Although cheddar cheese is a delicious addition to many dishes, it doesn't necessarily have a reputation for being healthy. Many people are concerned about the high calorie content and high saturated fat contentCan raise cholesterol levels. Although it has nutritional disadvantages, a small amount of cheddar can be considered part of a healthy diet.
Cheddar cheese origin
Cheddar cheese comes from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, where damp, cool caves provided the perfect humidity conditions for the cheese to ripen. However, since its origins in England sometime in the 12th century, this tasty dairy product has found its way into the hearts (and bellies) of cheese lovers around the world. Today is cheddarone of the most popular types of cheese in Germany, whether it's served in Mexican quesadillas, a creamy mac 'n' cheese casserole or a juicy burger.
Cheddar cheese nutrition facts
Nutritional information for Cheddar cheese per 100 grams:
Calories: 402 kcal (approx. 110 calories in 1 slice of cheddar cheese at 30 g)
Fat content: 33g
Saturated fatty acids 21 g
Polyunsaturated fatty acids 0.9 g
Monounsaturated fatty acids 9 g
Carbohydrates: 0 g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 25 g
Carbohydrates
Like many cheeses, cheddar contains no carbohydrates. This means that it also contains no fiber or sugar.
Slices
Most health concerns about cheddar center on its fat content – and particularly saturated fats. It's true that in addition to being high in total fat (9 grams per 30 g), whole milk cheddar is also high in saturated fat (6 grams per 30 g). Traditionally, nutrition experts recommend oneDiet low in saturated fatto reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, new research suggests that saturated fat in whole foods like cheese may not have the harmful effects on heart health as previously thought. Many experts are now calling for more research to determine the benefits and harms of saturated fat in dairy products.
protein
At 25 grams per 100g, protein makes up over 30 percent of cheddar's calories. This can significantly increase your daily protein intake.
Vitamins and minerals per 100 g:
Vitamin A 1.002 IU
Vitamin C 0 mg
Calcium 721 mg
Iron 0.7 mg
Vitamin D 24 IU
Vitamin B6 0,1 mg
Vitamin B12 0,8 µg
Magnesium 28 mg
Natrium: 621 mg
With 721 mg (or 20% of the recommended daily amount) per 100 g, cheddar has a particularly high calcium content. But calcium isn't the only micronutrient Cheddar has to offer. 1 slice of cheddar (approx. 30 g) covers 6% of the daily vitamin A and 14% of the daily phosphorus requirements and provides small amounts of magnesium, zinc, selenium and riboflavin. However, if you're trying to eat less salt, keep in mind: Cheddar is also relatively high in sodium.
Health benefits
Although cheddar cheese isn't exactly considered healthy by most people, it actually offers some notable benefits.
Builds healthy bones
With its significant calcium content, Cheddar can help maintain bone health. Adequate calcium intake is crucial to prevent osteoporosis, the harmful degeneration of bone density.
Builds muscle
Protein serves a variety of functions in the body and at 25g per 100 grams, cheddar is a good source of this macronutrient. Protein not only builds muscles, but is also important for themProduction of enzymes, repairing cells, maintaining fluid balance and much more.
Fills you up and can help you lose weight
It is true that this type of cheese is high in calories and fat. But this increases the feeling of satiety, which is very important when dieting. This makes it easier to eat less throughout the day.
Suitable for keto and low carb diets
If you want to lose weight on the keto diet, you're in luck. Because of the high fat contentCheddar allowed on the ketogenic diet. Since it contains no carbohydrates, cheddar also fits well into any low-carb diet.
Has a low lactose content
When it comes to lactose,not all cheeses are created equal. Cheddar is one of the aged hard cheeses that is actually quite low in lactose, meaning that people with lactose intolerance can often eat it without unpleasant symptoms such as bloating or stomach upset.
Allergies
Although cheddar is low in lactose, it still contains casein and whey - two components that can trigger an immune response in people with a milk allergy. If you are allergic to dairy products, you must eliminate cheddar from your diet.
Cheddar Sort
You've probably noticed that cheddar comes in different "sharpness levels," including mild, medium, hot, and extra hot. This simply refers to how long the cheese has been aged: the longer it is aged, the spicier (or spicier and more flavorful) it will be. Mild cheddar is typically aged for two to three months, while extra sharp varieties can be aged for up to a year.
If you have histamine intolerance, you should avoid cheddar because it contains a lot of histamine. The riper the cheese, the higher the histamine content.
And why is cheddar orange?Interestingly, all cheddars start out white (or a similar shade) because they are made from cow's milk. In the 17th century, cheesemakers began adding vegetable dyes such as annatto to cheddar to give it a uniform color, and the practice never stopped. Therefore, white cheddar could simply be called “original” cheddar. The added extracts are unlikely to alter the flavor of the cheese.
What is better? Cheddar can be purchased grated or as a loaf
There is no season for cheddar! This cheese can be aged and purchased all year round. However, to choose the best cheddar, it makes sense to read the ingredients list. Grated or sliced cheddar may be treated with anti-caking agents such as cellulose. While cellulose isn't necessarily harmful, it can affect the overall flavor and texture of the cheese.
Shelf life and storage
It may go without saying that you should refrigerate any cheese, but cheddar technically doesn't need to be refrigerated. However, storing cheddar in the refrigerator will help it last longer. According to the USDA, unopened cheddar can last up to six months in the refrigerator, and opened packages can last three to four weeks in the refrigerator.
Because it's a hard cheese, Cheddar actually freezes well - but freezing may not extend its shelf life much more than refrigerating. The USDA estimates that cheddar can be frozen for up to six months.
How to use cheddar
Cheddar can be incorporated into any number of cheese dishes or, of course, served as a dip with your favorite crackers. With a melting point of around 65 degrees Celsius, it doesn't need much heat to become viscous. Because of its high fat content, it is also very stretchy. It is perfect for baking casseroles, Mexican dishes, burgers, pasta and pizza. The mild cheddar flavor goes great with broccoli and cauliflower. This combination is often used for soups, quiches, nuggets and even salads. If you want to reduce carbohydrates but still don't want to give up hamburgers, you can tooLettuce wraps and breadless burgerstry.
Cheddar cheese chips
Looking for a crunchy keto snack to munch on or enjoy with guacamole or dip? This two-ingredient recipe is for you!
Ingredients
225g Cheddar cheese, grated or thinly sliced
½ tsp paprika powder
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Spread the grated cheese in small piles on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. (Make sure there is enough space between them so they don't touch each other.)
- Sprinkle paprika powder over it and bake in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness. (Be careful not to burn the cheese as burnt cheese has a bitter taste.)
- Transfer to a plate and let cool for about 5-10 minutes. It's best to enjoy them immediately afterwards, while they are still crispy.
These chips taste great on their own as a crunchy snack or perfect for serving with a dip like guacamole, salsa or the classic ranch. With a little parmesan on top you achieve perfection. Instead of paprika, you can use scallions, garlic, chili powder, or taco seasoning mix.
Cheddar-Tortillas for Tacos
You can use the same recipe to make your own keto taco shells. About 30g of cheddar cheese per shell is sufficient. Draw 3 15cm circles on the baking paper so that the tacos are the same size. Bake the cheese in the oven at 200 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until the edges have turned golden brown.
In the meantime, prepare the rack to give the taco shells their typical shape. For example, use two glasses and place a thick wooden spoon (or whatever utensil you have) across the glasses. The handle should be thick enough to leave about 4cm of space in the curve of your taco.
Once the cheddar tortillas are done, remove from the baking sheet and let cool for about 30 seconds. Before the cheese has completely cooled, carefully place the cheddar tortillas on the rack. Let cool for another 5 minutes or until they hold their shape. Then serve with fillings of your choice! Chicken fillets, grated cheese, sour cream, tomato salsa, diced onions, chopped peppers, lettuce and diced tomatoes - the ideas are endless! If you want to cook other Mexican recipes, you canget inspired by this articlelet!
