Kamil Perry
If you're a cheese lover, you'll be pleased to know that you can still eat cheese as part of a healthy, balanced diet, even if you have high cholesterol. While cheese is a source of dietary cholesterol, opting for low-fat or fat-free cheese can be a smart move for managing cholesterol levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Low-fat or fat-free |
| Number of servings | No more than 2-3 per day |
| Examples | Reduced-fat Swiss or Cheddar |
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What You'll Learn
- Low-fat or fat-free cheeses are recommended by the American Heart Association
- Research shows that eating full-fat cheese from time to time probably won't hurt your cholesterol
- Reduced-fat Swiss or Cheddar are lower in saturated fat than their full-fat counterparts
- Low-fat cheese varieties are recommended by dietitians for managing cholesterol
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines foods as low-saturated fat if they have no more than 1 gram of saturated fat per serving
Low-fat or fat-free cheeses are recommended by the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association recommends getting no more than two to three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products daily, including milk, yoghurt, and cheese. These are significantly lower in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than full-fat versions.
If you do eat full-fat cheese from time to time, research shows it probably won't hurt your cholesterol. A study in the *American Journal of Clinical Nutrition* and one in *Food & Nutrition Research* found no increase in cholesterol levels when comparing people who ate higher-fat cheese for a few weeks to those who ate lower-fat cheese for the same period.
Dr Manaktala says that low-fat or skim varieties of cheese are healthier options when you're trying to limit the cholesterol and saturated fat content in your diet. Dietitians also recommend low-fat options for those looking to enjoy cheese more frequently while managing cholesterol.
Ehsani recommends that patients with high cholesterol opt for cheeses that are reduced-fat, like reduced-fat Swiss or Cheddar, which are lower in saturated fat than their full-fat counterparts. Braddock also suggests going for higher-calcium cheeses.
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Research shows that eating full-fat cheese from time to time probably won't hurt your cholesterol
There is also evidence to suggest that even more than one serving of cheese a day does not increase blood cholesterol levels. However, for those looking to manage their cholesterol, choosing low-fat cheese varieties can be a smart move. Low-fat or skim varieties of cheese are healthier options when trying to limit the cholesterol and saturated fat content in your diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines foods as "low-saturated fat" if they have no more than 1 gram of saturated fat per serving.
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Reduced-fat Swiss or Cheddar are lower in saturated fat than their full-fat counterparts
Cheese can be included as part of a healthy, balanced diet, even for those who have high cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends getting no more than two to three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products daily, which includes milk, yoghurt, and cheese. These are significantly lower in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than full-fat versions.
However, research shows that eating a fuller-fat cheese from time to time probably won't hurt your cholesterol. A study in the *American Journal of Clinical Nutrition* and one in *Food & Nutrition Research* found no increase in cholesterol levels when comparing people who ate a higher-fat cheese for a few weeks to those who ate lower-fat cheese for the same time period.
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Low-fat cheese varieties are recommended by dietitians for managing cholesterol
Some cheeses, such as Parmesan or blue cheese, tend to be higher in fat and cholesterol per ounce. However, these cheeses are also highly flavourful, so a small amount can go a long way.
For those looking to enjoy cheese more frequently while managing cholesterol, there are low-fat options available that dietitians recommend. These include reduced-fat Swiss or Cheddar, which are lower in saturated fat than their full-fat counterparts.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), foods are considered "low-saturated fat" if they have no more than 1 gram of saturated fat per serving. The American Heart Association recommends eating no more than 5% to 6% of your daily calories in saturated fat. This means that for a person who eats 2,000 calories per day, they should eat no more than 13 grams (120 calories worth) of saturated fat per day.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines foods as low-saturated fat if they have no more than 1 gram of saturated fat per serving
According to the American Heart Association, it's recommended to get no more than two to three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products daily, including milk, yoghurt, and cheese. These are significantly lower in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than full-fat versions. However, research shows that even if you eat a fuller-fat cheese from time to time, it probably won't hurt your cholesterol. For example, a study in the *American Journal of Clinical Nutrition* compared cholesterol levels in people who ate a higher-fat cheese for a few weeks to those who ate lower-fat cheese for the same time period and found no increase in cholesterol levels.
When it comes to managing cholesterol, choosing low-fat cheese varieties can be beneficial. Dietitians recommend low-fat options for those who want to enjoy cheese more frequently while keeping their cholesterol in check. Reduced-fat Swiss or Cheddar, for instance, are lower in saturated fat than their full-fat counterparts.
While cheese is often associated with high cholesterol, it can still be included as part of a healthy, balanced diet, even for those with high cholesterol. Evidence suggests that even more than one serving of cheese per day does not increase blood cholesterol levels. However, it's important to note that some cheeses, such as Parmesan or blue cheese, tend to be higher in fat and cholesterol per ounce. Therefore, opting for low-fat or skim varieties can be a healthier choice when managing cholesterol.
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Frequently asked questions
Opt for low-fat or fat-free cheeses, such as reduced-fat Swiss or Cheddar.
The American Heart Association recommends getting no more than two to three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products daily.
Yes, low-fat cheese is a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health.
Cheeses that are high in saturated fat, such as Parmesan or blue cheese, tend to be higher in cholesterol per ounce.
No, cheese can be included as part of a healthy, balanced diet, even for those with high cholesterol.
