Andy Montoya
Chips and cheese are two foods that are often enjoyed together, but they are also two foods that are frequently labelled as 'bad' for your health. Chips are usually fried, making them a high-fat food, and cheese is a significant source of saturated fat and salt. Both foods are also high in calories, which can lead to over-snacking and weight gain. However, this does not mean that they cannot be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Cheese, for example, is a whole food and a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, and zinc.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chips and cheese as a combination | Unhealthy |
| Chips | High in fat, sodium, and calories |
| Cheese | High in fat, sodium, and calories |
| Cheese | High in calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin |
| Cheese | Contains lactose, which can cause digestive issues for lactose intolerant people |
| Cheese | May be linked to heart disease and unwanted weight gain |
| Cheese | May be unhealthy for children's eating habits |
| Cheese | Grass-fed cheese may provide a healthier balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids |
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What You'll Learn
Chips and cheese are high in calories
Chips and cheese are a delicious combination, but they are high in calories and can lead to over-snacking. The calorie count varies depending on the type of chip and cheese, but it can be quite significant. For example, a serving of 31 Fritos Chili Cheese Flavored Corn Chips contains 160 calories, while a serving of 13 Pringles Philly Cheesesteak Chips contains 150 calories.
When it comes to cheese, a single slice of processed cheese can add 60 calories to your meal, while a matchbox-sized piece of hard cheese can add around 125 calories. Cheese is also high in fat, especially saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, cheese is now the leading source of saturated fat in the American diet.
Chips, especially fried chips, are already a high-fat food. When combined with cheese, the calorie and fat content of the dish increases significantly. This can contribute to excess calorie intake and weight gain if consumed regularly.
In addition to the high-calorie content, chips and cheese also provide minimal nutritional value. While cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins A and B12, it is also low in fiber and can be difficult to digest for those with lactose intolerance. Chips, on the other hand, are often highly processed and offer little in terms of nutritional benefits.
While chips and cheese can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, it is important to be mindful of the high-calorie content and the potential lack of nutritional value. Moderation is key when it comes to including this indulgent combination in your diet.
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Cheese is high in saturated fat
Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium. However, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium. A 30g portion of cheese provides seven per cent of your daily calories, and there can be more salt in a portion of cheddar than in a packet of crisps.
The amount of saturated fat in cheese varies depending on the type of cheese. For example, one ounce of hard cheese (about the size of your thumb) contains 6 grams of saturated fat, while a half-cup of soft cheese like 4% full-fat cottage cheese has 3 grams. Cheddar cheese and American cheese are among the highest in cholesterol and saturated fat. On the other hand, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and fat-free cheeses are much healthier.
Consuming too much saturated fat and salt can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, it is recommended to eat cheese in limited amounts and keep portions small. Lower-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, feta, and reduced-fat cheeses, provide less saturated fat.
The way cheese is consumed also matters. Eating cheese with refined grains (white pasta, bread, crackers, etc.) and processed meats may negate its health benefits. Cheese may provide health benefits if consumed as a replacement for red and processed meats or as a snack instead of potato chips.
It is important to note that cheese can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet, but moderation is key.
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Cheese is high in salt
Chips and cheese are often considered unhealthy, especially for children. Cheese is high in salt, which can be an issue for people with high blood pressure. The cheese typically used on chips is a tasteless, plasticky variety, and a 20g processed cheese slice adds an extra 60 calories and 4.6g of fat, of which 2.9g is saturated fat. For a more gourmet option, you might add a matchbox-sized piece (30g) of a hard cheese, but this will add an extra 125 calories and 10.5g of fat (6.5g saturated fat).
Cheese is a whole food, and whole foods are generally considered healthy as long as they are consumed in moderation. However, cheese is high in calories, saturated fat, and salt, and it contains no fiber. A diet high in salt can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, cheese is now the leading source of saturated fat in the American diet.
The cheese industry has responded to pressure to reduce sodium and saturated fat by trying to produce low-fat, low-sodium cheese. However, these efforts have not been very successful, and replacing real cheese with a more highly processed product is not necessarily a healthy strategy.
Some people may need to limit or avoid cheese due to lactose intolerance or milk allergies. However, many firm, aged cheeses like Parmesan, Swiss, and cheddar are low in lactose and may be tolerated by lactose-intolerant individuals in small amounts.
In conclusion, while chips and cheese can be a tasty treat, it is important to consume them in moderation due to the high salt, fat, and calorie content.
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Cheese is low in fibre
Chips and cheese are both calorie-dense and high in fat, making them unhealthy in large quantities. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, cheese is the leading source of saturated fat in the American diet.
Cheese is also often highly processed, and while low-fat varieties exist, they are not as tasty as regular cheese. The idea that we should be able to eat as much as we want of any food is part of a larger cultural problem. Instead of focusing on quantity, it is better to focus on quality and eat smaller amounts of more flavourful cheese.
In addition to being low in fibre, cheese is also high in salt, which can be detrimental to those with high blood pressure. Cheese can also be difficult to digest for those who are lactose intolerant. Therefore, it is important to consume cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
While chips and cheese can be a tasty treat, it is important to remember that they should be consumed in moderation due to their high fat and calorie content. There are healthier alternatives to chips and cheese, such as salads or tuna burgers, that can provide more nutrients with less fat.
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Cheese contains lactose
Cheese is a whole food, and whole foods are generally considered good for you, provided you don't eat too much of them. Cheese is a great source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to several health benefits. For instance, a diet high in grass-fed dairy may provide a healthier balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for heart and metabolic health.
However, cheese contains lactose, a sugar that people with lactose intolerance cannot digest because their bodies lack the enzyme needed to break it down. Eating lactose can lead to digestive problems such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Fortunately, many firm, aged cheeses are low in lactose, including Parmesan, Swiss, and cheddar. People with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate these cheeses in small amounts. Lactase pills or drops can also help prevent symptoms, but it's best to consult a doctor before trying them.
Cheese is also high in calories, saturated fat, and salt, which can be problematic for people with high blood pressure. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, cheese is the leading source of saturated fat in the American diet. Therefore, while cheese can be part of a healthy diet, it should be consumed in moderation. Nutritionist Marion Nestle recommends eating cheese in tiny amounts, such as gratings or shavings, rather than in large quantities or slathered on dishes like pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
Chips and cheese are both high in fat, calories, and salt. While cheese is a source of many nutrients, it is also high in lactose, which can cause digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance. Therefore, eating chips and cheese in large quantities may be unhealthy.
Excessive consumption of chips and cheese may lead to over-snacking and unwanted weight gain. Additionally, the high sodium content can be harmful to those with high blood pressure.
Cheese is a whole food that provides calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. Chips, when eaten in moderation, can be a tasty treat.
To make chips and cheese healthier, opt for baked chips instead of fried ones, and choose a cheese that is lower in fat and sodium. You can also reduce the portion size or have it as an occasional treat.
