Bushra Griffith
Imitation cheese, also known as processed cheese, is a convenient and affordable alternative to natural cheese. It is designed to melt easily and has a longer shelf life. While imitation cheese can be a tasty treat, it is important to consider its nutritional value and potential health implications. Natural cheese is generally considered healthier due to its simple and natural ingredients, but it also has a shorter shelf life and can be more expensive. On the other hand, imitation cheese often contains additives, preservatives, and higher levels of salt and saturated fat, which may have negative effects on health when consumed in large amounts. The choice between natural and imitation cheese depends on various factors, including taste preferences, health considerations, and budget constraints.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Imitation cheese is generally low in calories and fat. However, it often contains unhealthy fats, especially when consumed in large amounts. It also tends to have high levels of sodium and low amounts of protein. |
| Ingredients | Imitation cheese contains various additives, including sodium phosphates, casein, natural and artificial flavors, artificial colors, carrageenan, and natamycin. It may also contain vegetable oils, starch, and palm oil, which can contribute to higher levels of unhealthy saturated fats. |
| Processing | Imitation cheese undergoes more processing steps than natural cheese, involving melting, emulsifying, and the addition of preservatives and artificial ingredients. |
| Health concerns | The consumption of imitation cheese has been linked to increased weight and obesity due to its high-calorie content. The high sodium levels can contribute to high blood pressure. The presence of saturated fats may also negatively impact cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. |
| Comparison to natural cheese | Natural cheese is generally considered healthier as it lacks the artificial ingredients and preservatives found in imitation cheese. However, it has a shorter shelf life and requires careful consumption due to the potential presence of lactose and cholesterol. |
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What You'll Learn
Imitation cheese is highly processed
Imitation cheese is also made with vegetable oils, which can contain unhealthy fats, especially when consumed in large amounts. These oils, such as coconut oil, are composed almost entirely of saturated fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Processed cheese is mainly used in fast foods and served as toppings. It can lead to increased weight and obesity if consumed regularly due to its high-calorie content. The high amount of salt in processed cheese can also contribute to high blood pressure.
The goal of processed cheese is to be frugal, and it is cheaper for the producer, seller, and consumer. It is designed for ideal melting and has a longer shelf life than natural cheese.
Overall, imitation cheese is highly processed and may have negative health effects due to its high levels of salt, calories, and saturated fats.
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Imitation cheese contains additives
Imitation cheese, also known as analog cheese, is a type of processed cheese. It is made from vegetable oil and casein, a protein found in milk, instead of milk solids. This combination of ingredients gives imitation cheese a longer shelf life and a lower cost than real cheese or substitute cheese. However, it also means that imitation cheese has a lower nutritional value.
Imitation cheese often contains additives and artificial ingredients that are not found in natural cheese. For example, "That's Smart! Shredded Imitation Mozzarella Cheese" contains sodium phosphates, casein, natural flavouring, artificial colour, carrageenan, and natamycin (a mould inhibitor). Other imitation cheeses may contain vegetable oils, which can have unhealthy fats, especially when consumed in large amounts.
Some people choose to consume imitation cheese because it is a cheaper alternative to real cheese and has a longer shelf life. However, it is important to be aware of the additives and artificial ingredients that may be present in imitation cheese. These additives may include food additives, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and contaminants like mercury and BPA, which can affect human health and the environment.
While imitation cheese may be convenient and affordable, it is important to consider the potential health impacts of consuming these additives. Some of these additives may be of moderate concern in food, such as sodium phosphates. Additionally, the high amount of salt in processed cheese can contribute to high blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to consume imitation cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
In conclusion, imitation cheese contains additives and artificial ingredients that are not found in natural cheese. While imitation cheese may be a convenient and affordable option, it is important to consider the potential health impacts of consuming these additives and artificial ingredients. It is always advisable to check the labels and, where possible, opt for natural cheese or substitute cheese, which tend to have higher nutritional value.
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Imitation cheese has saturated fats
Imitation cheese, or processed cheese, is made by blending different natural cheeses and adding preservatives and artificial ingredients or colourings. While it is a good source of protein and calcium, it is often high in saturated fats, salt, and calories. For example, Smart Beat Imitation Pasteurized Process Cheese Food has been described as "low in calories and fat", but it contains 150 milligrams of salt and two grams of sugar.
A 2012 review by the Cochrane Collaboration found that reducing or replacing saturated fat with other healthy fats reduced the risk of cardiovascular events by 14%. The American Heart Association recommends eating no more than 5% to 6% of your daily calories in saturated fat. Eating too much cholesterol or saturated fat increases your risk of high LDL cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke.
Some types of imitation cheese, such as vegan cheese, are made from plant products like soy or nuts and are lower in saturated fat than dairy products. However, they may contain vegetable oils that can contribute unhealthy fats, especially when consumed in large amounts.
Overall, while imitation cheese may be a convenient and affordable option, it is important to be aware of its saturated fat content and consume it in moderation as part of a healthy, well-balanced diet.
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Imitation cheese has no nutritional value
Imitation cheese is usually highly processed and contains additives, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and contaminants. While it may be low in calories and fat, it often contains unhealthy artificial trans fats, such as palm oil, and high levels of saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Imitation cheese also tends to have a high sodium content, with some products containing up to 200 milligrams of sodium per slice. This is double the amount of salt used in making natural cheese and can contribute to high blood pressure.
Furthermore, imitation cheese often contains added sugar, with one example containing two grams of sugar per slice. While it may be a small amount, sugar is one of the foods most strongly implicated in heart disease.
In addition, imitation cheese has been chemically treated and contains modified starches, which provide virtually no nutritional value. These starches are derived from corn and potatoes and are used to add bulk to the product.
While imitation cheese may be a suitable option for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant, it is important to be aware of its limited nutritional value. It is also worth noting that not all vegan cheeses are equal in terms of nutrition, and some may be healthier than others. For instance, those that use cashew nuts tend to have higher levels of protein and lower levels of sodium and saturated fat.
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Natural cheese is healthier
Natural cheese is made from natural and simple products and ingredients, including fresh and natural salts, natural colours, enzymes, and high-quality milk. It is also free from chemical preservatives. As a result, natural cheese has a shorter shelf life and goes bad very quickly. This means that it is entirely healthy for consumption if eaten within limits.
On the other hand, imitation cheese is highly processed and contains additives, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and contaminants like mercury and BPA, which can affect human health and the environment. These additives include sodium phosphates, casein, artificial colours, carrageenan, and natamycin. Imitation cheese also contains ingredients such as palm oil, which can contribute small amounts of unhealthy artificial trans fats.
Processed cheese also contains double the amount of salt used in making natural cheese, and the high amount of salt in processed cheese can contribute to high blood pressure. In addition, the food colourings and artificial ingredients in processed cheeses have proven to be more harmful to the human body.
While natural cheese is a good source of protein and fat, both of which are better long-term sources of energy than carbohydrates, it is important to consider the potential impact on cholesterol levels. However, the keto diet, which includes cheese, naturally limits sugar intake, which can have health benefits that may outweigh potential cholesterol dangers.
In summary, natural cheese is healthier than imitation cheese due to its lack of artificial ingredients and preservatives, as well as its shorter ingredient list and simpler production process.
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Frequently asked questions
Imitation cheese is a type of processed cheese, which is made by blending different natural cheeses and adding preservatives, artificial ingredients, and colourings. It is designed to melt easily and is often used in fast food.
Imitation cheese is generally considered less healthy than natural cheese due to its high levels of salt, calories, and saturated fat. However, it is still possible to consume natural cheese in excess, and it is not always a healthier option. For example, some vegan cheeses are healthier than imitation cheeses, depending on their ingredients.
Examples of imitation cheese include Kraft Singles, Smart Beat Imitation Pasteurized Process Cheese Food, and That's Smart! Shredded Imitation Mozzarella Cheese.
