Randy Chandler
Polly-O String Cheese is a popular snack, but is it healthy? Cheese typically contains high levels of calories, saturated fat, and sodium, and Polly-O String Cheese is no exception. While it does provide a good source of calcium, it also contains high levels of saturated fat, which can increase the risk of coronary heart disease. However, recent reviews have found no evidence that reducing saturated fat intake has any benefits. So, is Polly-O String Cheese a nutritious snack or an unhealthy treat? Let's take a closer look at the facts and reviews to decide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | High |
| Saturated Fat | High |
| Trans Fat | N/A |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Sodium | High |
| Protein | N/A |
| Fiber | N/A |
| Fruit, Vegetable and Nut Content | N/A |
| Calcium | High |
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What You'll Learn
Polly-O String Cheese is high in saturated fat
While Polly-O String Cheese is high in saturated fat, it is important to note that it is a reduced-fat version of mozzarella cheese. This means that the amount of saturated fat in Polly-O String Cheese is lower than what would be found in regular mozzarella cheese. However, cheese is generally recognized as a significant source of saturated fat in the diet. In fact, it is the number one source of saturated fat in the American diet, according to the USDA and DHHS (2010).
The Eat Well Guide (EWG) has developed a scoring system that rates over 80,000 foods, including Polly-O String Cheese, to help consumers make healthier choices. This scoring system takes into account nutrition, ingredient concerns, and the degree of processing. Polly-O String Cheese has been identified as containing a high level of saturated fat by the EWG, which is a concern from a nutritional perspective.
It is worth noting that some recent reviews, such as those by Chowdhury (2014) and Schwingshackl & Hoffmann (2014), have found no evidence of health benefits from reducing saturated fat intake. However, the overall consensus is that saturated fat should be consumed in moderation, and it is generally recommended to replace saturated fat with other healthy fats whenever possible to promote cardiovascular health.
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It is also a good source of calcium
Polly-O String Cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Calcium is a mineral that is crucial for bone health, and it is important to include calcium-rich foods in our diets to ensure we are getting enough of this vital nutrient.
Calcium plays a key role in bone growth and maintenance, as it is the main mineral component of bones and teeth. It helps to build and maintain strong, healthy bones throughout our lives, and a sufficient intake of calcium is particularly important for children, adolescents, and older adults to support optimal bone health.
In addition to its role in bone health, calcium also has other important functions in the body. It is involved in muscle contraction, including the heart muscle, and it plays a role in nerve signalling and blood clotting. Calcium is also necessary for the release of hormones and enzymes that regulate various bodily functions.
As a good source of calcium, Polly-O String Cheese can help individuals meet their daily calcium requirements. The % Daily Value (DV) on nutrition labels indicates how much a serving of a particular food contributes to a person's daily diet. This value can be used as a guide to ensure individuals are consuming adequate amounts of essential nutrients, such as calcium.
While Polly-O String Cheese provides a good amount of calcium, it is important to note that it also contains saturated fat. Cheese is known to be a significant source of saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Therefore, while incorporating calcium-rich foods like Polly-O String Cheese into one's diet is beneficial, it is important to do so in moderation and as part of a balanced and varied diet.
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The product contains no sugar
Polly-O string cheese is a reduced-fat mozzarella cheese product. While it is a good source of naturally occurring calcium, it contains a high level of saturated fat. This means that, despite being a "reduced-fat" product, Polly-O string cheese is not necessarily a healthy option. Saturated fat is a "bad" fat that raises "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and increases the risk of coronary heart disease. For this reason, numerous authoritative bodies recommend limiting saturated fat intake to 10% of calories.
Polly-O string cheese contains no sugar. This is beneficial because a high sugar intake can also lead to increased cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease. The absence of sugar in Polly-O string cheese makes it a better option than many other snack foods, which often contain high levels of added sugar.
The lack of sugar in Polly-O string cheese is especially important for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. Consuming foods with no sugar can help stabilise blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in blood glucose. This can, in turn, reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and improve overall health.
In addition, the absence of sugar in Polly-O string cheese can be beneficial for dental health. Sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay, as it provides fuel for the bacteria that cause cavities. By choosing a snack with no sugar, such as Polly-O string cheese, individuals can reduce their risk of dental issues such as cavities and gum disease.
Overall, while Polly-O string cheese may not be the healthiest option due to its high saturated fat content, the fact that it contains no sugar can be considered a positive aspect of the product.
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It is made with milk from cows injected with rBGH
Polly-O String Cheese is made from milk, and milk is often sourced from cows that have been injected with rBGH, or Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone. This is a synthetic hormone designed to increase milk production in cows. The use of this artificial hormone is controversial, with many countries banning its use due to public health and animal welfare concerns.
In the United States, rBGH is widely used in the dairy industry, with about 20% of American dairy cows receiving these injections. The US does not require companies to label their products that contain milk from rBGH-injected cows, so consumers may be unknowingly exposed to this hormone. This lack of transparency has caused concern among consumers and advocacy groups.
The primary concern with rBGH is its potential impact on human health. Research has shown that milk from cows treated with rBGH has higher levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Higher blood levels of IGF-1 have been linked to an increased risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer in women. However, the exact nature of the link between IGF-1 and cancer remains unclear, and studies have produced mixed results. Some studies suggest that the increase in IGF-1 levels may not be specific to cow's milk but could be caused by other factors such as protein or minerals.
While the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health have stated that dairy products from rBGH-treated cows are safe for human consumption, other organizations disagree. The American Nurses Association, for example, supports policies that reduce the use of rBGH in milk and dairy production. The controversy also surrounds the potential harm caused to the cows themselves, which has led to bans in several countries.
In summary, Polly-O String Cheese is likely made with milk from cows injected with rBGH, a common practice in the US dairy industry. While some organizations deem this safe, there are ongoing concerns about the potential health risks associated with increased IGF-1 levels and the lack of transparency in product labeling. More research is needed to fully understand the impact of consuming milk from rBGH-treated cows on human health.
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Polly-O String Cheese is not suitable for vegans
Polly-O String Cheese is a source of calcium and protein, but it also contains a high level of saturated fat. Cheese is the number one source of saturated fat in the American diet and is linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. It is also one of the top sources of sodium and calories.
In addition to this, antibiotics are often used in dairy production to treat sick animals, which can breed antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Milk-boosting hormone injections (rBGH) are also injected into about 20% of American dairy cows. These treatments are not allowed in Europe due to public health and animal welfare concerns.
Polly-O String Cheese also contains lactose, a sugar naturally found in milk. While the nutritional facts say that it has 0g of sugar, this means that there is no added sugar, and it does not mean that the product is lactose-free. Those with lactose intolerance should avoid this product.
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Frequently asked questions
Polly-O string cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium, which are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. However, it is also a good source of calcium and has 0g of sugar.
Polly-O string cheese contains a high level of saturated fat. The exact amount is not publicly available.
The exact amount of sodium in Polly-O string cheese is not publicly available. However, cheese is one of the top sources of sodium in the American diet.
Yes, Polly-O string cheese is a good source of naturally occurring calcium.
