Amul cheese is one of the most popular cheeses in the Indian market. It is perfect for topping a pizza or enjoying in a burger or sandwich. From kids to adults, it is loved by many for its delicious taste and versatile nature.
It is mainly used for breakfast or snacks, and not only does it taste good, but it is also full of nutrients like protein, calcium, and Vitamin A.
While Amul cheese is completely vegetarian and contains a variety of essential nutrients, you may be wondering if it is good for your overall health.
From the ingredients used to the nutritional value to the benefits, In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about Amul cheese so that you can decide whether it’s good for your health or not.
So, let’s begin with the ingredients in Amul cheese.
Ingredients in Amul cheese
Amul cheese is available in a variety of forms, including slices, spreadable cheese, Emmental cheese, Gouda cheese, Mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and cubes. The most common and main ingredients in all these Amul cheeses are cheese, milk, milk solids, salt, emulsifiers salts, common salt, and permitted preservatives.
Let’s know a little bit more about the ingredients in Amul cheese.
- Cheese: Cheese itself is the main ingredient in making Amul cheese. I know that sounds funny.
- Milk solids: Milk solids in cheese are the proteins that are left over after the milk has been curdled and strained. It is these proteins that give the cheese its structure and body. The amount of milk solids in cheese varies depending on the type of cheese.
- Emulsifying salts: These are added to cheese to help stabilize the emulsion of fat and water. Without emulsifying salts, the fat in cheese would separate from the water, and the cheese would be crumbly. Emulsifying salts also help to prevent the growth of bacteria and to give the cheese its smooth texture.
- Common salt: Common salt, also known as sodium chloride, is an important component of cheese, as it helps to control the growth of bacteria and prevents mold formation. It also enhances the flavor of cheese and helps to preserve it.
- Preservatives: Preservatives are substances added to food products to extend their shelf life. In the case of cheese, preservatives are added to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Two common preservatives in Amul cheese include sorbic acid(E200) and nisin(E234).
After reviewing the ingredients, it is possible to conclude that Amul cheese contains no potentially harmful ingredients. All the ingredients listed are safe to consume in moderation. So, from the standpoint of the ingredients, Amul cheese appears healthy.
Nutritional value of Amul cheese
The nutrition profile of Amul cheese varies slightly from one type of cheese to the next. For example, Amul cheese slices contain 311 calories and 25 grams of fat per 100 grams.
Compare that to cubes, which have 320 calories and 26 grams of fat per 100 grams, and cheddar, which has 374 calories and 19 grams of fat.
Here is the nutritional value of 100 grams Amul cheese:
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 1.5g
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Fat: 26g (16g of saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 70g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 1400mg
- Calcium: 343mg
- Vitamin A: 51 mcg
Health benefits of Amul cheese
Amul cheese has a number of health benefits, including lowering the risk of osteoporosis, providing a good source of protein and vitamin A, boosting the immune system, and improving gut health. Some of the benefits are explained below.
Good source of protein
Amul cheese is a good source of protein made from milk, which is a natural source of protein. A single serving of Amul cheese (28 grams) contains 5.6 grams protein. This is almost equal to the protein found in the same serving of almonds.
High in calcium
Adequate calcium intake is essential to keep your bones and teeth healthy. The lack of calcium can lead to a condition called osteoporosis, which causes bones to become weak and brittle.
Amul cheese is a good source of calcium-containing 96mg in a single serving (28 grams), which is almost 10% of the daily calcium needed.
No added sugar
Amul cheese doesn’t have any added sugar or other artificial sweeteners. So if you have restricted sugar, you can undoubtedly add Amul cheese to your diet. In addition, eating cheese is also safe for diabetics as a part of a balanced and healthful diet.
Good for gut health
Cheese is a fermented food containing beneficial probiotics, which are live bacteria that promote gut health. These probiotics help protect the gut from harmful bacteria, which improve digestion and boost your immune system.
Things to keep in mind before eating Amul cheese
While Amul cheese is delicious to eat and high in nutrients like protein and calcium, it is important to keep your consumption in moderation. Here are a few things to keep in your mind.
- Amul cheese is high in saturated fats containing 4.4gm in a single serving. Saturated fats are also known as bad fats as they increase your risk of high cholesterol levels.
- Amul cheese is high in sodium, which helps maintain the water balance in cells. But intake of too much sodium can cause an increased risk of high blood pressure and is also linked with kidney and heart disease. One slice of Amul cheese contains around 250-280 mg of sodium, which is about 12% of the recommended daily intake for people over 14.
- Being high in calories and fat, excess consumption of Amul cheese can increase the risk of weight gain.
- Amul cheese is a dairy product made from milk. This means that the cheese may contain traces of lactose, so it is important to be aware of this if you are lactose intolerant. If you are lactose intolerant and don’t know it, eating cheese can cause digestive problems like constipation, gas, bloating, nausea, and sometimes even vomiting.
What are the different ways to use Amul cheese?
Cheese is a versatile food that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be eaten alone, used as an ingredient in cooking, or even incorporated into other dishes.
Some of the most popular ways to eat Amul cheese include:
- Eating it plain
- Adding it to crackers or bread
- Making grilled cheese sandwiches
- Putting it on top of burgers or pizza
- Making macaroni and cheese
- Including it in omelets or scrambled eggs
- You can add it to melted dishes such as soup and sauce recipes
There are endless possibilities when it comes to using cheese. Be creative and experiment to find your favorite way to enjoy it!
Who should avoid eating Amul cheese?
While Amul cheese is a great addition to any diet, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some people should avoid or only consume a small amount of Amul cheese.
- People allergic to a protein called casein in dairy products should avoid eating it.
- Some people are allergic to cheese and should stay away from it.
- If you are allergic to milk or lactose intolerant, then you should avoid your Amul cheese consumption. It’s better to go with cheese types such as cottage or feta as these are low in lactose.
- People trying to lose weight should avoid it or consume it in minimal amounts.
- Because Amul cheese is high in saturated fat, it should be avoided by people with heart disease or high cholesterol.
- People going through particular medication should consult with their doctor.
- If you frequently suffer from high blood pressure, it’s best to keep your consumption of Amul cheese to a bare minimum.
How much Amul cheese should you consume in a day?
According to the American Heart Association, you should eat no more than three portions of cheese per day, with each serving being no more than 42 grams. However, I think this amount of cheese is still a lot for someone looking to lose weight or restrict specific things like sodium, fats, or calories.
For the average person, one 30-40 grams serving of Amul cheese would be enough to satisfy taste buds and get the nutrients on a daily basis.
Final words
After reviewing its ingredients, nutritional value, and benefits, we can conclude that Amul cheese uses safe ingredients and is a good source of protein, calcium and is overall good for your health. However, eating too much of it can increase the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
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