (3.7 grams per slice) |
| Calcium | 356 milligrams (178 milligrams per slice) |
| Phosphorus | 16% of the RDA |
| Vitamin D | 10% of the RDA |
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What You'll Learn
Two slices of American cheese contain around 140 calories
American cheese is a processed cheese product that is often sold in slices. It is a good source of vitamin D and calcium, both of which are important for bone health. American cheese also contains other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A and K, phosphorus, and zinc.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, American cheese has a long shelf life compared to natural cheeses. It does not require refrigeration until it is opened, and even then, it can last up to two months in the fridge.
However, it is important to note that American cheese is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Of the 9 grams of fat in a slice, about 5 grams come from saturated fats, which is around 25% of the recommended daily value. Despite these concerns, an occasional slice of American cheese can be a good source of high-quality protein and other nutrients.
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American cheese is a good source of calcium
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20.6 grams, contains 178 milligrams of calcium. This amount equates to 17% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calcium. As such, American cheese is a good source of calcium.
Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It is one of the primary components that give bones their strength. While most people do not struggle to get enough calcium in their diet, ensuring sufficient calcium intake is vital for bone health.
American cheese is also a good source of phosphorus, providing 16% of the RDA. Like calcium, phosphorus is crucial for bone health and contributes to the strength of bones.
Vitamin D is another essential nutrient that promotes calcium absorption and maintains calcium levels for normal bone maintenance. American cheese is a good source of vitamin D, providing 10% of the RDA. The vitamin D in American cheese helps to prevent muscle spasms and ensures that calcium is effectively absorbed by the body.
In addition to being a good source of calcium, American cheese also offers other nutritional benefits. It is a good source of protein, providing 3.7 to 4 grams of high-quality protein per slice. This amount contributes to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. The protein in American cheese comes from the dairy proteins whey and casein, which provide all nine essential amino acids that must be obtained through an individual's diet.
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It also provides high-quality protein
Two slices of American cheese weigh around 41.2 grams and contain about 150 calories. This is a high-calorie food, and it is also high in saturated fat and sodium. However, it also provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.
The protein in American cheese comes from the dairy proteins casein and whey, which are considered high-quality proteins as they contain all nine essential amino acids. These amino acids are required for important body functions like building muscle, producing energy, and acting as precursors for neurotransmitters. They are also the building blocks of protein and are required for several other important body processes, including nitrogen balance and growth. A protein deficiency could lead to severe malnutrition, although this is rare.
American cheese is a good source of calcium, providing 178 milligrams per slice, which is 17% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). It is also a good source of phosphorus (16% of the RDA) and vitamin D (10% of the RDA). Calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus are all important for strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D also plays a critical role in immune system response and acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory agent.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, American cheese has an extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses and does not need to be refrigerated until it is opened.
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It's a high-calorie food with high fat content
American cheese is a high-calorie food, with a single slice (20.6 grams) containing about 75 calories. A 1-ounce (28-gram) slice has even more, at 90 calories. While the calorie count of American cheese is high, it is lower than that of Swiss and Cheddar cheeses, which have slightly higher calorie contents due to their higher protein counts.
The high-calorie content of American cheese is largely due to its high fat and sodium content. A single slice of American cheese contains about 6 grams of dietary fat, of which 3.73 grams are from saturated fats, and the remaining are unsaturated fats. The high fat content of American cheese is beneficial for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K. However, the high saturated fat content is a primary health concern associated with consuming American cheese, as it can contribute to increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
In addition to its high-fat content, American cheese is also a significant source of sodium, with sodium content that is 10-fold higher than that of Swiss and Cheddar cheeses. While the exact sodium content can vary depending on the brand, a single slice of American cheese can contain up to 230 mg of sodium. High sodium intake is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Despite the high-calorie content, American cheese does offer some nutritional benefits. It is a good source of high-quality protein, providing all nine essential amino acids that are necessary for important body functions like building muscle and producing energy. American cheese is also a source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which are important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
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It's also a high-sodium food
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20-28 grams, typically contains 60-75 calories. Two slices of American cheese would therefore provide 120-150 calories.
While American cheese is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and protein, it is also a high-sodium food. The sodium content of American cheese varies by brand, but it is typically much higher than that of other cheeses. For example, American cheese contains 10 times as much sodium as Swiss cheese and four times as much as Cheddar.
A single slice of American cheese can contain up to 230 mg of sodium, which is 10% of the recommended daily value. This is a relatively high amount, especially when compared to other cheeses. While the exact amount of sodium in American cheese can vary, it is generally considered a high-sodium food due to its processing and the use of salt as a preservative.
The high sodium content of American cheese can be a concern for those watching their salt intake. Excessive sodium consumption can lead to water retention and contribute to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, those with high blood pressure or heart-related conditions may need to monitor their sodium intake and limit their consumption of American cheese.
However, it's important to note that sodium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and nerve and muscle function in the body. The key is to consume sodium in moderation and maintain a balanced diet. For individuals without specific health concerns, moderate consumption of American cheese can be part of a healthy diet, especially when paired with foods that are naturally low in sodium, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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Frequently asked questions
There are approximately 150 calories in two slices of American cheese.
There are about 75 calories in a slice of American cheese, weighing 20.6 grams.
Yes, a 28-gram slice of American cheese contains approximately 60 calories.
American cheese is a good source of vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and protein.
Yes, American cheese is considered a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food. It has a high content of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
