Andy Montoya
Pepper jack cheese is a spicy American cheese that is a variation of Monterey Jack cheese. It is made with jalapeño peppers and herbs. While it is a good source of protein and calcium, it is also high in fat. A 1-ounce (28g) serving of pepper jack cheese contains approximately 100 calories and 8 grams of fat. More than half of the fat content is saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of high LDL cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke. However, one study suggested that consuming dairy products may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. So, is pepper jack cheese bad for cholesterol? The answer is nuanced and depends on individual health factors and the overall diet and lifestyle of the person consuming it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 4% carbs per slice |
| Calories | 100 calories per 1-ounce serving (28g) or 110 calories per slice |
| Fat | 72% fat per slice, 8 grams per 1-ounce serving (10% of the recommended daily intake) |
| Saturated Fat | 5 grams per 1-ounce serving |
| Protein | 25% protein per slice, 7 grams per 1-ounce serving |
| Calcium | 209 mg per 1-ounce serving (15% of the daily recommended intake) |
| Sodium | 170 mg per serving (7% of the recommended daily intake) |
| Cholesterol | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Pepper jack cheese is high in saturated fat
Pepper jack cheese is a spicy variant of Monterey Jack cheese, which is an American cheese. It is made by adding peppers and herbs to Monterey Jack to give it a kick. While pepper jack cheese is a great source of calcium and protein, it is also high in fat.
A 1-ounce (28g) serving of pepper jack cheese, or approximately one slice, has 100 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fat. This means that the majority of the calories in pepper jack cheese come from fat. Of the 8 grams of fat, 5 grams are saturated fat, which is more than half of the fat content.
Saturated fat is found in animal meat, dairy products, certain plant oils, and many pre-packaged snacks. While saturated fat is not considered as unhealthy as it once was, the American Heart Association recommends that less than 5-6% of your daily caloric intake should consist of saturated fat. This is because consuming too much saturated fat increases your risk of high LDL cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke.
Therefore, while pepper jack cheese can be part of a healthy diet, it is important to pay attention to how much you are consuming and stay within the recommended daily amount of saturated fat.
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It is also a great source of calcium
Pepper jack cheese is a great source of calcium. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, and 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth. Calcium is essential for keeping bones strong, and a calcium-deficient diet increases the risk of osteoporosis. It also assists in muscle movement, sending messages from the brain to other parts of the body, and releasing hormones.
A 1-ounce (28g) serving of pepper jack cheese—approximately one slice or two cubes—provides 209mg of calcium, which is 15% of the daily recommended intake. This serving of pepper jack cheese has 100 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fat. The majority of the calories in pepper jack cheese come from fat, with 5 grams of saturated fat.
Pepper jack cheese is a good choice for a high-protein diet, which can boost weight loss, improve energy, and enhance athletic performance. The protein in pepper jack cheese can help the body perform essential functions relating to hormones, enzymes, and cell repair and maintenance.
Pepper jack cheese is also a low-sodium cheese, with 170mg of sodium per serving, which is 7% of the recommended daily intake. It is also low in carbohydrates, with certain brands containing less than 1 gram of total carbs.
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Pepper jack cheese is relatively low in calories
Pepper jack cheese is a spicy take on Monterey Jack cheese, made with added peppers and herbs. It is a relatively low-calorie cheese option, with one slice containing approximately 100 to 110 calories. A 1-ounce (28g) serving, or about one slice, has 100 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fat.
The majority of the calories in pepper jack cheese come from fat, with a 28-ounce serving containing 8 grams of fat, which is 10% of the recommended daily intake. More than half of this fat content is saturated fat, at 5 grams. While saturated fat has long been considered unhealthy, recent studies suggest that consuming dairy products may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends that less than 5-6% of your daily caloric intake should consist of saturated fat.
Compared to other popular cheeses, pepper jack cheese is lower in calories and sodium. It is also a good source of calcium, with 209mg per ounce, providing 15% of your daily recommended intake. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones, and a lack of calcium in the diet can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
The high protein and low carb content of pepper jack cheese make it a suitable option for those on a high-protein diet, which is often recommended for weight loss, improved energy, and enhanced athletic performance. The protein in pepper jack cheese helps the body perform essential functions, including hormone regulation, enzyme production, and cell repair and maintenance.
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It is low in carbs and high in protein
Pepper jack cheese is a spicy variant of Monterey Jack cheese, which is an American cheese. It is made by adding peppers and herbs to Monterey Jack to give it a kick.
Pepper jack cheese is a great source of calcium and protein. A 1-ounce (28g) serving of pepper jack cheese has approximately 100 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fat. This qualifies it as a high-protein, low-carb food. Certain brands of pepper jack cheese may contain less than one gram of carbohydrates.
The majority of the calories in pepper jack cheese come from fat, with a 28-ounce serving containing 8 grams of fat, which is 10% of the recommended daily intake. More than half of the fat content is saturated fat, at 5 grams. However, saturated fat from cheese may be healthier than saturated fat from other sources. One large study suggested that consuming dairy products may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The protein in pepper jack cheese can help the body perform essential functions, such as those related to hormones, enzymes, and cell repair and maintenance. It is also an excellent choice for a high-protein diet, which can boost weight loss, improve energy, and enhance athletic performance.
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Saturated fat increases the risk of high LDL cholesterol
Pepper jack cheese is a spicy variety of Monterey Jack cheese, which is commonly consumed in the United States. While it is a good source of protein and calcium, it is also high in fat, with fat contributing to most of its calorie content.
A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of pepper jack cheese, or approximately one slice, contains 100 calories, of which 72% come from fat. This equates to 8 grams of fat, with more than half being saturated fat (5 grams). While saturated fat is not considered as unhealthy as it once was, consuming too much of it can increase your risk of high LDL cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, can build up in your arteries and lead to a variety of health issues. High LDL cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Therefore, it is important to monitor your saturated fat intake to maintain healthy LDL cholesterol levels.
The American Heart Association recommends that less than 5% to 6% of your daily caloric intake should come from saturated fat. For an individual consuming 2,000 calories per day, this translates to a maximum of 13 grams of saturated fat per day. By staying within these guidelines and making conscious food choices, you can help maintain healthy LDL cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of associated health complications.
In summary, while pepper jack cheese can be part of a balanced diet due to its protein and calcium content, its high saturated fat content means that excessive consumption may increase your risk of high LDL cholesterol. Moderation is key, and it is advisable to opt for low-fat or fat-free cheese alternatives to reduce your saturated fat intake and promote healthier cholesterol levels.
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Frequently asked questions
Pepper jack cheese is high in saturated fat, which is linked to high LDL cholesterol. However, it is relatively low in calories and sodium compared to other cheeses, and it is a good source of calcium and protein. Overall, it can be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
A 28-ounce serving of pepper jack cheese contains 8 grams of fat, 5 grams of which are saturated fat. This is about 10% of the recommended daily intake.
People without risk factors for heart disease should consume no more than 300 mg of cholesterol per day. Those with risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should follow a low-cholesterol diet.
Yes, several fat-free and low-fat cheese options are available, such as low-fat cheddar, Swiss, cottage cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella. These contain less saturated fat and cholesterol than their whole-fat counterparts.
Pepper jack cheese is a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health. It also contains high protein, which can aid in weight loss, improve energy levels, and enhance athletic performance.
