Kamil Perry
Cheddar cheese is a calorie-dense food, with 75% fat and 24% protein in a 1-ounce serving. This high-fat content gives it plenty of stretch and a long shelf life. Whole-milk cheddar has a high total fat content of 10 grams per ounce, with 6 grams of saturated fat per ounce. While nutrition advice has traditionally recommended a low-fat diet to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, new research suggests that full-fat dairy may not have the same detrimental effects on heart health.
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese is high in fat, with 75% fat per ounce
Cheddar cheese is a calorie-dense food, with 115 calories per ounce. It is particularly high in fat, with 75% fat per ounce, or 10 grams of total fat per ounce. Of this, 6 grams are saturated fat. This high-fat content means that cheddar has a high satiation factor, keeping you fuller for longer. It also means that the cheese has plenty of stretch and melts easily, making it a versatile ingredient in cooking.
The high-fat content of cheddar cheese has been a cause for concern for health experts. The traditional advice has been that a diet high in saturated fat can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, new research suggests that the saturated fat in whole foods like cheese may not have the detrimental effects on heart health that were previously believed. The full-fat dairy paradox suggests that removing fat from dairy products may make them more likely to cause weight gain, making full-fat options a better choice for weight management.
It is worth noting that cheddar cheese has zero carbohydrates and is low in lactose, making it a good option for those on a low-carb diet or who are lactose intolerant. In addition to its high-fat content, cheddar cheese is also a good source of protein, with 7 grams per ounce, and calcium, with 200 mg per ounce.
While the research around the health effects of saturated fat is ongoing, it is important to consume cheddar cheese, and other high-fat foods, in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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It's also high in saturated fat, with 6 grams per ounce
Cheddar cheese is a calorie-dense food, with 115 calories per ounce. Its nutritional profile is 1% carbohydrates, 75% fat, and 24% protein. Of the 10 grams of total fat per ounce, 6 grams are saturated fat. This means that cheddar cheese has a fairly high saturated fat content compared to other dairy products.
The high-fat content of cheddar cheese has been a cause for concern for health experts. Eating foods high in saturated fats can lead to increased cholesterol levels and a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between dairy fat and cardiovascular health is complex and currently the subject of ongoing research. While traditional nutritional advice has recommended a diet low in saturated fat to protect heart health, new studies suggest that saturated fat from whole foods like cheese may not be as detrimental as once believed.
The full-fat dairy paradox suggests that removing fat from dairy may actually make these products more likely to contribute to weight gain, indicating that full-fat options could be preferable for weight management. Furthermore, research indicates that individuals over 65 may be able to consume full-fat dairy without increasing their risk of death from heart attacks. Nevertheless, like all high-fat foods, cheddar cheese is recommended to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
In addition to its high-fat content, cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium, providing 200 mg per ounce, which equates to 20% of the daily recommended value. Cheddar cheese also contains zero carbohydrates and very little to no sugar, making it suitable for low-carb diets. It is also among the harder, aged cheeses that are naturally low in lactose, allowing lactose-intolerant individuals to often consume it without experiencing unpleasant symptoms.
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Whole-milk cheddar has 10 grams of fat per ounce
Cheddar's high-fat content gives it a high satiation factor, and its ability to melt at around 150 degrees Fahrenheit means it is a popular choice for a variety of dishes. Its high-fat content also means it is compatible with the keto diet, which is a high-fat eating plan.
However, whole-milk cheddar also contains 6 grams of saturated fat per ounce, which has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This has been a traditional cause for concern regarding the consumption of cheddar cheese. Yet, new research suggests that the saturated fat in whole foods such as cheese may not have the same detrimental effects on heart health as once believed.
Cheddar cheese also contains zero carbohydrates, which makes it suitable for low-carb diets. It is also a good source of protein, with 7 grams per ounce, and calcium, with 200mg per ounce.
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Cheddar is low in lactose, so it's often well-tolerated by the lactose intolerant
Cheddar cheese is a tasty and versatile dairy product that has found its way into the hearts and kitchens of people worldwide. While it is a good source of protein and calcium, it is also known for its high fat and calorie content. Specifically, concerns have been raised about the saturated fat content of cheddar cheese, which has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, new research suggests that the impact of saturated fat in whole foods, such as cheese, on heart health may not be as detrimental as previously believed.
Despite these nutritional concerns, cheddar cheese is often well-tolerated by those with lactose intolerance due to its low lactose content. Lactose is a carbohydrate (sugar) that occurs naturally in milk, and some people do not produce the enzyme (lactase) needed to break it down for digestion. Cheddar cheese, especially when aged for several months, typically contains minimal amounts of lactose, with some mature varieties containing less than 1 mg of lactose per 100 grams.
The unique production process and ageing period of cheddar contribute to its reduced lactose content. During the cheesemaking process, bacteria convert lactose into lactic acid, which gives cheddar its distinctive flavour and texture. This conversion results in a lower lactose level, making it more tolerable for those with lactose intolerance. However, it is important to remember that individual tolerances vary, and some people with lactose intolerance may still experience discomfort from consuming even trace amounts of lactose.
While cheddar cheese is generally considered lactose-friendly for those with lactose intolerance, it is always advisable to listen to your body and monitor your reactions when consuming any dairy product. For those with lactose intolerance, consuming lactose can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious and aware of your body's responses when incorporating cheddar cheese or any other dairy product into your diet.
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Cheddar is calorie-dense, with 115 calories per ounce
Cheddar cheese is a calorie-dense food, with 115 calories per ounce, 75% of which come from fat. This means that an ounce of cheddar contains 10 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, and 7 grams of protein. This high-fat content gives cheddar its characteristic stretch and makes it compatible with diets that emphasize high-fat foods, like the keto diet.
The fat content in cheddar cheese has been a focus of health concerns, as it is traditionally advised to consume a low-fat diet to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, new research suggests that the saturated fat in whole foods like cheese may not have the same detrimental effects on heart health as previously believed. For example, research indicates that people over the age of 65 may be able to consume full-fat dairy products like cheddar without increasing their risk of death from heart attacks.
Despite the high-fat content, cheddar cheese can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Cheddar is a good source of calcium, providing 20% of the daily value in just one ounce. It also contains zero carbohydrates and very little to no sugar, making it suitable for low-carb diets. Additionally, aged cheddar is quite low in lactose, making it a good option for those with lactose intolerance, as it can be consumed without the unpleasant symptoms typically associated with dairy products.
While the full-fat dairy paradox suggests that removing fat from dairy products may make them more likely to contribute to weight gain, it is important to remember that cheese, like all high-fat foods, should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The high-fat content in cheddar cheese can significantly add to your daily fat intake, so it is important to be mindful of portion sizes and overall dietary patterns when including cheddar in your meals.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese contains a high percentage of fat, with 75% of its macronutrients being fat. For every ounce of cheddar cheese, there are 10 grams of fat, 6 grams of which are saturated fat.
While nutrition advice has traditionally recommended consuming a diet low in saturated fat to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, new research suggests that the saturated fat in whole foods like cheese may not be as detrimental to heart health as previously believed. In fact, removing fat from dairy products may make them more likely to cause weight gain, making full-fat cheese a better choice for weight management. However, it is important to enjoy cheddar cheese in moderation, as it is still a high-fat food.
Cheddar cheese's high-fat content makes it compatible with the keto diet, a high-fat, low-carb eating plan. Cheddar cheese's zero-carbohydrate content also fits well into any low-carb diet.
