Is Cheese Good For You? This might be your favorite item to add to salads, sandwiches, and pasta, but is cheese good for you? Now the comfort that this greasy food item brings is something that most of us do not want to give up. 

Cheese is loaded with artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated fat, which isn’t good for your health and can cause heart diseases.

While this may not be enough for some people, let’s dive in and find out all there is to know about cheese, and then you can decide for yourself if cheese is good for you or not.

How Many Calories In Cheese?

Cheese is a dairy product made by pressing curds and heating them to form solid particles. It is made from milk, primarily water, lactose, proteins, lipids, minerals, and vitamins.

The calorie concentration in cheese ranges differently depending on the type. The nutrients in cheese are primarily present in the proteins and fats that are present in it.

  • Mozzarella: A 100-gram serving contains around 280 calories/ 
  • Cheddar: 100 g of cheddar cheese has about 402 calories.
  • Cottage cheese: The calorie concentration of cottage cheese is found to be 98 calories per 100 grams.
  • Brie: has 334 calories per 100g.
  • Feta: The calorie concentration of feta cheese is about 264 calories per 100g.
  • Gouda: The nutrient concentration of Gouda cheese is about 356 calories per 100 grams.
  • Swiss: It has about 380 calories in 100 grams
  • American: about 371 calories in 100 grams.

What Is In Cheese?

Cheese isn’t entirely healthy. See, it may contain a lot of nutrients, but it is very high in the following categories:

  1. High in salt: Cheese is loaded with sodium, which can be a massive issue for people with high blood pressure. 
  2. Calorie loaded: When it comes to cheese, it is a very calorie-dense food. With the consumption of every ounce, you get up to 100 calories. 
  3. High in saturated fat: Cheese is indeed in fat but also in saturated fat. 
  4. Very low in fiber: You will find no fiber in cheese. Actually, excessive cheese consumption can result in constipation. 

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Eat Cheese:

Cheese is one of the most popular food items in the world, and it is found in many different cuisines, from Indian to Italian and Mexican.

However, not everyone should be eating cheese, and here are a few reasons why you should cut out cheese from your diet:

1. Rennet’s Origins

While we may have grown up believing cheese is made of milk, that’s not the only ingredient. As yummy as cheese is, a lot of cheeses are made using rennet.

It is an enzyme acquired through washing, drying, and then cutting the linings of the stomachs of slaughtered calves. 

Since male calves aren’t as valuable for the dairy industry, they are used for other purposes, such as in the veal industry.

So, for a small moment of contentment that you get out of consuming cheese, a little male calf needs to be slaughtered to obtain rennet to make the cheese for you. 

 

2. It’s Unhealthy 

Cheese is one of the most popular foods in the world, and it has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. However, it is not healthy to eat cheese every day because it can have negative effects on our bodies.

It contains a lot of saturated fat. This type of fat can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke by raising cholesterol levels and increasing your chances of developing diabetes or high blood pressure.

CVD is a big risk, too, since cheese has high amounts of saturated fat, is high in cholesterol, and contains a good amount of salt.

It also contains sodium, which can lead to dehydration if you don’t drink enough water. Those with a family medical history of blood pressure problems, heart diseases, and diabetes should consider avoiding it entirely to keep away from such conditions.

Keep your heart healthy and switch to having low amounts of dairy or none at all. 

3. Can Cause Allergies 

As dangerous as it is, cheese might not be for everyone. It is a food that can cause anaphylaxis, the most severe form of an allergic reaction.

Cheese contains proteins called caseins found in milk and whey, and caseins are the most common allergen in cow’s milk.

To prevent cheese from causing an allergic reaction, you should avoid eating cheese if you have a history of allergies, asthma, or are lactose intolerant.

You should also avoid eating unpasteurized dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, because they may contain harmful bacteria that could trigger an allergic reaction in people susceptible to them.

Grape, assorted cheese, figs and honey on blue wooden background

4. Can Carry Bacteria

In 2017, two people died, and six were hospitalized simultaneously after contracting the disease listeriosis from using Vulto Creamery Cheeses. Also see, CDC reports.

Did you know that during the years 1883-1947, there were 59 epidemics caused by cheese and up to 117 deaths in the U.S? 

Listeriosis is a foodborne illness caused by a bacterium called Listeria monocytogenes. The bacteria can be found in the environment, soil, water, and uncooked foods.

According to research, it is estimated that approximately 1 out of every 10,000 people who eat contaminated food will get listeriosis.

According to research, the bacteria can be found in the environment, including soil and water, and on uncooked foods.

The bacterium causes listeriosis through consumption of contaminated food or contact with contaminated surfaces that humans then ingest.

According to research, the bacteria can grow in cheese and other dairy products because it produces lactic acid, which inhibits the growth of other bacteria.

This spreads from one contaminated block of cheese to the other, and in no time, the whole lot can be contaminated. Consumption can become dangerous for people and very harmful to health. 

5. You’re Supporting The Meat Industry

An average life expectancy of cows is 15-20 years, but with the excessive consumption of cheese, a cow’s milk production ends up finishing after 4-5 years. After this, it stops being useful in the dairy industry and is transferred to the meat industry. 

Spreading more awareness of this industry amongst people has resulted in them being more mindful about their choices and switching towards vegan alternatives.

Doing this not only lessens the rising meat industry but also makes the environment cruelty-free for animals. 

Good Cheese Alternatives:

Cheese is a versatile food item used in many different dishes. However, due to its high saturated fat content, it is not suitable for some people who are trying to lose weight or stay healthy and avoid unnecessary calories.

You can also try these alternatives if you hope to give up cheese and switch to something different but somewhat similar:

1. Cashew Cheese

Cashew cheese is a vegan alternative to normal cheese. It is made out of cashews, water, salt, and lemon juice.

The protein in the cashews gives it a creamier texture than dairy cheese. It has many health benefits over dairy as well.

It has lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol but higher levels of vitamin A, iron, and calcium. Cashew cheese contains only 2% fat, while cheddar contains up to 30%.

Its’ low-fat content is the main difference between cashew cheese and cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella.  Vegan Nacho Cheese, Vegan Cheddar Cheese, Vegan Mac, and Cheese.

2. Zucchini cheese

Zucchini cheese is a type of cheese made with zucchini and has a mild, sweet flavor. It is low in fat and calories while providing a healthy alternative to other cheeses.

It also contains no cholesterol or lactose, making it an excellent choice for those who are watching their weight or have food allergies.

3. Daiya 

Daiya is a vegan cheese alternative that is made from tapioca, which is gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free. They have a variety of flavors, including cheddar, pepper jack, and mozzarella.

Daiya has been making waves in the food world for a couple of years now, and it’s no wonder why. Daiya offers an alternative to cheese that is healthy and delicious.

Most lactose intolerant or vegan people can enjoy Daiya without worrying about the side effects of dairy products like lactose intolerance or stomach discomfort.

This healthy alternative can be consumed quickly without worrying about excessive calories on every bite. 

4. Tahini spread

This sesame seed spread is a popular alternative to regular cheese because of its health benefits and its high protein, calcium, and vitamin D.

Tahini has been used for thousands of years in the Middle East and North Africa. It is made from ground sesame seeds and salt that are mixed to create a paste.

Tahini can be eaten on bread or by itself as an appetizer or dip. The tahini spread has an earthy flavor with a slightly bitter taste, making it versatile in cooking.

Benefits of using cheese alternatives:

Cheese is a staple food in many countries and is one of the most consumed products worldwide. However, there are alternatives to cheese, which are usually healthier than cheese. These alternatives have many health benefits because they contain no lactose or cholesterol.

In addition to these health benefits, they also have fewer calories than regular cheeses and are less processed.

The ethical benefits of using cheese alternatives rather than cheese are that they are usually healthier for the body and don’t have any animal products in them.

In addition, these alternatives allow people who can’t eat dairy to enjoy cheese without giving up on their favorite foods.

Cheese alternatives also allow people who want to cut down on their meat intake or have dietary restrictions like gluten intolerance or lactose intolerance to enjoy it without any issues.

So, is cheese good for you?

Cheese is a food that many people love to indulge in, and it is often found in dishes such as mac and cheese or pizza.

However, this food is not suitable for you and has several adverse health effects when consumed in large quantities.

Cheese has been known to increase the risk of CVD, cancer, and diabetes. It also causes weight gain because it is high in fat and calcium, leading to obesity.

Cheese has also been linked to acne because it contains high lactose, a sugar found in milk, which can lead to increased sebum production on the skin.

While consuming it may be the best thing out there, and curbing your cravings with a slice of cheese pizza may sound like the best thing right now, keep in mind that it is unhealthy and has adverse effects on your body.

Instead of wholly consuming cheese, just go for healthier alternatives for a better and more nutritious diet! 

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