Cheese Debate: Myths and Facts

The great cheese debate rages on. Some continue to insist that cheese should be completely eliminated because it is high in saturated fat. The myths and facts seem to weight in favor of cheese in moderation (but you knew that). So when you see cheese at the holiday party it’s probably okay to ENJOY! However, if you’re still not convinced stay tuned to the end for a VEGAN cheese ball recipe.

Myths and Facts of Cheese

Myth: Cheese is high in saturated fat and is not a healthy choice.

Fact: Cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium,  and phosphorus providing nutrients to build and maintain healthy bones. Protein helps curb hunger making cheese a good choice for snacks plus may help with weight loss. Additional nutrients in cheese are zinc and biotin that protects your skin, keeps your nails strong and is important for hair health.

Myth: Lactose intolerant people should avoid cheese.

Fact: Being lactose intolerant is often confused with milk allergies. Rather it is the inability to digest the milk sugar lactose. Aged cheeses like cheddar and Swiss are low in lactose making them possible choices.

Myth: Cheese can increase the risk of heart disease.

Fact: Any food high in saturated fat not just cheese can increase your risk to heart disease. Those wanting to reduce their fat intake can consume low-fat cheeses (see next section on Best Tasting Low-Fat Cheeses). If you need to consume 2,000 calories a day, less than 140 calories (or 16 grams) should come from saturated fats (American Heart Association).

Best Tasting Low-Fat Cheeses

Healthier delicious cheese brands to pick up at your next trip to the grocery store:

1. Cheddar: Cabot 50% Light Vermont, 1 oz serving 4.5 g fat
2. Spreadable: Alouette Light Cucumber Dill, 2 Tbsp serving 4 g fat
3. Snacking: The Laughing Cow Light Gourmet Cheese Bites, 3/4 oz serving 2 g fat
   
4. Mozzarella: Polly-O Part Skim Mozzarella, 1 oz serving 5 g fat
   
5. Cracker Topper: Legendairy Light Gouda, 1 oz serving 5 g fat
6. Swiss: Jarlsberg Lite, 3/4 oz serving 2.5 g fat

Read more details about low-fat cheeses from the article on Prevention.com

Holiday Appetizer Vegan Recipe

Yum! Just pinned this recipe from my friend Marly,  local Kansas City food blogger at Namely Marly.  Get the recipe: Sage and Gouda Vegan Cheese Ball  and follow Namely Marly on Pinterest for more Vegan recipes!  Marly is Named Top 10 Vegan Bloggers on Pinterest!

Wishing you all Happy Holidays from Live-Young.com

Photo credit: Photodune and Namely Marly

Cheers to a Healthy Life!