Frederic Melton
Jill McKeever is a popular advocate for healthy cooking and eating. She has a fun and quirky personality, and her recipes are plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, and healthy. McKeever has a cookbook called O M Gee Good, which features adaptations of winning recipes for the Instant Pot electric pressure cooker. She also has a recipe for a 5-minute game-changer cheese sauce that is nut-free and gluten-free. This sauce can be used in multiple ways, such as spreading it on barley burgers, dipping homemade tortilla chips, or making cheesy baked potatoes with broccoli. Given Jill McKeever's focus on healthy cooking, it is worth examining if her cheddar cheese recipe aligns with her overall healthy eating philosophy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutrients | Rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin K2 |
| Health Benefits | May help lower cholesterol, promotes bone health and prevents heart disease |
| Allergies/Intolerances | Contains casein, a protein some people are allergic to; also contains lactose, which can cause an intolerance reaction |
| Texture | Semi-hard |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese is rich in vitamin K2
Cheddar cheese is a popular dairy product that is widely consumed and used in cooking. It is made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months, and it can be white, off-white, or yellow in colour. While cheddar cheese is known for its high levels of saturated fat, it also offers a range of nutritional benefits due to its rich content of vitamin K2.
Vitamin K2, found in animal foods like cheddar cheese, is an important nutrient for maintaining heart and bone health. Specifically, vitamin K2 helps prevent calcium buildup in the arteries and veins. By inhibiting calcium deposits, vitamin K2 reduces the risk of blockages and lowers the chances of developing heart disease. This is a significant advantage over vitamin K1, which is found in plants and not as readily absorbed by the body.
Cheddar cheese, as a source of vitamin K2, contributes to overall heart health by preventing calcium from accumulating in the circulatory system. Additionally, vitamin K2 plays a role in bone health, working alongside the calcium content in cheddar cheese to promote strong bones. Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin K2 through foods like cheddar cheese can help maintain bone strength and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
The health benefits of cheddar cheese extend beyond its vitamin K2 content. Cheddar cheese is also a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health and blood clotting. Furthermore, snacking on cheddar cheese instead of sugary alternatives can improve dental health by increasing pH levels in the mouth and reducing the likelihood of cavities.
While cheddar cheese provides these nutritional benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high saturated fat content. Eating too much saturated fat can increase cholesterol levels and put individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease. However, research suggests that older adults over the age of 65 may be able to consume full-fat dairy products like cheddar cheese without adversely affecting their heart health. Overall, when enjoyed in moderation, cheddar cheese can be a healthy and nutritious food.
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Cheddar is good for bone strength
Jill McKeever's cheddar cheese is a popular option for snacking and cooking. While it is a high-fat food that should be consumed in moderation, it has several health benefits. McKeever's cheddar is a good source of calcium, which is essential for building strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.
Vitamin K, also found in McKeever's cheddar, is another vital nutrient for bone health. It prevents calcium from being deposited on the walls of arteries and veins, reducing the risk of calcium buildup, which can lead to blocked blood flow and an increased risk of heart disease.
The "cheese matrix" concept explains how the arrangement of proteins and calcium in cheddar offers a range of health benefits. McKeever's cheddar, being a dairy product, is rich in calcium, which not only strengthens bones but also plays a crucial role in blood clotting and other important bodily functions.
Additionally, the calcium in McKeever's cheddar cheese promotes dental health. Consuming cheese as a snack instead of sugary alternatives can help reduce cavities by increasing pH levels in the mouth. Therefore, snacking on McKeever's cheddar cheese can contribute to stronger bones, healthier teeth, and improved overall health.
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Cheddar can help lower cholesterol
Jill McKeever's cheddar cheese is a popular choice for snacking and cooking. While it is a high-fat food, it can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet in moderation. Notably, eating cheddar cheese may help to lower cholesterol levels.
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months. It is named after the English village of Cheddar, where it was first created in the 11th century. Cheddar has a rich nutritional profile, including protein, calcium, and vitamins K2 and B12. These nutrients offer a range of health benefits, including lower cholesterol levels and improved bone health.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the body's cells. While the body needs some cholesterol to function properly, high cholesterol levels can lead to a build-up of cholesterol in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and other health issues. This is where cheddar cheese can help.
The vitamin K2 in cheddar cheese is key to its cholesterol-lowering properties. Vitamin K2 prevents calcium from being deposited on the walls of arteries and veins, which could otherwise lead to blockages and an increased risk of heart disease. By including vitamin K2-rich foods like cheddar cheese in the diet, individuals can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support heart health.
It is important to note that while cheddar cheese can be part of a healthy diet, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat content. Excessive consumption of saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, some individuals may be allergic or intolerant to certain substances in cheese, such as casein or lactose, and should adjust their intake accordingly.
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Cheddar is high in saturated fat
Cheddar cheese is a rich source of calcium, which is essential for building strong bones and plays a role in blood clotting. It also contains vitamin K2, which is important for heart health as it prevents calcium from being deposited on the walls of arteries and veins, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
However, cheddar cheese has fairly high levels of saturated fat compared to other dairy products. Eating foods high in saturated fats can increase your cholesterol levels and put you at risk of cardiovascular disease. High cholesterol can lead to a build-up of plaque in your arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the chances of blockages and heart attacks.
Despite its saturated fat content, consuming cheddar cheese in moderation may offer some benefits. Research suggests that full-fat cheese may help lower cholesterol levels, especially in middle-aged adults, when compared to reduced-fat cheese or butter. This effect is attributed to the "cheese matrix," which refers to the arrangement of proteins and calcium in cheese, offering various health advantages.
Additionally, when it comes to oral health, snacking on cheese instead of sugary snacks may help reduce cavities. A study on dairy products and oral health found that participants who ate cheddar cheese experienced a significant increase in pH levels in their mouths compared to those who drank milk or ate sugar-free yogurt. Lower pH levels create an acidic environment that promotes tooth decay and increases the risk of cavities.
In conclusion, while cheddar cheese does contain saturated fat, it also provides several health benefits when consumed in moderation. It is a good source of calcium and vitamin K2, which are important for bone and heart health. More so, it may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cavities. However, it is important to be mindful of the amount of saturated fat in cheddar cheese and enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
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Cheddar is a good snack alternative
Cheddar cheese is a good snack alternative, offering a range of health benefits. Firstly, it is rich in calcium, which is essential for building and maintaining strong bones. This can help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterised by weak and brittle bones. In addition to calcium, cheddar is a source of vitamin K2, which also plays a role in promoting bone health. Vitamin K2 is important for heart health as well, as it prevents calcium from being deposited on the walls of arteries and veins, thereby reducing the risk of blockages and heart disease.
Cheddar cheese also contains a significant amount of protein, which contributes to its ability to promote feelings of fullness and aid in weight loss. Additionally, the "cheese matrix", a term describing the arrangement of proteins and calcium in cheese, has been found to offer various health benefits. For example, despite its saturated fat content, consuming cheddar cheese in moderation may help lower cholesterol levels, especially in middle-aged adults. This effect is more pronounced with full-fat cheese compared to reduced-fat cheese or butter.
Snacking on cheddar cheese instead of sugary alternatives can also contribute to better dental health. A study on dairy products and oral health found that participants who ate cheddar cheese experienced a significant increase in mouth pH levels compared to those who drank milk or ate sugar-free yogurt. Higher pH levels in the mouth reduce the risk of developing cavities.
However, it is important to note that cheddar cheese should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It has fairly high levels of saturated fat, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease if consumed in excess. Additionally, some individuals may be allergic or intolerant to certain substances in cheese, such as casein or lactose, and should avoid consumption if they experience negative symptoms.
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