Full-fat dairy foods have a bad rap for obvious reasons. They’re high in saturated fats, pack a lot of calories, and can add inches to your waistline. But this doesn’t mean than non-fat dairy is healthier.
Recent studies have found no link between saturated fats and cardiovascular problems. Furthermore, dairy foods, including full-fat varieties, have been associated with lower rates of diabetes and heart disease.
In fact, fat-free cheese and non-fat dairy can do more harm than good. These products are often higher in sodium and contain more fillers than their regular counterparts.
Feeling confused? Here’s what you should know about full-fat versus non-fat dairy foods and their impact on your health!
Fat-free cheeses are typically much more crumbly and harder; they’re not altogether creamy. It is worth noting that some manufacturers make up for the lack of flavor in fat-free cheese by adding additional salt. So it’s possible that you might find fat-free cheese to be a bit saltier than what you’re used to.
Fat-Free Cheese Isn’t Necessarily Healthier
Low-fat and fat-free cheeses may actually derail your diet and affect overall health. These foods are heavily processed to remove the fat. Some brands are actually less than 50 percent cheese.
So what’s in these foods, anyway? Emulsifiers, flavor enhancers, preservatives, whey solids, and other fillers — just to name a few.
Another problem is that manufacturers often add more sodium to compensate for the lack of fat. Excess sodium causes fluid retention, increases blood pressure, and affects cardiovascular health.
It may also put you at risk for stroke, heart failure, kidney stones, and osteoporosis.
Based on these facts, it’s fair to say that fat-free cheese isn’t worth it. Luckily, there are plenty of cheese varieties that have few calories and carbs.
And this brings us to the next point…
Full-Fat Dairy May Keep You Lean
When was the last time you drank whole milk or ate real cheese? If you can’t remember, it’s time to do it more often.
Believe it or not, full-fat dairy may keep you lean.
Researchers have found that full-fat dairy foods may prevent weight gain and reduce obesity risk. Low-fat dairy didn’t have this effect.
Furthermore, dairy fatty acids have been linked to lower diabetes rates. Therefore, full-fat dairy not only makes it easier to maintain your weight, but it may also protect against diabetes and its complications.
HOW TO ACTUALLY MELT FAT FREE CHEESE
FAQ
Are there any fat free cheeses?
Can you buy fat-free cheese?
Do they make fat free American cheese?
Does fat free cream cheese still exist?
What is fat free cheese?
These days, the fat content of the cheese is controlled by manipulating the fat content of the milk that’s used to make it. Each cheese has its own particular fat content. In general, higher-fat cheeses are creamier, such as mascarpone, and lower fat cheeses are harder, such as Parmesan . Fat-free cheese is cheese that is made using fat-free milk.
Does cottage cheese have less fat than other foods?
Like milk, cottage cheese comes in full-fat, low-fat, and fat-free. This last one, is an excellent source of protein, very low in fat, and contains relatively few calories, packed with many nutrients, such as B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and selenium.
Is fat-free cheese better than regular cheese?
Fat-free cheeses are typically much more crumbly and harder; they’re not altogether creamy. It is worth noting that some manufacturers make up for the lack of flavor in fat-free cheese by adding additional salt. So it’s possible that you might find fat-free cheese to be a bit saltier than what you’re used to.
Is cream cheese fat free?
I’ve also found that fat-free cheeses just don’t compare to regular cheese, because they have zero fat per ounce compared to about 9 grams per ounce for regular cheese. What About Cream Cheese? I use fat-free cream cheese as a fat replacement in cookie dough, biscuits, scones and cakes, but I wouldn’t dare put in on my bagel.