Kamil Perry
Cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the English village of Cheddar in the 11th century. It is made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months and can be white, off-white, or yellow. Cheddar is a popular option for snacking and cooking and is rich in calcium, protein, and vitamin K2. While it is high in saturated fat and sodium, consuming cheddar in moderation may help lower cholesterol, especially for middle-aged adults. Cheddar also promotes bone health and may reduce the risk of cavities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Cheddar cheese has 114 calories per ounce, which is more than many other common cheeses. |
| Fat | Cheddar cheese has a high fat content, with more fat than Monterey Jack. |
| Saturated fat | Cheddar cheese has a high saturated fat content, with more than half of its fat being saturated. |
| Cholesterol | Cheddar cheese is high in dietary cholesterol, which is often associated with cardiovascular risk. However, research indicates that eating cheddar cheese in moderation may help lower cholesterol levels, especially in middle-aged adults. |
| Sodium | Cheddar cheese has a high sodium content. |
| Protein | Cheddar cheese is a good source of protein, with 6.6 grams of protein per ounce. |
| Calcium | Cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium, which is important for promoting bone health. |
| Vitamin K | Cheddar cheese is a source of vitamin K2, which is important for heart and bone health. |
| Lactose | Cheddar cheese has lower levels of lactose compared to soft, fresh cheeses like mozzarella. People with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate small amounts of cheddar cheese. |
| Dental health | Cheddar cheese may help improve dental health by raising the pH level in dental plaque, potentially offering protection against dental cavities. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium and protein
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months. It can be white, off-white, or yellow, and its flavour ranges from mild to extra sharp. Cheddar is a good source of protein, with one ounce (28 grams) of cheddar cheese offering 6.6 grams of protein. The amount of protein recommended for each person depends on their age, size, and activity level.
Cheddar cheese is also a source of vitamin K, which plays a valuable role in promoting bone health. In addition, snacking on cheese instead of sugary snacks may help reduce cavities. In one study on dairy products and oral health, participants who ate cheddar cheese saw a significant increase in pH levels in their mouths compared to people who drank milk or ate sugar-free yogurt.
While cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium. Eating foods high in saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels and put you at risk of cardiovascular disease. However, research indicates that people over 65 may be able to eat full-fat dairy products, such as cheddar cheese, without increasing their risk of death from heart attacks. Like all high-fat foods, cheddar cheese should be enjoyed in moderation.
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Cheddar has a high vitamin content
Cheddar cheese is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K2, calcium, and protein. Vitamin K2 is an important nutrient for heart and bone health. It helps to prevent calcium buildup in the arteries and veins, reducing the risk of blockages and heart disease. Calcium is essential for promoting bone strength and preventing osteoporosis, while protein is necessary for building and repairing cells.
Cheddar cheese sourced from 100% grass-fed animals was found to contain twice as much conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as conventional cheddar. CLA is a type of healthy fat that may provide benefits for heart health. Additionally, aged cheddar cheeses, such as Parmesan and Swiss, tend to have lower levels of lactose, making them suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance in small amounts.
While cheddar cheese offers these nutritional benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high-fat content, particularly saturated fat. High consumption of saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol. However, research suggests that individuals over the age of 65 may be able to consume full-fat dairy products, such as cheddar cheese, without increasing their risk of heart attacks.
In summary, cheddar cheese is a nutritious food that provides a good source of vitamins and minerals. However, it should be enjoyed as part of a well-balanced diet, ensuring that saturated fat intake is kept within recommended limits to maintain optimal heart health.
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Cheddar cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium
Cheddar cheese is a popular semi-hard cheese that originated in the English village of Cheddar in the 11th century. It is made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months and can be white, off-white, or yellow in colour. While cheddar cheese offers various health benefits, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium.
Saturated fat is a type of fat that the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting in one's diet, especially for those with high cholesterol. Cheddar cheese is fairly high in saturated fat compared to other dairy products, with more than half of its fat content being of the saturated type. Eating foods high in saturated fats can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by raising cholesterol levels. However, it is important to note that dietary cholesterol is different from blood cholesterol, and more recent research has found a lack of strong evidence between the two.
In addition to being high in saturated fat, cheddar cheese also contains a significant amount of sodium. Sodium intake should be limited, as a diet high in sodium can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Aged cheeses like cheddar tend to be higher in salt, and processed cheeses are also often higher in sodium content.
Despite the high levels of saturated fat and sodium, consuming cheddar cheese in moderation can be part of a healthy diet. Cheddar is a good source of calcium, which is essential for promoting bone health and preventing osteoporosis. It is also a source of vitamin K2, which is important for heart and bone health as it prevents calcium buildup in arteries and veins, reducing the risk of heart disease.
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Cheddar can be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet
Cheddar cheese is a popular semi-hard cheese from England, named after the English village of Cheddar, where it was first created in the 11th century. It is made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months and can be white, off-white, or yellow. Cheddar is a good source of calcium and protein, but it is also high in saturated fat and sodium.
Despite its saturated fat content, eating cheddar cheese in moderation may help lower cholesterol levels, especially in middle-aged adults. This is due to the "cheese matrix," a concept describing how the arrangement of proteins and calcium in cheese offers health benefits. Cheddar is also a source of vitamin K2, which is important for heart and bone health. Vitamin K2 prevents calcium from being deposited on the walls of arteries and veins, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Cheddar cheese also promotes dental health. Studies have shown that eating cheese can raise the pH level in dental plaque, offering protection against cavities. Additionally, snacking on cheese instead of sugary snacks may help reduce cavities.
Cheddar cheese is also suitable for people with lactose intolerance, as harder cheeses like cheddar have lower levels of lactose. However, some people may be allergic to a protein in cheese called casein, which can cause inflammation, rashes, acne, headaches, and sinus congestion.
In conclusion, while cheddar cheese has nutritional benefits, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. The recommended intake of saturated fat is approximately 5 to 6 percent of daily calories, and limiting cheese intake to about 3 ounces per week can help keep cholesterol in check.
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Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese, matured for several months
Cheddar is a good source of calcium and protein, but it is also high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories. A person can consume moderate amounts of cheddar as part of a healthy dietary eating plan. Eating cheddar in moderation may even help lower cholesterol, especially for middle-aged adults. This is due to the "cheese matrix", a concept describing how the arrangement of proteins and calcium in cheese offers health benefits.
Cheddar is also a source of vitamin K2, which is important for heart and bone health. Vitamin K2 prevents calcium from being deposited on the walls of arteries and veins, reducing the risk of blockages and heart disease. Cheddar is also a source of vitamin D, which is linked to higher bone mineral density and a lower fracture risk.
Cheddar is an aged cheese, and aged cheeses are generally lower in lactose. People with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate small amounts of cheddar. Aged cheeses are stored before being sold, allowing time to mature and develop stronger flavours.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, which are important for bone health. Cheddar also contains vitamin K2, which is important for heart and bone health.
Cheddar cheese is high in saturated fat, which is associated with higher cholesterol levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, research suggests that eating cheddar cheese in moderation may help lower cholesterol levels, especially in middle-aged adults.
Cheddar cheese is calorie-dense and high in fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. The Cleveland Clinic recommends limiting cheese intake to about 3 ounces per week to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Cheddar cheese may trigger an allergic reaction in people with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance. Symptoms of lactose intolerance can include bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea.
