Bushra Griffith
Monterey Jack is a classic American cheese with a semi-hard, pale yellow interior and a smooth, mild, buttery flavour. It is made from cow's milk and is a good source of calcium, protein, and other nutrients. However, it also contains saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels and lead to an increased risk of atherosclerosis. As such, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet. This is especially true for those with specific dietary concerns, such as lactose intolerance or sodium restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 91-100 per ounce |
| Protein | 7 grams per ounce |
| Fat | 6-8 grams per ounce |
| Saturated Fat | 4 grams per ounce |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0 grams per ounce |
| Carbohydrates | 0 grams per ounce |
| Sodium | 170-243 milligrams per ounce |
| Cholesterol | 20 milligrams per ounce |
| Calcium | 209 milligrams per ounce |
| Recommended Daily Intake of Calcium | 15% |
| Suitable for Migraine Sufferers | Yes |
| Source of Phosphorous | Yes |
| Source of Zinc | Yes |
| Source of Riboflavin | Yes |
| Source of Vitamin B12 | Yes |
| Source of Vitamin A | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- Monterey Jack cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins A and B
- It is relatively low in lactose, making it a good option for those with lactose intolerance
- It is high in saturated fat, which can lead to an increased risk of atherosclerosis
- It is a common food allergen, especially in young children
- It is a versatile ingredient, adding flavour to various dishes
Monterey Jack cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins A and B
Monterey Jack cheese is a semi-firm, creamy, and mild-flavoured cheese made from cow's milk. It is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins A and B.
A 1-ounce (28g) serving of Monterey Jack cheese contains around 91-100 calories, 6-8 grams of fat, and 7 grams of protein. It provides 15% of the daily recommended value of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong teeth and bones.
The cheese is also a good source of protein, which is important for various bodily functions, including hormones, enzymes, and cell repair and maintenance. While the fat content of cheese has been a concern for some, the saturated fat in cheese may be healthier than saturated fat from other sources. Additionally, lower-fat versions of Monterey Jack cheese are available, made with skim or part-skim milk, offering the same creamy taste and melting properties.
Monterey Jack cheese is also a source of vitamins A and B. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function, while vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA synthesis.
Overall, Monterey Jack cheese can be a healthy addition to one's diet when consumed in moderation. It is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins, and its mild flavour makes it a versatile ingredient in various dishes.
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It is relatively low in lactose, making it a good option for those with lactose intolerance
Monterey Jack, sometimes shortened to Jack, is a semi-hard cheese made using cow's milk. It is mild in flavour and slightly sweet. It is a high-moisture cheese that melts well.
Monterey Jack is a good option for those with lactose intolerance as it is relatively low in lactose. This is because, during the cheese-making process, most of the lactose in the milk is converted to lactic acid by bacteria. This means that the cheese contains only small amounts of lactose, which can be easily digested by those with lactose intolerance.
In addition to being low in lactose, Monterey Jack also has a relatively low amount of calories and sodium compared to many other cheeses. It is also a great source of calcium, with 15% of the daily recommended value in a 1-ounce serving. This makes it a healthy option for those looking to incorporate more calcium into their diet.
Monterey Jack is also a good source of protein, with 7 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving. This can help the body perform essential functions, such as hormone regulation, enzyme production, and cell repair and maintenance.
Overall, Monterey Jack cheese is a healthy option for those with lactose intolerance, as it is low in lactose and provides several important nutrients, including calcium and protein.
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It is high in saturated fat, which can lead to an increased risk of atherosclerosis
While Monterey Jack cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, it is high in saturated fat. A 1-ounce (28g) serving of pepper jack cheese has 100 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fat. Of these 8 grams of fat, 4 grams are saturated fat. While saturated fat is no longer considered as unhealthy as it once was, consuming too much of it can lead to an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Therefore, it is important to limit your intake of saturated fat to less than 5%-6% of your daily caloric intake.
Saturated fat is found in animal meat, dairy products, certain plant oils, and many pre-packaged snacks. While Monterey Jack cheese is a source of saturated fat, it may be healthier than other sources. For example, one large study suggested that consuming dairy products may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, the protein in Monterey Jack cheese can help the body perform essential functions, such as hormone production, enzyme function, and cell repair and maintenance.
However, it is important to be aware of the amount of saturated fat in Monterey Jack cheese and consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. This can lead to a reduced blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. By limiting your intake of saturated fat and incorporating Monterey Jack cheese into a healthy diet, you can still enjoy this tasty and nutritious cheese.
There are also lower-fat versions of Monterey Jack cheese made with skim or part-skim milk. These versions have the same creamy taste and melting properties as the regular version but with less fat. When choosing a lower-fat version, be aware that they may be higher in sodium than full-fat natural cheeses. Overall, Monterey Jack cheese can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and in combination with other nutritious foods.
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It is a common food allergen, especially in young children
Monterey Jack cheese is made from cow's milk, which is classified as a Global Priority Allergen by the World Health Organization. It is a common food allergen, especially in young children, accounting for about one-fifth of all childhood food allergies. Other dairy products from ruminants such as sheep, goats, and buffalo may also trigger similar allergic reactions to cow's milk. However, it's important to note that milk allergies often disappear with time. Research indicates that most children outgrow their cow's milk allergy by the age of six.
When it comes to introducing cheese to babies, it is recommended to consult with a paediatric healthcare professional, especially if there are concerns about lactose intolerance or milk allergies. If there is a risk of an allergy, an allergist may advise on the introduction of dairy products under medical supervision. If the risk is low, parents may be advised to introduce cheese in small quantities at home. It is important to start with a small serving and gradually increase the amount if there are no adverse reactions.
Aged cheeses, such as Parmesan, Camembert, Brie, Gruyere, Cheddar, and Roquefort, contain histamines, which may cause rashes in children who are sensitive to them. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for pasteurized cheeses, such as pasteurized Monterey Jack cheese, when introducing cheese to young children. Pasteurized Monterey Jack cheese can be cut into long, flat slices or bite-sized pieces to reduce the choking risk and make it easier for babies to self-feed.
While Monterey Jack cheese is generally safe for most people, those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance may need to exercise caution or choose alternative cheese options, such as Feta cheese, which is made from sheep or goat's milk and is better tolerated by some individuals.
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It is a versatile ingredient, adding flavour to various dishes
Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese, is a versatile ingredient that can be added to a variety of dishes to enhance their flavour. It is a semi-hard cheese with a mild flavour and slight sweetness, making it a great complement to spicy dishes. It is also a good melting cheese, which makes it perfect for dishes like quesadillas, burritos, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cheeseburgers.
Monterey Jack is often used as a base cheese to create other varieties of cheese, such as Colby-Jack, Cheddar-Jack, and Pepper Jack. These cheeses are created by mixing Monterey Jack with other cheeses or ingredients, such as Colby, Cheddar, or herbs and peppers. This versatility in blending with other cheeses or ingredients makes it a popular choice for creating new flavours and varieties.
The mild flavour of Monterey Jack also makes it a good choice for those who are sensitive to the taste or smell of stronger cheeses. It is frequently recommended for migraine sufferers as it has a low content of tyramine, an organic compound associated with headaches. This feature makes it a suitable option for those who want to enjoy cheese without triggering migraine symptoms.
In terms of nutritional value, Monterey Jack is a good source of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients like phosphorus, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and vitamin A. While it does contain fat, there are lower-fat versions made with skim or part-skim milk that offer the same creamy taste and melting properties. Additionally, the saturated fat in cheese may be healthier than saturated fat from other sources, as studies suggest that consuming dairy products may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Overall, Monterey Jack cheese is a versatile and flavourful ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, either on its own or blended with other cheeses or ingredients. Its mild flavour, melting properties, and nutritional content make it a popular choice for enhancing the taste and nutritional profile of meals.
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Frequently asked questions
Monterey Jack cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It is a good source of calcium and protein, and has a relatively low amount of calories and sodium compared to other cheeses. However, it is high in saturated fat, which may be unhealthy in large quantities.
Monterey Jack cheese is a good source of calcium, which is important for maintaining strong teeth and bones. It also contains other essential nutrients such as phosphorus, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and vitamin A. Additionally, due to its low content of tyramine, it is one of the few cheeses that is safe for migraine sufferers to eat.
Monterey Jack cheese is a mild-flavoured, semi-firm cheese that melts well. It is often used as a base for other cheeses such as Colby Jack, Cheddar Jack, and Pepper Jack. Pepper Jack, a derivative of Monterey Jack flavoured with peppers and herbs, is considered more nutritious due to its lower calorie and sodium content. However, it also contains less fat than Monterey Jack.
