Cheese and Dairy

Cheese. This is a common food item in many American homes. 

You can find so many different types of cheeses sold in groceries stores today: hard cheese, soft cheese, block cheese, sliced cheese, shredded cheese, processed cheese, parmesan cheese, and the list continues. 

Cheese is frequently added to many American meals and dishes making it, in many ways, a major part of western diet. 

Not all cheeses are created equal though; some cheeses are a little better than others.

Because it is dairy, cheese can cause inflammation in the body. Cheese is, sadly, one of the worst things to eat when it comes to triggering inflammation and disease in the body. Truly. I know this from talking to real health coaches and nutritionists. 

As shared before on this blog, dairy should be limited. 

If you have a serious health issue, I would not eat any dairy at all. Dairy, especially processed dairy, can cause inflammation in the body. 

A common meal in the United States, especially on cold evenings, is grilled cheese sandwiches with hot, tomato soup served on the side. So delicious! 

In a meal like I described above, some will purchase soft, processed cheese slices that come individually wrapped in a package at the grocery store. Why? Because that kind of cheese is usually melts well and is very creamy. Although that kind of cheese feels like soft rubber to me, it does work well for making things like grilled cheese sandwiches and nacho cheese dip. 

Unfortunately though, processed cheese is one of the worst things for your health. 

Like margarine (which I wrote about in a recent post on this blog), processed cheese is another one to stay away from. Why? 

Because it is processed. 

Our bodies don't know what to do with foods that are highly processed. Preservatives and chemicals are often added to highly processed foods like margarine and processed cheeses. 

The sad thing is, processed things usually taste really good, giving them an addictive appeal. But the truth is, your body doesn't know what to do with it. God did not intend for us to eat highly processed food. 

If you eat cheese, cook with cheese, or make something like grilled cheese sandwiches, or use cheese in a sandwich, I recommend using real cheese! 

If you are on a tight budget, look for the cheapest brand of real cheese instead of purchasing processed cheese. 

I was in our local grocery store today and looked at their cheese selection there. The store brand of packaged, sliced, real cheese was the same price as the store brand of packaged, sliced, processed cheese. Though you may get a few more slices of processed cheese, it is worth it to purchase real cheese instead. 

Things like, real butter and real cheese are far better for your health than the processed alternatives like margarine and processed cheese. 

Processed foods can sometimes be cheaper, but it is worth it to purchase the real thing instead. 

Eating processed things a few times a year is not going to hurt you, but eating processed things on a regular basis is not good for your health. 

Once again, if you eat dairy, it is good to limit it and choose the real thing. 

Choose real cheese. 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, and I have no medical training. The things I share on this blog are simple, practical things that I've learned help with good health.