Patrick Oconnell
American cheese is a processed cheese product made from several types of cheese and other ingredients. It is a popular ingredient in classic American dishes such as cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. A slice of American cheese typically weighs around 20.6 grams and contains about 75 calories. However, the calorie count can vary depending on the brand, with some sources stating that a slice of American cheese can contain up to 90 calories. In addition to calories, American cheese is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60-75 |
| Carbohydrates | 1-1.1 grams |
| Fats | 6-9 grams |
| Saturated Fats | 3.73-5 grams |
| Protein | 3.7 grams |
| Calcium | 178 milligrams |
| Phosphorus | 16% of RDA |
| Vitamin D | 10% of RDA |
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What You'll Learn
A 20.6-gram slice of American cheese contains 75 calories
The calorie count of American cheese varies slightly depending on the brand. For example, a single slice of Kraft American cheese is 60 calories. However, on average, a 20.6-gram slice contains 75 calories. This relatively high-calorie content is due in part to the high amount of dietary fat in American cheese. Each slice contains around 6 grams of fat, with 3.73 grams coming from saturated fats.
In addition to its high-calorie and fat content, American cheese is also a good source of several important nutrients. It provides almost 180 milligrams of calcium per slice, which is 17% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, and American cheese also contains phosphorus, which further supports bone health.
American cheese is also a source of vitamin D, which plays a critical role in immune system response. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory agent, helping to protect the body against viral threats. Additionally, vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium, further supporting bone health.
While American cheese has some nutritional benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high-calorie and fat content. It is also worth noting that the nutritional value of American cheese may vary slightly depending on the brand, so checking the labels is always a good idea.
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It is a high-calorie food
American cheese is a high-calorie food, with one slice (20.6 grams) containing about 75 calories. While the calorie count may vary depending on the brand, it is generally considered a high-calorie option. For example, Kraft Singles American Cheese slices contain 60 calories per slice.
The high-calorie content of American cheese is attributed to its significant fat and protein composition. Each slice of American cheese contains around 6 to 9 grams of fat, with 3.73 to 5 grams coming from saturated fats. The high fat content contributes a substantial number of calories, making it a calorie-dense food.
In addition to its high-calorie content, American cheese is also a good source of several essential nutrients. It provides quality protein, with one slice offering approximately 3.7 grams. This protein comes from milk proteins whey and casein, which are complete proteins containing all nine essential amino acids. These amino acids are crucial for various bodily functions, including building muscle and producing energy.
Furthermore, American cheese is a rich source of calcium, providing 178 milligrams per slice, which meets 17% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, and American cheese also contains vitamin D and phosphorus, which further support bone health. The vitamin D in American cheese aids in calcium absorption and maintains normal bone maintenance.
While American cheese offers these nutritional benefits, it is important to consider its high-calorie and high-fat nature in the context of a balanced diet. Diets high in saturated fat and sodium, which American cheese contains, have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Therefore, while enjoying American cheese in moderation, it is crucial to ensure it fits within a healthy dietary pattern that prioritizes a variety of nutritious foods.
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It is high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20 grams, contains about 75 calories. However, it is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Of the 9 grams of fat in a slice, 5 grams come from saturated fats, which is around 25% of the recommended daily intake. This can lead to raised LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterised by plaque buildup in the arteries, which in turn can lead to heart disease and strokes.
American cheese is also a highly processed food, made from a blend of several types of cheese, including cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. It is this blend of cheeses that contributes to the high saturated fat content. The high sodium content, which is 10 to 4 times higher than other types of cheese, is also a concern. Evidence shows that diets high in sodium increase the risk of hypertension, or high blood pressure.
While American cheese does provide some nutritional benefits, such as protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and D, the high levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium mean it should be consumed in moderation. The American Heart Association recommends that no more than 5-6% of daily calories should come from saturated fat, which equates to around 13 grams for someone eating 2000 calories per day.
It is worth noting that the effects of consuming saturated fat and cholesterol may vary depending on individual factors and overall diet. For example, a 2015 study found that people who ate high-fat dairy products were less likely to die of a stroke. Nevertheless, due to the potential health risks associated with high saturated fat and sodium intake, it is generally recommended to consume American cheese sparingly and to opt for low-fat or fat-free cheeses as an alternative.
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It contains 1.1 grams of carbohydrates per slice
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20.6 grams, contains 1.1 grams of carbohydrates. This is a relatively small amount, and American cheese is often considered a low- or no-carb food. However, it's important to note that the carbohydrate content can vary slightly between brands and types of American cheese.
The carbohydrates in American cheese come from lactose, which is the sugar naturally found in milk. In a slice of American cheese, about half of the carbohydrate content, or 0.55 grams, comes from lactose sugar. While it's a low-carb option, American cheese is a high-calorie food, with a single slice containing around 60 to 75 calories. This calorie count is influenced by the presence of dietary fats, with each slice providing around 6 to 9 grams of fat, depending on the source.
Of the total fat content, a significant portion comes from saturated fats. According to one source, there are 3.73 grams of saturated fats in a slice, while another source mentions 5 grams. These saturated fats contribute to the high-calorie nature of American cheese. Additionally, American cheese is a good source of calcium, providing about 178 milligrams per slice, which equates to 17% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium are all essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. A slice of American cheese provides 10% of the RDA of vitamin D and 16% of the RDA of phosphorus. American cheese also contains other beneficial nutrients, including vitamins A and K, protein, and minerals like zinc. However, it is also high in sodium, which can contribute to increased health risks when consumed in excess.
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It is a good source of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20.6 grams, contains about 75 calories. It is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
Calcium is a mineral that makes up most of the structure of our bones. It is important for bone strength and may help prevent osteoporosis, a condition characterised by fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures. Calcium is also involved in other bodily functions, such as maintaining blood pressure. For instance, studies have shown that a high calcium intake may help lower systolic blood pressure among those with a low calcium intake. Calcium is also important for nerve transmission, helping the brain's cells communicate to coordinate muscle movements, bodily secretions, and organ functions.
Vitamin D plays a critical role in immune system response, acting as an anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory agent. When viral threats are high, sufficient vitamin D levels can reduce the severity of illness. Vitamin D also promotes the absorption of calcium and maintains calcium levels for normal bone maintenance and to prevent muscle spasms.
Phosphorus is also important for bone health, as it, along with calcium, is responsible for providing strength to bones. Calcium and phosphorus, when paired together, positively affect bone formation and maintenance.
Therefore, American cheese, despite being a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food, does offer some nutritional benefits due to its calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D content.
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Frequently asked questions
There are about 75 calories in a slice of American cheese (20.6 grams).
American cheese is a good source of vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and protein. Vitamin D and calcium are important for bone health, while vitamin D also plays a critical role in immune system response.
Each slice of American cheese provides 3.7 grams of protein.
American cheese is a processed cheese product made from several types of cheese, including Cheddar, washed curd, Colby, and granular cheese.
American cheese is considered a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food. It contains saturated fats and cholesterol, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. However, it also provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamins A, D, and phosphorus. As with all foods, moderation is key.
