Short answer
Cheese is not bad for you in moderation. If you prefer full-fat cheese, try not to consume more than 1 ounce daily.
Recommended Alternative
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Like all dairy products, cheese contains calcium and protein as well as vitamin A, D, B12, riboflavin, zinc, and phosphorus. Believe it or not, a 2009 study in Nutrition & Metabolism funded by the National Dairy Council suggests that cheese and other dairy foods may help prevent weight gain after dieting; another study found that regular cheese eaters gained less weight over time.
Fat-free and low-fat products are fine in moderation. However, full-fat cheeses are not your friend, since these foods typically contain hefty amounts of artery-clogging saturated fat—up to 6 grams in just one ounce of full-fat cheese (the size of a pair of dice!) That’s about one-third of the total saturated fat recommended for good health in a single day. And a diet high in saturated fat can raise your blood cholesterol, which promotes heart disease, clogged arteries, and in the rarest case heart attack.
One of nature’s best double-duty foods, cheese is a solid source of satiating protein and bone-building calcium. To optimize its health benefits, opt for reduced- or non-fat cheeses and avoid full-fat varieties. Keep your portion size in check to avoid consuming too much saturated fat.
And to finish off with a fun fact, eating cheese after brushing your teeth can reduce acidity levels inside of your mouth. This, in turn, reduces the risk of cavities!
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- heart disease
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increased blood pressure
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weight gain
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- promotes stronger bones / teeth
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helps prevent cavities
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reduced risk of colorectal cancer (women)
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relieve pms symptoms
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Organic Pepper Jack Cheese
- Certified Organic
- Rich in calcium
- Zesty pepper flavor
- Convenient 8 oz bar
Learn More!
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Written by Maddiebair
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Maddiebair
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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