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Whether it's on a grilled cheese or a burger, we just can't resist the ooey gooey goodness of American cheese. But, did you know that it's actually considered one of the worst cheeses for you? In fact, it's loaded with unhealthy additives and preservatives that can cause a slew of diseases and ailments! Here's why you should skip the American cheese the next time you're making a sandwich:
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1. It's got a laundry list of ingredients
The ingredients list on a pack of Kraft Singles contains 14 ingredients, including preservatives and additives like sodium citrate and calcium phosphate, whereas cheddar cheese only contains four: Pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes.
2. It has a lot of sodium
One Kraft Single has 300 milligrams of sodium! If overconsumed, that can do a lot of damage to your waistline over time.
3. It contains gelatin?
So, how does American cheese get its rubbery feel and elasticity? It's from gelatin, according to Delish.
4. It has a scary long shelf life
Thanks to all of the preservatives it contains, a slice of American cheese can last six months. But, some people say it can even last one year! That's not right...
5. It's not actually cheese per se
American cheese is actually a "cheese product" or a "cheese snack," according to Huffington Post. "By the FDA’s standards, Kraft isn’t permitted to refer to Singles as “cheese” because this word indicates that a product is made with at least 51 percent real cheese. This is why the label reads 'pasteurized prepared cheese product.'”
6. It contains a lot of fat compared to other cheese
American Cheese contains 10 grams of fat per 1 ounce serving. It seems like a lot compared to the 6 grams of fat in the same serving of mozzarella cheese.
7. The vegetable oils it's made with aren't doing you any favors
If the American cheese you're enjoying is made with vegetable oils, they could be putting you at risk for clogged arteries and obesity as they're loaded with unhealthy fat.
8. It's not a healthy option for your kids either!
"Any food with that number of ingredients should not be deemed a food, especially when it contains dairy lactose, known to cause allergic reactions in many people, and milk in any form which poses tons of health risks including mood swings, hormonal changes, and even cancer," certified nutritionist and dietetic specialist Heather McClees says.
9. It can cause a slew of diseases and ailments
All of the salt in American cheese can have a negative impact on your body if overconsumed, causing high blood pressure, hypertension and heart disease.
