Kamil Perry
Polly-O String Cheese is a popular snack, but is it bad for your health? Polly-O String Cheese has been scored by the EWG on three factors: nutrition, ingredient concerns, and degree of processing. While it is a good source of calcium, it contains a high level of saturated fat and sodium. This means that while it may be a tasty treat, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | High |
| Saturated fat | High |
| Trans fat | Contains |
| Sugar | Contains |
| Sodium | High |
| Protein | Contains |
| Fibre | Contains |
| Fruit, vegetable and nut content | Contains |
| Calcium | Contains |
| Cholesterol | Increases "bad" cholesterol (LDL) |
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What You'll Learn
- Polly-O String Cheese is high in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of coronary heart disease
- Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, but it is also high in calories and sodium
- Antibiotics and milk-boosting hormones are often used in dairy production, which can have public health and animal welfare implications
- Polly-O String Cheese contains trans fat, sugar, and sodium
- The product scores poorly on nutrition, ingredient concerns, and degree of processing
Polly-O String Cheese is high in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of coronary heart disease
Polly-O String Cheese is high in saturated fat, which is linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. According to the IOM in 2005 and the USDA and DHHS in 2010, the intake of saturated fat should be limited as it is not an essential nutrient and can lead to a higher risk of heart issues. This type of fat is known to increase "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and numerous health organisations recommend limiting saturated fat to 10% of calories, which is approximately 14 slices of bacon per day.
Polly-O String Cheese is not the only cheese with this issue; in fact, cheese is the number one source of saturated fat in the American diet. This is due to the high amount of saturated fat, calories, and sodium that can be found in a small serving of cheese.
While cheese can be a good source of calcium and protein, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high saturated fat content. A 2012 review by the Cochrane Collaboration, an independent non-profit organisation, found that replacing saturated fats with other healthy fats could reduce the risk of cardiovascular events by 14%.
However, it is important to note that there are conflicting findings regarding the benefits of reducing saturated fat intake. Some recent reviews, such as those by Chowdhury in 2014 and Schwingshackl and Hoffmann in 2014, have found no evidence that reducing saturated fat intake has any positive effects.
In conclusion, while Polly-O String Cheese may be a convenient and tasty snack, its high content of saturated fat could be detrimental to heart health if consumed in excess. As such, it is recommended to consume this product in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, but it is also high in calories and sodium
Polly-O String Cheese is a reduced-fat mozzarella cheese that provides a good source of naturally occurring calcium. Cheese, in general, is a good source of calcium and protein, but it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. While calcium is essential for bone health, consuming too much cheese can lead to an excessive intake of saturated fat and sodium, which may have negative health consequences.
Saturated fat, which is found in high levels in cheese, is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. This type of fat raises "bad" cholesterol levels (LDL) in the body. As such, it is generally recommended to limit saturated fat intake to 10% of total calories, which is equivalent to about 14 slices of bacon per day. However, it's important to note that the understanding of how fats contribute to disease is still evolving, and some recent studies have found no evidence of health benefits from reducing saturated fat intake.
As a highly processed dairy product, cheese may also contain antibiotics used to treat sick animals, which could potentially contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Additionally, about 20% of American dairy cows are injected with milk-boosting hormone injections (rBGH), which are prohibited in Europe due to public health and animal welfare concerns.
While Polly-O String Cheese provides a good source of calcium, it's important to consider the overall nutritional profile. The high levels of saturated fat and sodium mean that it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The key is to ensure that you're getting enough calcium and protein without exceeding the recommended limits for calories, fat, and sodium.
In summary, while cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, its high content of calories, saturated fat, and sodium means that consumption should be moderated. It's important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with excessive intake of these nutrients and to prioritize a balanced and diverse diet that includes a variety of nutrient sources.
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Antibiotics and milk-boosting hormones are often used in dairy production, which can have public health and animal welfare implications
Polly-O String Cheese is a reduced-fat mozzarella cheese product. While it is a good source of calcium, it contains a high level of saturated fat. According to the USDA and DHHS, cheese is the number one source of saturated fat in the American diet. As saturated fat intake increases, so does the risk of coronary heart disease. Therefore, saturated fat is often referred to as a "bad" fat.
Antibiotics and milk-boosting hormones are often used in dairy production and can have implications for public health and animal welfare. Firstly, antibiotics are used to treat sick animals, but this practice can lead to the breeding of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is a significant health concern. In addition, antibiotics may be present in the milk we consume. A study by Emory University found traces of current-use antibiotics in conventionally produced milk. While most samples were within FDA and EPA safety limits, several samples of conventionally produced milk exceeded the FDA's limits for specific antibiotics. Furthermore, a study comparing organic and conventional milk samples found that while antibiotic residue levels were within federal safety limits, multiple samples exceeded them, suggesting that the monitoring system needs strengthening to ensure milk safety.
Additionally, milk-boosting hormone injections (rBGH) are injected into about 20% of American dairy cows. A study comparing organic and conventional milk samples found that growth hormone levels were significantly higher in conventional milk. While growth hormones are naturally produced by dairy cattle, the high levels in conventional milk may be due to the use of rBGH injections. These treatments are not allowed in Europe due to public health and animal welfare concerns.
Therefore, while Polly-O String Cheese may be a convenient and tasty snack, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of antibiotics and milk-boosting hormones in dairy products and their possible impact on our health and welfare.
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Polly-O String Cheese contains trans fat, sugar, and sodium
Polly-O String Cheese has been scored based on weighted scores for nutrition, ingredient concerns, and the degree of processing. While it is a good source of naturally occurring calcium, it contains a high level of saturated fat. Cheese, in general, is the number one source of saturated fat and one of the top sources of sodium in the American diet.
Saturated fat is not an essential nutrient, and increased consumption leads to a higher risk of coronary heart disease. For this reason, numerous authoritative bodies recommend limiting saturated fat intake to 10% of calories. A 2012 review by the Cochrane Collaboration also found that replacing saturated fat with other healthy fats reduced the risk of cardiovascular events by 14%.
Polly-O String Cheese also contains trans fat, sugar, and sodium. While the information available does not specify the quantity of these nutrients, they are generally considered harmful to health when consumed in large amounts.
Trans fat is known to increase "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and lower "good" cholesterol (HDL), increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Sugar, when consumed in excess, can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. Similarly, excessive sodium intake can result in high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Therefore, while Polly-O String Cheese may be a convenient and tasty snack, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet to maintain good health.
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The product scores poorly on nutrition, ingredient concerns, and degree of processing
Polly-O String Cheese scores poorly on nutrition, ingredient concerns, and degree of processing. Firstly, in terms of nutrition, it is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. While cheese can be a good source of calcium and protein, these benefits are outweighed by the negative impact of excessive saturated fat intake. Saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and contributes to "bad" cholesterol (LDL). To maintain a healthy diet, it is recommended to limit saturated fat intake to 10% of calories, which is equivalent to about 14 slices of bacon per day.
Secondly, there are concerns about the ingredients used in dairy production, particularly the use of antibiotics and milk-boosting hormone injections (rBGH). Antibiotics are commonly used to treat sick animals, but this practice can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is a significant public health concern. Milk-boosting hormone injections are administered to approximately 20% of American dairy cows, and these treatments are banned in Europe due to animal welfare and public health considerations.
Lastly, the degree of processing required to produce string cheese is relatively high compared to other cheese varieties. While the specific processing methods for Polly-O String Cheese may vary, the transformation of cheese into a stringy, processed form is indicative of a highly processed product. Overall, the poor scores in these categories suggest that Polly-O String Cheese may not be the healthiest snack option, and consumers should consider the potential impact on their nutritional and health goals.
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Frequently asked questions
Polly-O string cheese is high in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of coronary heart disease. However, it is also a good source of calcium and protein.
Saturated fat is a type of fat that can increase the risk of coronary heart disease. It is recommended to limit saturated fat intake to 10% of calories, which is equivalent to about 14 slices of bacon per day.
Antibiotics are often used in dairy production, which can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Additionally, about 20% of American dairy cows are injected with milk-boosting hormones (rBGH), which are not allowed in Europe due to public health and animal welfare concerns.
The amount of saturated fat in Polly-O string cheese is not specified. However, cheese is the number one source of saturated fat in the American diet.
Polly-O string cheese is a good source of naturally occurring calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
