When looking for a portable and convenient snack, you might have considered a packaged ready-to-go cheese such as American cheese.
American cheese, which often comes in plastic-wrapped singlets ready for serving, may be convenient, but it is not the healthiest option. While cheeses such as cheddar cheese contain milk, enzymes, cheese cultures, and salt, processed American cheese contains a long list of ingredients. This includes some cheese, along with emulsifiers, artificial food colorings, and preservatives. Food additives, preservatives, and emulsifiers may be potential triggers for microbiota dysbiosis or an imbalance in the gut bacteria.
Dysbiosis can contribute to various conditions such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and inflammatory disorders. Gut health is essential not only for digestive health, but is also critical for immune health, hormone health, and even mood and mental health. In fact, the FDA calls American cheese a “pasteurized processed American cheese product,” because it is not made with 51% real cheese. It is, therefore, best to consume whole foods, including real cheese, that are as free as possible from additives and preservatives.
