Bushra Griffith
Processed cheese is a convenient and tasty addition to many meals, but is processed sliced cheese healthy? The answer is not straightforward. Processed cheese is made from a mix of real cheese and other non-cheese ingredients, such as salt, preservatives, and emulsifiers. While it is a good source of calcium and protein, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium, which can lead to health issues if consumed in excess. Therefore, the key to enjoying processed cheese as part of a healthy diet is moderation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional qualities | Both healthy and not-so-healthy |
| Ingredients | Milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, whey, water, protein concentrate, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, milkfat, gelatin, sodium phosphate, lactic acid, annatto, paprika extract, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D3 |
| Nutritional value | Good source of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, phosphorus, zinc, protein |
| Health benefits | Helps strengthen bones, promotes eye and immune health, plays an essential role in growth, digestion, and DNA synthesis |
| Health concerns | High in saturated fat and sodium, may increase risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems |
| Recommended consumption | In moderation, not all the time |
| Additives | Salt, food dyes, preservatives, extra dairy, emulsifiers, artificial ingredients |
| Shelf life | Extended compared to natural cheese |
| Refrigeration | Does not need refrigeration until opened |
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What You'll Learn
Processed cheese is not 100% cheese
Processed cheese is made by mixing different types of cheeses, such as Cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. It is then cut and molded into the desired shape. The process of making processed cheese involves heating the cheese under controlled conditions, which affects the flavor and texture of the final product.
The high content of salt, preservatives, and saturated fat in processed cheese has been linked to an increased risk of hypertension, obesity, and heart disease. The sodium content in particular contributes to a higher risk of high blood pressure. However, processed cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, and it has an extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses.
While processed cheese can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation, it is important to recognize that it is not a natural product and has added ingredients that may be harmful to health. It is recommended to consume processed cheese in moderation and to prioritize natural cheese when possible, as the production process of real cheese allows for more flavor possibilities.
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It has a longer shelf life than natural cheese
Processed cheese is made by combining several types of cheese, such as Cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese, with other ingredients. These ingredients can include salt, food dyes, preservatives, extra dairy, emulsifiers, and other artificial ingredients. This blend of cheeses and additives gives processed cheese an extended shelf life compared to natural cheese.
Natural cheese, which is made from milk, does not contain the same preservatives and additives as processed cheese. Soft natural cheeses, for example, must be refrigerated for safety, whereas processed cheese does not require refrigeration until it is opened. Even after opening, processed cheese can last up to 2 months in the refrigerator, significantly longer than many natural cheeses.
The longer shelf life of processed cheese is due in part to the emulsifiers and preservatives used in its production. These additives help to extend the freshness and stability of the product, ensuring that it remains edible for a more extended period. The controlled heating process that processed cheese undergoes also contributes to its longer shelf life by killing off bacteria and other microorganisms that could cause spoilage.
While the extended shelf life of processed cheese can be convenient, it is important to consider the potential health implications of consuming a product with a high number of additives. The preservatives and emulsifiers in processed cheese may have negative health effects, and the high sodium content can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. Therefore, while processed cheese offers the benefit of a longer shelf life, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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It is high in protein, calcium, and vitamins
Processed cheese is not 100% cheese. It usually hovers around 50% cheese, with the remaining ingredients being non-cheese additives. These additives can include salt, food dyes, preservatives, extra dairy, emulsifiers, and other artificial ingredients.
Despite the negative connotations of the word "processed", it is fine to consume processed cheese in moderation. Processed cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins. A 1-ounce (28-gram) slice of American cheese provides vitamin D and is naturally high in other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc.
Vitamin D helps strengthen bones by improving the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, while vitamin A promotes eye and immune health. Zinc, on the other hand, plays an essential role in growth, digestion, and DNA synthesis.
However, it is important to note that processed cheese also tends to be high in saturated fat and sodium, which can lead to increased risk factors for various health conditions. Therefore, while processed cheese can be part of a healthy diet, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced and varied diet.
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It is high in saturated fat and sodium
Processed cheese is made by mixing several types of cheese, including cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese, among other ingredients. While it is a good source of calcium and protein, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium.
Saturated fat and sodium are both linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Research indicates that a diet high in sodium increases the risk of hypertension, or high blood pressure. Evidence also shows that diets high in sodium increase the risk of hypertension, or high blood pressure, whereas reducing sodium intake may help lower this risk. A high intake of saturated fat can increase the risk of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems.
American cheese, a type of processed cheese, is high in saturated fat and sodium. A single slice of American cheese provides 20% of the recommended daily amount of sodium. The high saturated fat content of American cheese may also raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterised by a narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup.
Processed cheese slices are no longer allowed to be called real cheese and are now called "cheese products" due to the numerous additives and chemicals they contain. These additives are included to improve the texture and melting properties of the cheese, allowing it to hold up better on sandwiches. However, these additives come at the cost of nutritional value, and some may even be harmful to your health. For example, emulsifiers, colours, and fillers are added to processed cheese, which may have negative effects on the body.
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It is made with chemicals and additives
Processed cheese is not 100% cheese. It usually hovers around 50% cheese, sometimes more and sometimes less. The remaining portion is made up of non-cheese ingredients, including preservatives, emulsifiers, salt, extra dairy, food dyes, and other artificial ingredients.
These additives are used to extend the shelf life of the product. For example, American cheese, a type of processed cheese, does not need to be refrigerated for safety, unlike soft natural cheeses. This extended shelf life is due to the preservatives and high salt content in processed cheese.
The ingredients in processed cheese vary depending on the brand and type. For example, a Kraft cheese singles label lists the following ingredients: cheddar cheese (milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes), whey, water, protein concentrate, milk, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, milkfat, gelatin, salt, sodium phosphate, lactic acid as a preservative, annatto and paprika extract (color), enzymes, Vitamin A palmitate, cheese culture, and Vitamin D3.
The high number of ingredients in processed cheese, including additives and chemicals, has led to concerns about its nutritional value and potential health risks. While processed cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
In conclusion, while processed cheese may be a convenient and tasty option, it is important to be aware of the chemicals and additives it contains and to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Processed cheese is not 100% cheese. It usually hovers around 50% cheese, with the remaining ingredients being non-cheese additives like salt, food dyes, preservatives, extra dairy, emulsifiers, and other artificial ingredients. While processed cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. Therefore, it is recommended to consume processed cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
There are thousands of varieties of cheese, ranging from mild to mature in flavor and low to high in fat content. Some healthier alternatives to processed cheese include natural cheeses like Ricotta, Mascarpone, Parmesan, and Romano. These cheeses are made from curds that are cooked at different temperatures and then aged to develop their flavor and texture.
Processed cheese has an extended shelf life compared to natural cheese and does not need to be refrigerated until it is opened. It also has a consistent flavor and texture, making it a popular choice for fast food and snack items like cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
