Patrick Oconnell
American cheese is a processed cheese product that is often found in burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. It is made by blending natural cheese with emulsifying agents, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture that melts easily. While it is a good source of calcium and protein, it is also high in sodium and saturated fats, which can contribute to heart health issues and an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Therefore, while American cheese can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, it should not be consumed in large quantities or as part of a daily diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Indistinguishable, slightly sweet, salty, plasticky, greasy |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy, melty |
| Colour | Pale yellow |
| Food Combinations | Burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese |
| Nutritional Value | High-quality protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, phosphorus, zinc, high saturated fat, high cholesterol, high sodium, low carb |
| Health Concerns | High saturated fat may increase LDL cholesterol levels and the risk of atherosclerosis, high sodium may increase blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and stroke, may increase the risk of prostate cancer |
| Processing | Heavily processed, contains emulsifying agents, does not meet FDA's minimum curd requirement |
| Refrigeration | Does not need refrigeration until opened, lasts up to 2 months in the fridge |
| Alternatives | Cheddar, fontina, smoked gouda, mozzarella |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese is highly processed
The highly processed nature of American cheese is reflected in its long list of ingredients, which can be scary to consumers. The product contains an emulsifying agent to prevent oil separation, and some varieties also contain an antifungal medication called natamycin. The use of natamycin in cheese production has sparked controversy, with Kraft recalling 36,000 cases of Kraft Singles in 2015 due to issues with packaging film remaining adhered to the slices.
The processing of American cheese also affects its nutritional content. While it is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins A, D, and B12, it is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. The high levels of saturated fat and sodium can contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, including high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure.
Despite the concerns about processing, some consumers defend American cheese for its smooth and creamy taste and excellent melting properties. It is a popular ingredient in classic American dishes, such as cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches, and can be a convenient and affordable option for many.
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It's high in saturated fat
American cheese is often made with a blend of milk, milk fats, and milk proteins, and this combination can result in a high saturated fat content. While saturated fat occurs naturally in dairy products, it is still something to be mindful of in your diet. A diet high in saturated fat can lead to high cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. American cheese often has a higher saturated fat content than other cheeses due to the way it is processed and the added ingredients. This means that, when compared gram for gram, it can contain more saturated fat than a hard cheese like cheddar, which is naturally lower in moisture and therefore has a higher concentration of fat.
The issue with saturated fat is that it can raise the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in your blood. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of your arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow, which can lead to serious health issues. High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which can cause chest pain and increase the chance of a heart attack. While saturated fat occurs naturally in many foods, it is important to be aware of how much you are consuming, especially if you are at risk of heart disease or have high cholesterol.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting your saturated fat intake to less than 13 grams per day, based on a daily calorie intake of 2,000. A single slice of American cheese can contain around 4 grams of saturated fat, which is already a significant proportion of your daily allowance. If you are regularly consuming multiple slices of American cheese, or combining it with other high-fat foods, you could easily exceed the recommended amount. This is why it is important to be mindful of your saturated fat intake and to try and consume American cheese, and other processed cheeses, in moderation.
There are many ways to reduce your saturated fat intake, including switching to lower-fat cheeses, or using smaller portions. You could also try substituting American cheese for a different type of cheese that has a lower saturated fat content, such as Swiss or mozzarella. While cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with high saturated fat consumption and to make sure you are getting these nutrients from a variety of sources. This will help ensure you are getting a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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It's high in sodium
American cheese is a processed cheese product made from several types of cheese and other ingredients. While it is a good source of calcium and protein, it is also high in sodium. A high sodium intake can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
American cheese is often considered a "cheese product" or "cheese food" rather than cheese because it contains less than 50% real cheese. The other ingredients in American cheese include emulsifying agents and preservatives, which can affect the nutritional content.
The high sodium content of American cheese is a concern, as diets high in sodium have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Specifically, sodium can raise blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for these cardiovascular conditions.
A single slice of American cheese contains approximately 468 mg of sodium, which is significantly higher than a slice of cheddar cheese, which typically contains around 174 mg. This high sodium content contributes to the salty taste of American cheese, which some may find unappealing.
In conclusion, while American cheese may be convenient and have a desirable texture and meltability, its high sodium content is a significant drawback. Excessive sodium intake can negatively impact cardiovascular health, so it is important to be mindful of the amount of sodium in one's diet and consume American cheese in moderation.
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It's not considered 'real' cheese
American cheese is a highly processed food product, often made from a combination of several types of cheese, including cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. It is then mixed with other ingredients, including emulsifying agents to prevent oil separation, giving it a smooth and creamy texture.
The level of processing involved means that American cheese does not meet the FDA's minimum curd requirement for a product to be considered cheese. As a result, it is often labelled as a "pasteurized prepared cheese product" or "pasteurized process cheese food", rather than cheese. This distinction is important, as it highlights that American cheese is not a natural, whole food product but rather a processed and altered food item.
The highly processed nature of American cheese has led to criticism and concerns about its nutritional value. It is high in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol, which have been linked to increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis. However, some studies have failed to show a direct link between cheese intake and heart attacks or strokes.
While American cheese does provide some nutritional benefits, such as being a source of high-quality protein, calcium, and vitamin D, these benefits are often outweighed by the negative health impacts of its high saturated fat and sodium content. As a result, many people view American cheese as an unhealthy option and are choosing to remove it from their diets.
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It's too salty
While American cheese has its advantages, it is also high in sodium, which can be harmful to health. American cheese has been described as "too salty", and a single slice contains 468 mg of sodium, which is only about 20 mg less than a hamburger. In comparison, a slice of cheddar cheese contains only 174 mg of sodium.
American cheese is a processed cheese product, often made from several types of cheese, including cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. It is commonly used in classic American dishes such as cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. While it is a good source of calcium and high-quality protein, its high sodium content can be a cause for concern.
Sodium, or salt, is necessary for the human body to function properly. It helps maintain fluid balance, transmit nerve impulses, and contract muscles. However, excessive sodium intake can lead to water retention and increased blood pressure, which can be dangerous for individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
The high sodium content in American cheese can be attributed to the processing and ingredients used in its production. The sodium content may also vary slightly between different brands and types of American cheese, such as the "'cheese product' or the 'cheese food'.
It is important to note that the health effects of consuming American cheese depend on various factors, including the amount consumed, individual health conditions, overall diet, and level of physical activity. While American cheese may be a convenient and tasty option for some dishes, it is essential to be aware of its high sodium content and consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Frequently asked questions
American cheese is a processed cheese product with high sodium and saturated fat content. Excess sodium consumption can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular issues. High saturated fat intake may raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, a major cause of death worldwide. However, several studies have failed to show a link between cheese intake and heart attacks or strokes. Whether American cheese is good or bad for your health depends on how much you eat, your health, what else you eat, and how much you exercise.
American cheese is considered a processed food product. It is loaded with unhealthy additives and preservatives, such as sodium citrate and calcium phosphate, which can contribute to various diseases and ailments.
American cheese is a good source of calcium and high-quality protein. It is also fortified with vitamin D and naturally contains other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, phosphorus, and zinc.
A moderate amount of American cheese is considered to be one serving or 1.5 ounces, which is equivalent to one slice. It is recommended to consume cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Yes, there are several healthier alternatives to American cheese, including part-skim mozzarella, cottage cheese, parmesan, Swiss, and goat cheese. These options have lower fat and sodium content.
