Frederic Melton
American cheese is a popular food item, but how does it impact your carb intake? A single slice of American cheese weighs around 20-28 grams and provides 1.1 grams of carbohydrates, with half of these carbs coming from lactose, a sugar found naturally in milk. This means that three slices of American cheese will contain around 3.3 grams of carbohydrates. While this may not seem like a significant amount, it's important to consider the other nutrients and potential health impacts of this dairy product. American cheese is also a source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but it is high in calories, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 1-1.1 grams per slice |
| Calories | 75 per slice |
| Protein | 3.7-4 grams per slice |
| Calcium | 178 milligrams per slice |
| Phosphorus | 16% of the RDA per slice |
| Vitamin D | 10% of the RDA per slice |
| Saturated Fats | 3.73-5 grams per slice |
| Sodium | High |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese is low-carb
American cheese is a highly processed product, which gives it an extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses. It is also a good source of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, which are important for bone and teeth strength.
A single slice of American cheese (20.6 grams or 1 ounce) provides 1.1 grams of carbohydrates, with half of this content coming from lactose, the sugar found naturally in milk. It is also a source of high-quality protein, with 3.7 to 4 grams of protein per slice, contributing to the recommended dietary allowance of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
American cheese is considered a low-carb food, with only 1 gram of carbohydrates per slice. This makes it a good option for those on a low-carb diet, as it provides quality protein, dietary fats, and variety. However, it is important to note that American cheese is also a high-calorie food with high contents of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Of the 9 grams of fat in a slice, 5 grams come from saturated fats, which is 25% of the recommended daily value.
While American cheese has some nutritional benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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High-calorie food
American cheese is a highly processed cheese product that is a common ingredient in sandwiches, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, and mac and cheese. It is known for its creamy, smooth texture and long shelf life. While it is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, it is also considered a high-calorie food.
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20-28 grams, typically contains between 75-9 grams of fat, with 3.73-5 grams coming from saturated fats. It also provides around 4-6 grams of protein and 1-1.1 grams of carbohydrates, half of which come from lactose, the natural sugar found in milk.
As a highly processed cheese, American cheese has a higher calorie count than other varieties such as Swiss or Cheddar cheese. While these cheeses have slightly higher protein counts, American cheese contains more total and saturated fat per slice. It also tends to have higher sodium content, which can vary depending on the brand.
Despite being a high-calorie food, American cheese does offer some nutritional benefits. It is a good source of calcium, providing around 178 milligrams per slice, which is essential for bone health. It is also fortified with vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption and promotes bone strength. Additionally, American cheese contains other vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and K, phosphorus, and zinc.
In conclusion, while American cheese is a high-calorie food, it can be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It provides valuable protein, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall health. However, it is important to be mindful of the high fat and sodium content and to ensure that it is consumed within a broader context of a nutritious and varied diet.
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Good source of protein
A single slice of American cheese (20.6 grams or 1 ounce) is a good source of protein, providing 3.7 to 4 grams of protein per slice. This contributes to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. The protein found in American cheese comes from the dairy proteins whey and casein, which provide all nine essential amino acids that the human body must obtain from its diet. These amino acids are required for important body functions like building muscle, producing energy, and acting as precursors for neurotransmitters.
American cheese is also a good source of calcium, with one slice providing 178 milligrams or 52% of the daily value. This is important for bone strength and may help prevent osteoporosis. The cheese also contains vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones by improving the absorption of calcium. In addition to vitamin D, American cheese provides vitamin A, which promotes eye and immune health, and zinc, which is essential for growth, digestion, and DNA synthesis.
However, it is important to note that American cheese is also a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food. It should be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat and sodium content, which may increase the risk of heart disease. Additionally, those with high blood pressure may want to limit their intake of American cheese or choose low-sodium varieties as it contains about 342 milligrams of sodium per slice, making it a high-sodium food.
Overall, while American cheese can be a good source of protein and other essential nutrients, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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High in fat
While American cheese is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, it is also a high-calorie food with a high fat content. A single slice of American cheese weighing about 20.6 grams provides around 75 calories, with dietary fats making up 68% of these calories. This amounts to about 6 grams of fat, of which 3.73 grams are from saturated fats, and the remaining from unsaturated fats.
Compared to Swiss and Cheddar cheese, American cheese has a similar total fat content per slice, but a higher proportion of saturated fat. Of the 9 grams of fat in a slice, 5 grams are saturated fats, which is 25% of the recommended daily intake.
The high-fat content of American cheese is a concern for those watching their weight or maintaining a healthy diet. However, it is important to note that not all fats are harmful. American cheese contains both saturated and unsaturated fats, and the unsaturated fats can actually be beneficial for health.
Unsaturated fats are known as "healthy fats" because they can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. They are typically found in plant-based foods like avocados, nuts, and olive oil, as well as in some fish. On the other hand, saturated fats are usually considered less healthy because consuming too much can lead to high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease.
While American cheese does contain some unsaturated fats, the higher proportion of saturated fats means that it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Vitamins and minerals
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20-28 grams, is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It provides 10% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin D, which helps strengthen your bones by improving the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D also plays a critical role in immune system response, acting as an anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory agent.
American cheese is also a good source of vitamin A, which promotes eye and immune health. Additionally, it contains calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. Calcium and phosphorus are essential for strong bones and teeth, and American cheese provides 17% of the RDA of calcium and 16% of the RDA of phosphorus. Zinc plays an important role in growth, digestion, and DNA synthesis.
While American cheese offers these beneficial vitamins and minerals, it is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, which may increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Therefore, it is recommended to consume this cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Based on the nutritional information for a single slice, three slices of American cheese would provide approximately 30% of the RDA of vitamin D, 30% of the RDA of vitamin A, and 51% of the RDA of calcium, assuming an RDA of 100% for these vitamins and minerals. The exact values may vary depending on the brand and the specific nutritional composition of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20.6 grams, contains 68% carb calories, which is equivalent to 1.1 grams of carbohydrates.
Three slices of American cheese would contain around 234 calories in total, as a single slice contains approximately 75 calories.
American cheese is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which are all important for strong bones and teeth. It also provides high-quality protein and vitamins A and B12.
