Full-fat cheeses can contain a lot of saturated fat, a component of your diet that most Americans get too much of. The Center for Science in the Public Interest recommends limiting the amount of cheese you eat since it is the biggest contributor of saturated fat in the American diet. However, some cheeses are much lower in fat than others, even if you choose the full-fat version over the low-fat version.
Cheeses With Lowest Fat Content
Cottage cheese, feta, soft goat cheese, Neufchatel and mozzarella cheese are among the full-fat cheeses with the lowest fat content. Other relatively low-fat cheese options include Pecorino Romano, Edam, Cheshire, Munster, Muenster, Gouda, cheddar, blue, Limburger, Gorgonzola, cream cheese, Camembert and Brie, all of which contain between 33 percent and 50 percent fat. Reduced-fat, low-fat and fat-free versions of cheeses contain even less fat.
Amount Needed
Although they are higher in fat, cheeses that are more strongly flavored might be a better option than low-fat versions of cheeses or more mild cheeses with lower fat content. This is because you only need a very small amount of blue or Parmesan cheese to impart a lot of flavor. You can use less of them in your dishes, meaning you may consume less fat from them than if you used a milder cheese you had to use more of to impart enough flavor.
Taste
Many low-fat versions of cheeses are also low on taste and have a different texture than full-fat versions. However, some are tastier than others, so try a few different brands before you give up on them. You may prefer to simply eat a smaller amount of regular cheese rather than eating these cheeses. Imported versions of cheeses can have more flavor since they are prepared in more traditional ways than the highly processed cheeses commonly made in the U.S., making it easier to eat a smaller amount.
Health
Fat content is not the only thing that affects whether cheese is healthy. Calcium and sodium content in different cheeses also varies widely. Look for options high in calcium and low in sodium as well as those low in fat. Most cheese made in the U.S. is made from milk from cows that have been given growth hormones and antibiotics, which may have detrimental effects on your health. However, you can find organic cheeses and imported cheeses that were made with milk that doesn't contain either of these. Locally made cheeses may also be available that meet these criteria.
Member Comments