Is Cheddar Cheese Good For You? Nutrition and Health Benefits

Is Cheddar Cheese Good For You?

Cheddar cheese packs a nutritional punch. It offers several health benefits, including being a good source of protein, which supports muscle growth and repair, and calcium, which is essential for bone health. 

But beware high fat, sodium, and calorie content demand moderation. A small serving (1-2 ounces) suffices. Those watching their weight or health should choose wisely. Low-fat options exist for the calorie-conscious. Aged varieties may suit lactose-intolerant individuals better. 

While offering health perks, cheddar requires mindful consumption. Balance its benefits against potential drawbacks. Enjoy this flavorful cheese as part of a varied diet, savoring its taste while respecting your body's needs.

Cheddar Cheese Nutritional Facts

Cheddar cheese is packed with various elements such as calories, proteins, calcium, and vitamins. Here is the breakdown of the number of nutrients that a 100 gram of Cheddar cheese contains, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

• Calories: 409 kCal
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 2.44 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 23.3 g
• Calcium: 707 mg
• Sodium: 654 mg
• Magnesium: 26.8 mg
• Phosphorus: 458 mg
• Potassium: 77 mg
• Vitamin B-12: 1.06 µg
• Vitamin A: 316 µg
• Vitamin K1: 2.4 µg
• Vitamin K2: 9.3 µg

Cheddar packs a nutritional punch while delighting taste buds. Each ounce delivers 10% of daily Vitamin A needs, plus B12 and K2 for strong teeth. With 7g of protein per ounce - 30% of its calories - cheddar fuels muscle growth and function.

This flavorful cheese offers a rich blend of essential nutrients, making it a smart dietary choice for health-conscious eaters seeking both nutrition and satisfaction.

Benefits Of Cheddar Cheese

As a tasty treat that will satisfy your hunger, Cheddar cheese also packs various health benefits. From bone health to low carbs, there is a variety of body elements that it positively impacts. 

Let us delve into some top health benefits that Cheddar cheese offers to its consumers:

1. Helps In Bone Health

Cheddar cheese is good for your bone health. It has a good amount of calcium content that aids in maintaining strong bones. It ultimately helps to prevent bone loss and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

You just need one ounce of cheddar to fulfill your daily calcium needs. This food also features Vitamin K2, which helps in additional support for the bones. Hence, if you are seeking to develop your bone density, then Cheddar cheese is the answer.

2. Contains Low Lactose

If you are lactose intolerant, then this food is your answer to a tummy-satisfying snack. Cheddar cheese contains very low lactose, unlike some other dairy products (milk, yogurt and cream).

The lactose is broken down by bacteria during the aging process of Cheddar. So, people with lactose intolerance can easily digest this food without further problems. It is also recommended to start with a small amount since every person's lactose intolerance level may vary.

3. Helps In Muscle Function

Are you looking to eat some cheese and build muscles simultaneously? If so, then cheddar cheese can help you with this issue. Being a protein powerhouse, Cheddar is a great snack after a heavy workout session.

Giving 7 g of protein per ounce, Cheddar is a good source for repairing and rebuilding muscle tissues. Due to its high protein amount, this cheese type also assists in enzyme production and creating fluid balance.

4. Promotes Healthy Teeth

Cheddar is a good diet for promoting your healthy teeth. There are lots of nutrients that benefit your teeth. One of them is calcium which is integral for a strong enamel and a sparkling smile. 

Moreover, this tasty treat also contains Vitamin K2 which aids in moving your calcium from the soft tissues to your teeth. Since there is little to no sugar,  consuming Cheddar will also free you from cavity problems. 

5. Cheddar Works In A Low-Carb Diet

With the absence of carbohydrates, Cheddar is a zero-carb diet option for you. In contrast, this food is loaded with protein. So, eating this cheesy treat can promote fullness and reduce hunger, making it easier to manage calorie intake.

Due to zero carbs, having Cheddar can also help in improving blood sugar levels and maintaining heart health. Health-conscious individuals can enjoy this food while reaping the low-carb diet benefits.

6. Can Lower Your Cholesterol

Although Cheddar cheese has saturated fat, consuming it at time gaps can help in your cholesterol management. Recent studies have found that cheddar's fermentation process forms a fatty acid that lowers the LDL cholesterol, aka Bad cholesterol. 

At the same time, this food will raise the good cholesterol (HDL). Scientists have given a term for this activity, i.e. Cheese Matrix. Moreover, Cheddar is also packed with high levels of important nutrients like Vitamin K2 calcium, and protein, which assist in heart health.

7. Can Help With Weight Loss

You can consider Cheddar cheese as a supportive player in your weight loss journey, but not as a crucial food. It contains lots of required nutrients that can aid in weight loss. Firstly, this cheesy treat features low carbs that help to burn stored fat for energy.

There is also a phenomenon of full-fat dairy paradox that implies that the removal of fat from dairy products will increase weight instead of decrease it. However, you should still control the consumption of cheddar cheese, eating it at time gaps.

8. Boosts Metabolism

Due to the presence of Vitamin B12 in Cheddar, this diet can be your go-to source for a metabolism boost. Vitamin B12 will help in the conversion of food into energy. Metabolism is essential for burning calories efficiently. 

Although Cheddar is not a star for boosting metabolism, it acts as a supportive food for creating a healthy metabolic rate for the consumer. You should still consume other balanced diets and perform exercises for a powerful metabolic rate.

9. Maintains Digestion Process

Cheddar cheese is a good friend for maintaining your digestion process. The aged Cheddar diet contains probiotics (an influential bacteria for digestion). The probiotics will promote gut flora balance and thus, help in the overall digestion process.

By aiding in a person's digestion, Cheddar will support in removing problems like constipation and bloating. So, enjoy Cheddar with its delightful flavor while not worrying about digestive issues.