Kamil Perry
Cheese is a staple in many diets, but is it good or bad for your health? Cheese is a whole food, which is generally considered beneficial, and it contains calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, it is also high in fat, salt, and calories, which may have negative health impacts. Block cheese, in particular, may be more prone to mould due to its higher moisture content, but it is also free of additives and preservatives.
Is block cheese bad for you?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Cheese is a whole food, rich in calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. |
| Health benefits | Cheese may protect teeth from cavities and reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. It may also positively impact oral health and create an alkaline environment in the mouth, reducing cavities. |
| Health risks | Cheese is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, which can negatively impact heart health. It may also be contaminated with listeria if it's a soft or blue-veined cheese made with unpasteurized milk. |
| Storage | Block cheese can be stored in an airtight bag in the refrigerator, but it may spoil faster than shredded cheese due to higher moisture content. |
| Taste and convenience | Block cheese may offer superior taste compared to shredded cheese, but it requires additional preparation time and kitchen tools. |
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What You'll Learn
- Block cheese is safe to eat and has the same health benefits as shredded cheese
- Block cheese is prone to moulding and has a shorter shelf life than shredded cheese
- Cheese is a whole food and generally good for you, but only in moderation
- Cheese is high in fat, salt, and calories, and low in fibre
- Cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins, and probiotics
Block cheese is safe to eat and has the same health benefits as shredded cheese
Cheese is a whole food, and whole foods are generally considered good for you, provided you don't eat too much of one thing. Block cheese is safe to eat and has the same health benefits as shredded cheese. Both options contain the same nutrient-rich goodness that cheese provides, including calcium, protein, vitamin B12, selenium, niacin, riboflavin, and iodine.
Block cheese is a safe and healthy option, but it requires more preparation than shredded cheese. It needs to be grated, and it can be more challenging to store. Block cheese has a shorter shelf life than shredded cheese because it has a higher moisture content, which can lead to mould growth. To prevent mould, block cheese should be wrapped tightly in cling wrap and then stored in an airtight bag.
Shredded cheese is more convenient and takes up less space, but it contains additives and preservatives that are not found in block cheese. The powdery substance on shredded cheese is an organic compound called cellulose, which prevents the cheese from clumping and extends its shelf life. While cellulose is safe to consume and can promote digestive health, the amount added to shredded cheese is negligible and does not contribute significantly to daily fibre intake.
Overall, both block cheese and shredded cheese are healthy and safe to consume. The decision between the two comes down to personal preferences regarding cost, convenience, and taste.
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Block cheese is prone to moulding and has a shorter shelf life than shredded cheese
Block cheese is more prone to moulding than shredded cheese. This is because shredded cheese has less moisture overall, so it is less likely to mould and usually lasts longer in the refrigerator. Block cheese should ideally be stored in cheese paper, which allows the right amount of moisture to escape while maintaining optimal humidity. If cheese paper is not available, parchment paper is the next best option.
To prevent mould growth, block cheese should be cut into pieces that can be consumed within a week and stored in an airtight container. Each piece should be wrapped tightly in two layers of cling wrap to keep air off the cheese surface. Then, the wrapped pieces can be placed in a Ziploc bag, with the air pressed out and sealed. When stored in this manner, block cheese can last for months. If mould grows, it can be cut off, and the rest of the cheese can still be consumed.
Shredded cheese is often coated with powdered cellulose, an organic compound that prevents the cheese from clumping together in packaging. Cellulose also absorbs excess moisture, further inhibiting mould growth and extending the shelf life of shredded cheese. While cellulose is added to shredded cheese as a food additive, it is naturally occurring in fruits, vegetables, grains, and other plant-based foods. It is also present in small amounts in block cheese, as it is found in all plants and plant-based foods.
Overall, the decision between block cheese and shredded cheese depends on individual preferences for cost, convenience, and taste. While shredded cheese may have a longer shelf life, block cheese provides the satisfaction of preparing more of a meal from scratch. Both options offer the same nutrient-rich benefits, including calcium, protein, vitamin B12, selenium, niacin, riboflavin, and iodine.
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Cheese is a whole food and generally good for you, but only in moderation
Cheese is a whole food, which means it is generally good for you. Whole foods are considered healthy, provided you don't eat too much of one thing. Cheese is a great source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat that may help prevent obesity, heart disease, and reduce inflammation.
Some studies have shown that cheese could protect your teeth from cavities, and the presence of probiotics and other components in cheese may positively influence the types of bacteria and pH in the saliva, creating an alkaline environment in the mouth that reduces cavities.
However, cheese is also high in fat, including saturated fat, which some experts advise limiting. Cheese is also high in salt, which can be an issue for people with high blood pressure. It is also low in fibre and contains lactose, which can cause digestive problems for those with lactose intolerance.
Therefore, while cheese is a whole food and can be part of a healthy diet, it should be consumed in moderation. The recommended intake is 1-2 servings (50-80g) per day for optimal health.
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Cheese is high in fat, salt, and calories, and low in fibre
Cheese is a whole food, and whole foods are generally considered good for you, provided you don't eat too much of one thing. However, cheese is high in fat, salt, and calories and low in fibre, which can be a cause for concern for some people.
Cheese is a great source of calcium, fat, and protein. It also contains high amounts of vitamins A and B12, along with zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. The presence of probiotics and other components in cheese may positively influence the types of bacteria and pH in the saliva, benefiting oral health. Eating cheese may create an alkaline environment in the mouth, reducing cavities, inhibiting demineralization of the teeth, and encouraging remineralization.
Cheese is high in fat, including saturated fat, which some experts advise limiting in one's diet. High-fat cheeses like blue cheese, Brie, and cheddar contain small amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat that may help prevent obesity and heart disease and reduce inflammation. Interestingly, research shows that cheese fat acts differently from other dairy fats. For example, one randomized controlled trial found that butter raised LDL cholesterol significantly more than cheese did. Furthermore, one study found that those who ate full-fat cheese saw a reduction in total cholesterol and LDL "bad" cholesterol, improving their heart health.
Cheese is also high in salt or sodium, which can be an issue for people with high blood pressure. Sodium is added to cheese to minimize bacterial and fungal growth and enhance flavour. However, high sodium intakes can negatively impact heart health. It is recommended to limit salt intake to no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day and ideally less than 1,500 mg. Some cheeses, like Cheddar, mozzarella, and Swiss, are naturally lower in sodium.
Cheese is considered low in fibre, containing no fibre at all. This may be a concern for those who require a high-fibre diet. However, it's important to note that cheese is a whole food, and whole foods are generally beneficial when consumed in moderation.
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Cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins, and probiotics
Cheese is a rich source of calcium, protein, vitamins, and probiotics, offering a range of health benefits. However, it is also high in fat, sodium, and calories, which has led to concerns about its potential negative impact on health.
Firstly, cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for bone health. Calcium helps prevent calcium deposits in the arteries and veins, reducing the risk of heart disease. Cheese also contains high amounts of vitamins A and B12, along with zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. These vitamins and minerals contribute to overall health and well-being.
Secondly, cheese is a good source of protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair. The protein content in cheese varies depending on the type, with hard cheeses containing higher amounts per serving.
Thirdly, some types of cheese, such as mozzarella and cheddar, contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria. Probiotics have been linked to improved gut health, enhanced immune function, and reduced inflammation.
Finally, while cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium, some studies suggest that specific nutrients in cheese, like calcium and conjugated linoleic acid, may have protective effects on the heart. Additionally, full-fat dairy may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. However, it is generally recommended to consume cheese in moderation due to its high-fat content.
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Frequently asked questions
Block cheese is not bad for your health. Cheese is a whole food, which is generally good for you, as long as you don't eat too much of it. Cheese is a great source of calcium, protein, vitamin B12, selenium, niacin, riboflavin, and iodine.
It is recommended that adults get 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily. Most cheeses are rich in calcium, with a 1-ounce serving of Cheddar cheese containing about 200 mg of calcium. For optimal health, it is recommended to limit your cheese intake to 1-2 servings (50-80g) per day.
Block cheese and shredded cheese have the same health benefits. The only differences between the two are related to cost, convenience, and taste. Block cheese may spoil faster than shredded cheese because it has a higher moisture content, which can encourage mold growth.
Cheese is high in fat, including saturated fat, which some experts advise limiting in your diet. Cheese is also high in salt, which can be an issue for people with high blood pressure. Finally, cheese contains lactose, which can cause digestive problems for people who are lactose intolerant.
To store block cheese, cut it into pieces that you will typically consume in a week. Wash your hands and use a clean knife and work surface to avoid contamination. Wrap each piece tightly in two layers of cling wrap, then put them into a Ziploc bag, pressing out the air to seal. The cheese will keep for months like this. If mold grows, cut it off.
