Is American Cheese Healthier Than Swiss Cheese? Debunking Common Myths
The popular belief is that some cheeses are healthier than others, often with misconceptions about American cheese versus Swiss cheese. This article aims to dispel these myths by examining the nutritional profiles and health effects of both types of cheese.
Understanding American Cheese
Commonly found on store shelves, American cheese is often confused with a wide variety of processed cheese products. Strictly speaking, real American cheese is a type of cheese made, as you mentioned, with a similar process to cheddar, with the addition of some whole milk. One key difference is that American cheese is not aged, which is a crucial factor in the cheese-making process.
Processing and Characteristics
The process of adding milk gives American cheese its signature melting characteristics, making it ideal for cheese sandwiches and griddles. However, this addition also introduces lactose, a sugar found in milk. For individuals with lactose intolerance, this can be problematic as lactose can cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Exploring Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese, a term that generally refers to a family of cheeses from Switzerland, typically undergoes a different process. It is aged with a specific bacteria that, contrary to American cheese, consumes the lactose present in the milk. This process, combined with the aging, imparts its signature flavor and creates the holes (or “eyes”) that are a defining characteristic of Swiss cheese.
Nutritional Profile
In terms of nutrition, Swiss cheese generally retains a higher nutritional value compared to American cheese. Here’s a comparison of some key nutritional components:
Component American Cheese (per 1 oz serving) Swiss Cheese (per 1 oz serving) Promotion Value 750 mg 850 mg Calcium 225 mg 300 mg Vitamin D 5.5% RDI 8% RDI Sodium 200 mg 150 mg Total Fat 12 g 10 g Protein 6 g 7 gNote that these values can vary depending on the specific brand and type of cheese. Swiss cheese typically contains more calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.
The Truth About American Cheese's Health Claims
One of the common misconceptions is that any form of cheese is healthier than processed cheese. While it is true that natural, unprocessed cheese can contain beneficial nutrients, the purported health claims for American cheese are often exaggerated. In some cases, what is advertised as American cheese is actually a blend of processed cheese products that include no real cheese content.
Marketing and Labeling Issues
The product labeling on store shelves can be misleading. Many products labeled "American cheese" or "American style cheese" may not contain any cheese at all, but rather a blend of emulsifiers, water, and food coloring. These products lack the nutritional benefits of real, unprocessed cheese and may pose additional health risks for individuals with lactose intolerance.
Conclusion
When considering the health impact of cheese, it's important to distinguish between processed and unprocessed varieties. While American cheese can be a tasty and convenient ingredient, it is not necessarily healthier than unprocessed Swiss cheese. Opting for natural, unprocessed cheese types can provide more nutritional benefits and be a better choice for those who can tolerate lactose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is all American cheese unhealthy?
A: Not necessarily. While many American cheese slicers and processed cheese products can be unhealthy, real American cheese made without additives can be a healthier option, though still not as beneficial as unprocessed Swiss cheese.
Q: Can people with lactose intolerance enjoy Swiss cheese?
A: Yes, as Swiss cheese is aged and the lactose is consumed by bacteria during the aging process, it is often better tolerated by individuals with lactose intolerance compared to American cheese.