We're Begging You To Stop Eating These Seriously Unhealthy Cheeses

Summary

This video explores various cheeses, their flavors, and their nutritional impacts. From the highly processed American cheese to indulgent mascarpone and the iconic Brie, it highlights both beloved and lesser-known cheeses like Double Gloucester and brunost. The script also delves into the fat, sodium, and sugar content of these cheeses, offering insight into healthier alternatives. While cheese can be delicious and versatile, the video emphasizes how many popular options are packed with preservatives, additives, and unhealthy fats. It serves as a cautionary guide for cheese lovers who want to balance enjoyment with health-conscious choices.

Takeaways

• 😀 American cheese is highly processed and contains artificial ingredients like colorants and preservatives, making it one of the least healthy cheese options.
• 🧀 Mascarpone is a rich, triple cream cheese high in saturated fat, packing 13 grams of fat per half ounce, but it’s low in sugar and a good protein source.
• 🇬🇧 Double Gloucester, a firm cheese from England, is high in fat, with 9.1 grams of fat and 6.1 grams of saturated fat per ounce.
• 🇳🇴 Brunost, a traditional Norwegian brown cheese, is sweet due to caramelization and contains a high amount of sugar (9 grams per ounce), which makes it an unhealthy option.
• 🧴 Processed cheese spreads like Cheez Whiz and Easy Cheese are unhealthy, packed with preservatives and ingredients like maltodextrin that can impact gut health.
• 🇫🇷 Brie, while delicious, is high in saturated fat, with 9 grams of fat per ounce, and should be consumed in moderation for those watching their calorie intake.
• 🧀 Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano) is rich in sodium, with 390 milligrams per ounce, and often contains preservatives like cellulose powder in pre-grated forms.
• 🇫🇷 Roquefort, a blue cheese, is high in fat (8.7 grams per ounce) and sodium (512.9 milligrams per ounce), making it an unhealthy choice for those monitoring their diet.
• 🌮 Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains artificial additives, such as modified starches and mold inhibitors like natamycin, which are used to prevent caking and extend shelf life.
• 🍕 While some cheeses, like Brie and Parmesan, are nutrient-rich with benefits like calcium and vitamin A, they should still be consumed in moderation due to their high fat and sodium content.

Q & A

What makes American cheese one of the least healthy cheeses?

American cheese is heavily processed, containing artificial ingredients like emulsifying agents, preservatives, and artificial coloring, making it less healthy compared to natural cheeses.

Why is mascarpone cheese considered unhealthy despite being used in popular recipes?

Mascarpone is a rich, triple-cream cheese high in saturated fat, with nearly 60% of its fat content being saturated. This makes it high in calories and cholesterol.

What makes Double Gloucester cheese particularly fattening?

Double Gloucester cheese is made with full-fat milk and aged for around four months. A 1-ounce serving contains 9.1 grams of fat, including 6.1 grams of saturated fat.

What is brunost, and why is it considered unhealthy?

Brunost, also known as brown cheese, is a Norwegian cheese made by caramelizing leftover whey. It's high in sugar, with 9 grams of sugar per ounce, making it one of the less healthy cheese options.

What is the main ingredient in Cheez Whiz, and why is it considered unhealthy?

The main ingredient in Cheez Whiz is whey, with added plant starches like maltodextrin, which can elevate blood sugar and harm gut health. It also contains preservatives like sodium phosphate and modified food starch.

How does Easy Cheese compare to Cheez Whiz in terms of nutritional content?

Easy Cheese and Cheez Whiz are quite similar in ingredients. Both contain high amounts of fat and preservatives, but Easy Cheese has slightly more fat per serving, while Cheez Whiz has more carbs.

Why is Brie considered unhealthy despite its popularity?

Brie cheese is high in saturated fat, with 9 grams of fat (4 grams of saturated fat) per ounce. However, it is nutrient-rich and a good source of calcium and vitamins.

What makes Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan) cheese less healthy?

Parmesan cheese is very salty, containing 390 milligrams of sodium per ounce, which is a high amount. Despite its lower fat content compared to soft cheeses, its salt content makes it less healthy.

What health risks are associated with Roquefort cheese?

Roquefort cheese is high in fat and sodium. Just 1 ounce contains 8.7 grams of fat and 513 milligrams of sodium, making it less suitable for those aiming to lower fat and sodium intake.

What is the issue with pre-packaged shredded cheeses?

Pre-packaged shredded cheeses often contain modified starches to prevent caking and preservatives like natamycin, which, while deemed safe, are additives that some may prefer to avoid for health reasons.