Kamil Perry
Cheese is often high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can lead to high cholesterol levels in the body and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, cheese also provides essential nutrients like protein and calcium, so it can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Different types of cheese have varying levels of cholesterol and fat, and some low-fat cheeses like cottage cheese and ricotta are known to have very little cholesterol. Brie cheese, a soft cheese with a creamy texture, is considered high in fat and saturated fat, with about 9 grams of total fat and 6 grams of saturated fat per ounce. While it's not necessary to eliminate Brie from your diet completely, it's important to limit your consumption and opt for low-fat or reduced-fat cheese alternatives to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brie cheese's cholesterol level | More than 25 milligrams of cholesterol per ounce |
| Brie cheese's saturated fat level | 6 grams of saturated fat per ounce |
| Brie cheese's total fat level | 9 grams of total fat per ounce |
| Is it bad for cholesterol? | Should be consumed in moderation, as part of a balanced diet, to avoid high cholesterol |
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What You'll Learn
Brie is high in saturated fat
All cheese contains cholesterol and saturated fat, but some types of cheese contain more than others. According to Molly Hembree, MS, RDLD, a registered dietitian, cheeses high in saturated fat are the worst for cholesterol levels. There is a strong correlation between high saturated fat intake and elevated total and LDL blood cholesterol levels.
Brie is a soft cheese with a high-fat content. Soft goat's cheese contains about 26g of fat per 100g, which is similar to brie and edam, and about as much salt as camembert. Goat's cheese is considered a "high-fat" product. Brie cheese has about 9 grams of total fat and 6 grams of saturated fat per 1-ounce serving. For comparison, cheddar cheese has around 10 grams of total fat and 6 grams of saturated fat per 1-ounce serving.
The American Heart Association recommends getting no more than two to three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products daily, which includes milk, yogurt, and cheese. These are significantly lower in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than full-fat versions. If you do splurge and eat a fuller-fat cheese from time to time, research shows it probably won’t hurt your cholesterol. However, it is important to limit how much cholesterol and saturated fat you consume to keep your heart healthy.
If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, you can try replacing high-fat, high-cholesterol products with lower-fat, lower-cholesterol alternatives. Low-fat cheeses contain no more than 1 gram of saturated fat per serving and include nonfat and low-fat versions of cheeses like cheddar and Swiss, as well as cottage cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella. You can also try certain diets, like the Mediterranean diet, that can improve heart health and are known for their moderate inclusion of high-cholesterol, high-fat foods.
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It's okay to eat in moderation
All cheese contains cholesterol and saturated fats, and eating too much of these can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is important to note that not all fats are equal, and saturated fats from meat are thought to be much worse than those from dairy.
Brie is a soft cheese with a similar fat content to goat's cheese and edam, and a higher fat content than mozzarella, ricotta, and feta. It has about 9 grams of total fat and 6 grams of saturated fat per 1-ounce serving. This means that a 30g portion of brie, which is the standard portion size in the UK, would provide about 2.7 grams of saturated fat.
While it is important to be mindful of saturated fat and cholesterol intake, especially if you have high cholesterol, you don't need to eliminate cheese from your diet entirely. According to the Harvard Medical School, saturated fats and cholesterol found in foods like eggs and cheese are okay if they are a small part of an otherwise healthy diet. The key is moderation. The American Heart Association recommends that saturated fats make up no more than 5% to 6% of your daily calories, which is about 11 to 13 grams of saturated fat in a 2,000-calorie diet.
To keep your intake in check, you can opt for low-fat or reduced-fat cheeses, which have notably less saturated fat and cholesterol. These include nonfat and low-fat versions of cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, cottage cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella. You can also limit your portion sizes and save your favourite full-fat cheeses for special occasions.
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Low-fat cheeses are healthier
Cheese is a widely consumed dairy product, and it is often considered a source of saturated fat and cholesterol. While some cheeses are healthier than others, it is important to remember that all cheese contains cholesterol and saturated fat, with some types containing more than others.
If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, it is recommended to limit your consumption of saturated fat and opt for low-fat or fat-free alternatives. This is because there is a strong correlation between high saturated fat intake and elevated total and LDL blood cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol, as it sticks to the walls of your arteries and can lead to clogged arteries and heart disease.
Low-fat cheeses, such as low-fat cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and nonfat cheddar, are excellent alternatives as they have very little cholesterol. For example, low-fat cottage cheese has only 1 milligram of cholesterol, while nonfat cheddar has 5 milligrams. These cheeses are also low in calories and high in protein, making them a nutritious choice.
Other low-fat cheeses to consider include mozzarella, which is relatively low in fat and calories, and feta, which is lower in calories than many other cheeses. Feta is also a good source of phosphorus and calcium, which are important for bone and dental health. Goat cheese is another option, as it is low in calories and provides beneficial bacteria to the stomach, although it is relatively high in fat compared to other cheeses.
In conclusion, while cheese can be a part of a healthy diet, it is important to choose low-fat alternatives whenever possible. These low-fat cheeses are not only healthier for your heart but also offer a range of nutritional benefits that can support your overall health.
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Cholesterol is linked to clogged arteries
Cholesterol has a bad reputation for being linked to clogged arteries and heart disease. When you have too much LDL cholesterol, it sticks to the walls of your arteries and forms clumps called plaques. This can lead to clogged arteries, which can affect heart health and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cheese is often high in saturated fat and cholesterol, and certain types of cheese, like Brie, contain more than 25 milligrams of cholesterol per ounce. This is similar to other cheeses like cheddar and Swiss cheese. While cheese can be a part of a healthy, well-balanced diet, it is important to choose the right types of cheese and consume them in moderation.
Low-fat cheeses, such as low-fat cottage cheese and ricotta cheese, or non-fat cheddar, have very little cholesterol. These cheeses can be a healthy choice, as they are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can help to improve heart health. The American Heart Association recommends getting no more than two to three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products daily, which can include cheese.
In addition to choosing low-fat or fat-free cheeses, it is important to consume cheese in moderation. The American Heart Association recommends that saturated fat should make up no more than 5% to 6% of your daily calories. For a person who eats 2,000 calories per day, this means consuming no more than 13 grams of saturated fat per day. Therefore, it is important to limit high-fat cheeses and pay attention to portion sizes to maintain a healthy cholesterol level and reduce the risk of clogged arteries.
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Other cheeses with high cholesterol
While cholesterol is essential for certain bodily functions, high cholesterol can lead to serious health concerns, including an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. It is important to note that the cholesterol levels in one's body are influenced by various factors, including diet, inactivity, and genetics.
Cheese, being a dairy product, contains cholesterol and saturated fat, with the amount varying across different types of cheese. According to sources, certain cheeses like Gouda, Gruyere, Brie, Cheddar, and Swiss cheese contain more than 25 milligrams of cholesterol per ounce. Other sources also list Parmesan, American cheese, and Feta cheese as varieties that are high in saturated fat.
On the other hand, low-fat and non-fat cheeses are generally lower in cholesterol. Some examples include low-fat cottage cheese (1 milligram of cholesterol), non-fat cheddar (5 milligrams of cholesterol), and part-skim mozzarella (18 milligrams of cholesterol). Ricotta cheese is also a healthier option as it is lower in fat and can be used as a substitute for cream cheese.
While it is recommended to limit the consumption of saturated fat and cholesterol, it is not necessary to completely eliminate cheese from one's diet. Moderation is key, and it is advised to stay within the recommended daily intake of saturated fat, which is below 10% of daily calories or about 20 grams per day. Additionally, a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and grains can help mitigate the impact of cholesterol-rich foods.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is advisable to avoid or limit your consumption of Brie cheese if you have high cholesterol. This is because it is a high-fat cheese, with about 9 grams of total fat and 6 grams of saturated fat per 1-ounce serving.
Other cheeses that are high in saturated fat and should be consumed sparingly include Swiss, Cheddar, Gouda, Gruyere, Roquefort, and Halloumi.
Yes, there are several low-fat or fat-free cheeses that are better options for those watching their cholesterol. These include cottage cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, nonfat cheddar, and feta.
The American Heart Association recommends that saturated fat should make up no more than 5% to 6% of your daily calorie intake. For a 2,000-calorie diet, this equates to no more than 11 to 13 grams of saturated fat per day.
Yes, you can enjoy cheese in moderation by consuming smaller portions, choosing reduced-fat versions, or saving your favorite full-fat cheeses for special occasions. Additionally, incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet can help lower cholesterol, as they contain plant-based substances called stanols and sterols.
