White cheddar cheese is commonly available in grocery stores in the United States. Cheddar cheese is made from cow's milk. It has a firm, sometimes crumbly texture and a mild to sharp taste. White cheddar cheeses have no added coloring. You can eat this cheese plain, melted onto a sandwich or shredded and combined into a recipe.
Calories
A 1-oz. serving of white cheddar cheese contains 110 to 120 calories. If you're consuming this cheddar plain as a snack, it fits into the target snack calorie range -- the ideal number of calories for a snack is between 100 to 200 calories. This is enough to give you a small boost of energy and take the edge off your hunger.
Fat
The majority of calories in white cheddar cheese come from fat. Each 1-oz. serving of cheese has 9 to 10 grams of fat, which accounts for 74 to 75 percent of its total calories. The Mayo Clinic recommends limiting your fat intake to 20 to 35 percent of your total daily calories, or 44 to 78 grams, so monitor the total fat in your meal plan to avoid overeating this macronutrient. Five to six of the fat grams in white cheddar cheese are saturated fats. This type of fat may raise your cholesterol levels and increase your chances of developing heart disease. Your meal plan should include no more than 15 grams of saturated fat each day.
Protein
White cheddar cheese serves as a source of protein in your diet. Your body uses protein for energy and to maintain the function of your immune system. A 1-oz. serving of white cheddar provides 7 grams of protein, or 12.5 to 15.2 percent of the protein your body requires daily. The protein in cheddar cheese is animal protein, as the protein comes from milk. Consuming animal proteins may present health problems for some people. The protein in white cheddar cheese is also considered a high-quality protein. This type of protein contains all the essential amino acids.
Vitamins and Minerals
Consuming enough calcium is necessary to maintain the strength of your bones and teeth. Calcium also helps your entire body work properly -- your body requires calcium for the function of your heart, nerves and muscles. A 1-oz. serving of white cheddar cheese offers 20 percent of the calcium you need daily, as well as 6 to 10 percent of your daily recommended amount of vitamin A. This vitamin plays a vital role in night vision, and if you or your partner are pregnant, getting adequate levels of vitamin A is a must. One ounce of white cheddar also contains 2 percent of the daily recommended value of iron.
Considerations
The American Heart Association notes that too much sodium in your diet can result in health problems, including high blood pressure. Monitor your diet plan to make sure you do not consume more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. A 1-oz. serving of white cheddar cheese contributes 170 to 240 mg of sodium to your daily total.
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