Patrick Oconnell
Cheddar cheese is a staple in many kitchens and a popular addition to sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas. But is it healthy? Cheddar is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins K2 and D. Eating cheddar can help increase vitamin K2 intake, which is important for heart health, and vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium. Cheddar also contains probiotics, which can improve gut health and protect against disease. However, cheddar is high in fat, calories, and sodium, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure. Overall, while cheddar cheese can be part of a healthy diet in moderation, it is best paired with other foods like vegetables and enjoyed in small portions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Cheddar cheese has 114 calories per ounce.Cheddar cheese sourced from 100% grass-fed animals has twice as much CLA as conventional cheddar. |
| Fat | Cheddar cheese has 9.4 grams of fat per ounce.Cheddar is high in saturated fat, with 5 grams per ounce. |
| Sodium | Cheddar cheese has 180 mg of sodium per ounce.Mozzarella has less sodium than cheddar. |
| Lactose | Cheddar is a hard cheese and has lower levels of lactose.People with lactose intolerance can consume small amounts of cheddar. |
| Protein | Cheddar cheese has 6.6-7 grams of protein per ounce. |
| Calcium | Cheddar cheese provides over a quarter of an adult's daily calcium requirements. |
| Vitamins | Cheddar cheese contains vitamins K2, A, and B.Cheddar also contains vitamin D, but in small amounts. |
| Probiotics | Cheddar cheese may contain probiotics, which can improve gut health. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium and protein
Cheddar cheese is a popular semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months. It is rich in protein, with one ounce (28 grams) of cheddar cheese providing 6.6 grams of protein. The amount of protein recommended for each person depends on their age, size, and activity level. Cheddar is also a good source of calcium, with a 30-gram portion providing over a quarter of an adult's daily requirements.
In addition to its high protein and calcium content, cheddar cheese also has other potential health benefits. It is a source of vitamin D, which helps with the absorption of calcium from food. Cheddar may also contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health, support calcium absorption, and positively impact oral health.
However, it is important to note that cheddar cheese is also high in fat, calories, and sodium. A 1-ounce slice of cheddar cheese contains about 180 mg of sodium and 5 grams of saturated fat. Therefore, while cheddar cheese can be a part of a healthy diet, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes other sources of protein and calcium, such as low-fat yoghurt, tinned fish, tofu, lentils, and beans.
Some alternatives to cheddar cheese that are lower in fat and calories include mozzarella, Swiss cheese, feta cheese, and cottage cheese. These cheeses can provide similar nutritional benefits while being lower in saturated fat and sodium. Overall, cheddar cheese can be a nutritious and tasty addition to a balanced diet, but it should be consumed in moderation to maintain a healthy balance of nutrients.
Cheddar Cheese and Fatty Liver: A Safe Snack?
You may want to see also
Cheddar can be high in fat, calories and sodium
Cheddar cheese is a popular semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months. It is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 is important for heart and bone health as it prevents calcium from building up in arteries and veins, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Cheddar also contains vitamin D, which helps with the absorption of calcium, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of healthy fat.
However, cheddar cheese can be high in fat, calories, and sodium. A 1-ounce slice of cheddar cheese contains about 114 calories and 9.4 grams of fat, with 5 grams being saturated fat. This amount of saturated fat is more than a third of the recommended daily intake. Cheddar also contains more sodium than some other cheeses, with one slice containing about 180 mg of sodium, or 8% of the daily limit.
The high-fat content in cheddar cheese, particularly saturated fat, can be a concern for those watching their weight or with cardiovascular problems. A high intake of saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart issues. Therefore, it is recommended to consume cheese in moderation and opt for lower-fat alternatives when possible.
In addition, the sodium content in cheddar cheese can be problematic for individuals with high blood pressure. A diet high in sodium can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. As such, those with medical conditions that require monitoring sodium intake should opt for lower-sodium cheeses.
While cheddar cheese can be high in fat and sodium, it also provides several health benefits due to its nutritional content. It is a good source of protein, which aids in satiety and muscle growth, and calcium, which promotes bone health. Additionally, the presence of probiotics in cheddar cheese can positively impact gut health and oral health. Therefore, consuming cheddar cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet can be enjoyable and provide some nutritional benefits.
Cheddar Cheese: Safe to Leave Out or Not?
You may want to see also
Cheddar may be beneficial for heart health
Cheddar cheese is a popular semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months. It is a good source of calcium, with a 30g portion providing over a quarter of an adult's daily requirements. It is also a source of protein and vitamin K2, which is important for heart and bone health.
Vitamin K2 helps to prevent calcium from being deposited on the walls of arteries and veins, thereby reducing the risk of blockages and heart disease. Cheddar cheese sourced from 100% grass-fed animals was also found to contain twice as much conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as conventional cheddar. CLA is a type of healthy fat that may have positive effects on cardiovascular health.
In addition, cheddar cheese may contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health, lower inflammation, and protect against disease. Eating cheese has also been linked to higher bone mineral density and a lower risk of fractures, which may be due to its high protein, calcium, and vitamin D content.
While cheddar cheese is a good source of nutrients, it is also high in fat, calories, and sodium. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy dietary plan. For individuals with high cholesterol or blood pressure, it is recommended to use high-fat cheeses sparingly.
Cheddar Cheese: Raw or Pasteurized?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheddar is safe for people with lactose intolerance
Cheddar cheese is a popular semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months. It is a rich source of protein, calcium, and vitamin K2, which is known to prevent calcium buildup in arteries and veins, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
Cheddar cheese is a suitable option for people with lactose intolerance due to its relatively low levels of lactose. Lactose intolerance is a common condition where the body struggles to digest lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy products, leading to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and stomach pain. While some individuals with severe lactose intolerance may need to avoid all dairy products, most can tolerate small amounts of low-lactose dairy. Cheddar cheese falls into this category, with approximately 0.4 to 0.6 grams of lactose per ounce of sharp cheddar, which is significantly lower than the 12 grams of lactose per cup of milk that most lactose-intolerant individuals can handle.
Hard cheeses like cheddar are considered "virtually lactose-free" due to the cheesemaking process, which removes most of the lactose from the milk. The remaining lactose is further fermented into lactic acid, making cheddar a safe and nutritious option for those with lactose intolerance.
In addition to its low lactose content, cheddar cheese offers several health benefits. Firstly, it is a good source of calcium, providing over a quarter of an adult's daily requirements in just a 30g serving. Secondly, cheddar contains beneficial probiotics, which support gut health and promote the absorption of calcium and other minerals. Lastly, the vitamin K2 in cheddar cheese is important for heart health, as it helps prevent calcium buildup in the arteries and veins, thereby reducing the risk of blockages and heart disease.
Overall, cheddar cheese is a healthy option for individuals with lactose intolerance, offering essential nutrients and health benefits without the uncomfortable digestive symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.
Cheddar Cheese and Butter: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Cheddar may be beneficial for dental health
Cheddar cheese is a popular semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months. It is a good source of calcium and protein, and also contains vitamin K2, vitamin D, and probiotics. While it is high in fat, calories, and sodium, consuming cheddar in moderation may offer several health benefits.
The presence of probiotics in cheddar may also positively influence oral health. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can improve gut health, lower inflammation, and protect against disease. They can also influence the types of bacteria and pH in the saliva, which may contribute to better dental health.
In addition to its potential benefits for dental health, consuming cheddar cheese in moderation may offer other health benefits due to its nutritional content. For example, vitamin K2 in cheddar prevents calcium from building up in arteries and veins, reducing the risk of heart disease. Cheddar is also a source of protein, which helps with satiety and muscle growth, and calcium, which contributes to bone health.
However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of consuming cheddar cheese. Its high-fat content, particularly saturated fat, can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and obesity if consumed in excess. Additionally, the high sodium content in cheddar can negatively impact blood pressure and heart health. Therefore, it is recommended to consume cheddar cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet and to opt for lower-fat and lower-sodium varieties when possible.
Lactose Intolerance and Cheddar Cheese: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 is important for heart and bone health. Cheddar also contains vitamin D, which helps with the absorption of calcium. Cheddar cheese can be consumed as part of a healthy diet, but it is high in fat, calories, and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.
The recommended number of servings of dairy per day varies depending on your age and energy expenditure. If you consume 2,000 calories daily, MyPlate recommends including three servings from the dairy group, which includes yogurt, milk, and cheese. One serving of cheddar cheese is equivalent to 1.5 ounces of hard cheese.
Yes, cheddar cheese may contain probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that can improve gut health, lower inflammation, and protect against disease. Eating cheddar cheese fresh and uncooked is best, as heat can destroy the probiotics.
Cheddar cheese is high in sodium, so it may not be suitable for people with high blood pressure. It is also high in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. In addition, soft and blue-veined cheeses can sometimes become contaminated with listeria, especially if they are made with unpasteurized or raw milk.
Yes, there are several healthier alternatives to cheddar cheese slices. Cottage cheese is lower in saturated fat and higher in protein. Other options include ricotta, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, and feta cheese, which are lower in calories and fat.
