Introduction
If you’re looking to reduce your cholesterol levels, you may want to consider avoiding certain cheeses. According to dietitian Eat This Not That, some cheeses are higher in saturated fat and cholesterol than others, making them the worst cheeses for cholesterol. In this article, we’ll discuss the cheeses to avoid and provide some healthier alternatives.
The Worst Cheeses for Cholesterol, Says Dietitian — Eat This Not That
If you’re looking to reduce your cholesterol levels, you may want to avoid certain cheeses. According to dietitian and nutritionist, Dr. Sarah Krieger, some cheeses are higher in saturated fat and cholesterol than others. Here are the cheeses you should avoid if you’re trying to lower your cholesterol.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is one of the worst cheeses for cholesterol. It contains a high amount of saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a poor choice for those trying to reduce their cholesterol levels. Blue cheese is also high in sodium, so it’s best to limit your intake.
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is another cheese that is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. It also contains a high amount of sodium, so it’s best to limit your intake. If you do choose to eat goat cheese, opt for a low-fat variety.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is another cheese that is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. It also contains a high amount of sodium, so it’s best to limit your intake. If you do choose to eat cream cheese, opt for a low-fat variety.
Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is another cheese that is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. It also contains a high amount of sodium, so it’s best to limit your intake. If you do choose to eat feta cheese, opt for a low-fat variety.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to reduce your cholesterol levels, it’s best to avoid cheeses that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Blue cheese, goat cheese, cream cheese, and feta cheese are all high in saturated fat and cholesterol, so it’s best to limit your intake of these cheeses. If you do choose to eat these cheeses, opt for a low-fat variety.
Did you ever go to your primary doctor to have them tell you your cholesterol is too high? You’re not alone. In the United States, nearly 94 million adults ages 20 or older have total cholesterol levels higher than 240 milligrams (mg) per deciliter (dL). The average healthy adult should be under 200 mg/dL.
If you’re running the risk of high cholesterol, chances are your doctor has told you to cut back on some beloved foods you add into your diet more often than not. Cheese is typically a recommended food to stay away from. So, if cheese is on your grocery list, you’re going to want to listen up.
Not all cheeses will take a hit on your cholesterol. However, there are ones that could spike those levels if you’re not careful. According to Molly Hembree, MS, RDLD, a registered dietitian and member of our Medical Expert Board, cheeses high in saturated fat are the worst for cholesterol levels.
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“There is a strong correlation between high saturated fat intake and elevated total and LDL blood cholesterol levels,” says Hembree.
According to Hembree, the average healthy adult should be striving for less than 22 grams of saturated fat intake per day. That equals less than 10% of total calories. However, the American Heart Association recommends consuming less than 6% of saturated fat in total calories per day (or about 13 grams).
The trickiest part of this whole thing, however, is finding cheeses that aren’t high in saturated fat. There are so many types of cheeses, but not all of them make for a healthy cholesterol snack.
“Unfortunately, there is not much variation in full-fat types of cheese and their total fat and saturated fat content,” explains Hembree.
For example, Hembree states that parmesan cheeses and swiss cheeses, whether in a block, cubed, or shredded form, contain about 8 grams of total fat and 5 grams of saturated fat per 1-ounce serving. Brie cheese has about 9 grams of total fat and 6 grams of saturated fat per 1-ounce serving. Cheddar cheese has around 10 grams of total fat and 6 grams of saturated fat per 1-ounce serving.
“The only real stand-out is feta cheese, coming in at 5 grams total fat and 3 grams saturated fat per 1-ounce serving,” says Hembree. “However this still makes it high in saturated fat.”
Low-fat cheese alternatives
If you simply cannot live without cheese in your refrigerator cheese drawer, there are some alternatives you can eat, instead.
“Opt for fat-free, reduced-fat, or low-fat cheese options such as reduced-fat cheese shreds, fat-free cheese singles, low-fat feta cheese crumbles, or light string cheese,” Hembree suggests.
Kayla Garritano