Four Unexpected Consequences of Overindulging in Cheese Consumption
Feb 22, 2024 By Nancy Miller

Cheese is incorporated into various dishes, including the traditional comfort food macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, casseroles, salads, and pizzas. In addition to being adored by all, cheese is also nutritionally dense. Cheese enriches culinary preparations with color, flavor, aroma, and texture. A remarkable nutritional profile distinguishes goat cheese as an indispensable element of a well-balanced diet, owing to its substantial amounts of vitamin B12, protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. However, its elevated fat content does attract occasional criticism of cheese. Do you ponder the physiological effects of daily cream cheese consumption due to its infamous reputation? Proceed reading to ascertain the findings of the research.

Cheese Varieties and Their Unique Flavors

A bewildering variety of cheese varieties exists, which is a beloved food. The unique flavor and consistency of each cheese variety can enhance many dishes. Salads, sandwiches, and Mexican cuisine frequently contain this popular topping for pizza and burgers. In addition to complementing sauces, soups, pastries, and cuisine, cheese is a delightful snack or appetizer.

  • Whole-Milk Cheese: The number of cheese varieties is in the thousands. Variations in fat content and flavor intensity (from mild to extremely mature) are observed among them. Bovine, equine and even goat products are all capable of producing cheese. For example, a 28-gram serving of whole-milk cheese, produced from whole milk, contains between 6 and 10 grams of fat. Saturated fat comprises 4 to 6 grams of this.
  • Low-Fat Cheese: Limited-fat or reduced-fat cheeses, produced with 2% milk, are accessible to individuals watching their fat consumption. Skim milk or 0% fat milk can even be used to produce non-fat cheeses.
  • Aged Cheeses: Mascarpone, cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are illustrative unaged Fresh cheeses. When compared to aged alternatives, they generally exhibit a softer, more, and milder texture. Aging or mature cheeses, such as Gruyère, Swiss, Cheddar, and Parmesan, are enhanced in firmness and flavor intensity through a prolonged aging process lasting at least six months.
  • Processed Cheese: Despite not being cheese in and of themselves, American cheese and cheese spreads are processed cream cheese products labeled as such. Additional components like flavor enhancers and emulsifiers support their durability.
  • Dairy-Free Cheese: Dairy-free individuals can obtain alternative cheeses, including soy cheese. In contrast to dairy cheeses, however, their processing differs significantly.

Spiking Cholesterol Levels

Cheese is popular, but day-by-day consumption can also increase cholesterol. According to Medical News Today, cheese is a first-rate LDL cholesterol-raising meal, as cheese is dairy. High cholesterol causes serious fitness troubles. Although absent of obvious symptoms, high cholesterol significantly increases the likelihood of developing various health complications. Angina (chest pain caused by heart disease), hypertension, stroke, and additional circulatory complications are among these. However, it is vital to remember that not all cheese consumers will experience these health risks.

Depending on the body's reaction to cholesterol, cheese's impact on cholesterol levels is largely variable. Cheese consumption may increase the risk of heart disease and strokes for individuals who are sensitive to cholesterol, according to nutritionists Inadvertently increasing cholesterol levels to a dangerous degree is often difficult to detect; therefore, it is prudent to monitor your cream cheese intake to prevent this from occurring unintentionally.

Sodium Health Concerns

Due to its flavor and versatility, goat cheese is included in many diets. Its health effects should be assessed more thoroughly before regular use. Common nutrients include lipids, carbs, and proteins. Sodium, an overlooked element, must also be considered. To make matters worse, cheese is high in unhealthy sodium.

The American Heart Association advises against sodium overload due to the proliferation of complications including but not limited to hypertension, stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis, stomach cancer, kidney disease, kidney stones, an enlarged heart muscle, and headaches. Regarding processed cheese varieties, including American cheese, elevated sodium content is a major cause for concern.

To prevent the chronic ingestion of cheese, it is critical to exercise vigilance in monitoring sodium intake from additional sources in one's diet. Despite the delectable nature of cheese as an accompaniment to meals, it is imperative to uphold optimal health by establishing a sodium balance with alternative foods that are comparatively lower in sodium content. Particularly for those who consume grilled cheese daily, it is vital to preserve this balance, as the accumulation of sodium can lead to various health complications.

Digestive Problems

Due to its propensity to frequently elicit intestinal distress, daily cheese consumption could exacerbate digestive complications. This effect is predominantly attributable to the lactose content of goat cheese and other dairy products. Health reports daily that lactose, the sugar in milk, is difficult for many people. Unexpectedly, a significant proportion of the adult population is distressed by lactose intolerance.

As of infancy, the United States National Library of Medicine reports that 65 percent of the world's population develops a diminished capacity to digest lactose. Thus, despite the absence of a formal diagnosis of lactose intolerance, it is probable that you will encounter difficulties in assimilating dairy products. This may be information that grilled cheese aficionados desire daily. As per Healthline, complications associated with lactose digestion after consuming dairy products or goat cheese may present as symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, or cramping. Consider this the next time dairy-rich foods like baked brie tempt you.

Inflammation

We often associate "inflammatory response" with negative physiological effects in health discussions. Cheese's unexpected role in inflammation is important to understand. Nutritional therapist Terry Fairclough discussed cheese and inflammation in a Yahoo! interview. According to Fairclough, cheese's saturated fats may hinder fatty acid absorption. These fats reduce inflammation and maintain health. Cheese too much can worsen inflammation. This can aggravate arthritis.

Despite its complexity, inflammation weakens the immune system and causes many health issues. Cheese consumption can cause health issues and inflammation. Diet and inflammation have been linked more definitively in recent research. An illustration of this can be seen in a 2020 study published in the 'Journal of Nutrition' which posited that consumption of cheese and other foods rich in saturated fats might contribute to an escalation in inflammation. For individuals who consume goat cheese daily, this is vital to contemplate. Considering long-term health implications is imperative in addition to the immediate impacts.