Is Swiss Cheese Bad For You?
Short answer
Swiss cheese in moderation is, like other cheeses, very good for you. An added bonus is that it has a low amount of sodium relative to other types of cheese and isn't as fatty as many other varieties. Still, there is a decent amount of cholesterol and eating too much will most likely negate its benefits.
Recommended Alternative
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
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
Swiss cheese is a hard cheese that can be great for your health if enjoyed in moderation. With about 8 grams of fat per ounce and around 55 mg of sodium, it doesn't contain as much fat or sodium as found in other hard cheeses such as cheddar or parmesan. Swiss cheese also contains calcium and a good amount of phosphorous, both of which are necessary components for proper bone health.
Swiss cheese also affords a good amount of energy with about 100 calories per slice and nearly 8 grams of protein (10% the DV for a 200 lb person). As with all types of cheese, Swiss cheese can help combat inflammation and hypertension which can lead to a reduced risk of heart attack and cardiovascular diseases.
Another benefit of Swiss cheese that it has in common with other cheeses is the presence of milk protein without the lactose, meaning it is a dairy product that even lactose-intolerant people can enjoy and reap benefits from.
If you need a cheese that will give you plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but doesn't have all the fat and sodium of many other types of cheese, Swiss cheese is a good way to go. Just go easy on it, as there is still a decent amount of cholesterol and, despite having less fat than other cheeses, still a good amount of fats.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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increased cholesterol
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- promotes heart health
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promotes bone health
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less sodium than many other types of cheese
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small amounts may help combat inflammation
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great source of protein
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Organic Baby Swiss Cheese
- Organic Valley quality
- Alpine style cheese
- Rich in calcium
- Convenient slices
- Certified organic
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-03-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-03-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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