Skip the dairy in the morning: Here's an explanation for the avoidance of cheese at breakfast!
In the world of breakfast, the choice of food can significantly impact our health. When it comes to cheese, not all varieties are created equal, especially when enjoyed in the morning. Here's a breakdown of three types of cheese that are best avoided at the start of the day.
First on the list is processed cheese. Spreads and slices often contain a multitude of additives, fillers, and synthetic ingredients like maltodextrin, sodium citrate, and sodium phosphates. Maltodextrin, a processed sugar, is linked to inflammation, especially in the gut, and can cause blood sugar spikes due to its high glycemic index. Sodium citrate and phosphates have been associated with dental issues and could potentially harm heart or kidney health in vulnerable individuals. These additives reduce the nutritional quality of processed cheese compared to natural cheese.
Blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola, Stilton, or Roquefort, is another cheese to approach with caution. These cheeses are rich in mold content and can cause acid reflux in the morning. Additionally, they are high in saturated fat and sodium, which, when consumed with other high-fat or high-sodium foods, can contribute to higher risks of cardiovascular disease.
Aged cheese, like parmesan or manchego, should also be consumed with care due to its high salt content. Eating aged cheese for breakfast can lead to issues such as headaches or imbalance in blood pressure.
However, it's important to note that avoiding these cheeses for breakfast means not eating them on an empty stomach, but it does not mean that these cheeses should be completely avoided. Natural varieties of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, can be consumed at any time during the day and provide more calcium than their processed counterparts.
So, when planning your morning meal, consider opting for natural cheese or even fruit, whole grains, and lean proteins to start your day off right. And remember, enjoying a glass of wine with a slice of blue cheese or a charcuterie board is perfectly fine, just not for breakfast.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5434345/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3398638/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5469536/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5447086/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5533198/
- Natural cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, can be consumed at any time during the day and provide more calcium than their processed counterparts, offering a healthier option within the food-and-drink category.
- In the health-and-wellness lifestyle, it's recommended to prioritize whole grains, lean proteins, and fruit for breakfast instead of processed cheese products laden with sugar, additives, fillers, and synthetic ingredients.
- According to research in nutrition, aged cheese, such as parmesan or manchego, should be enjoyed with caution due to its high salt content, which may lead to issues like headaches or blood pressure imbalances when consumed for breakfast.
- Consuming blue cheese, like Gorgonzola, Stilton, or Roquefort, in the morning can cause acid reflux and potentially contribute to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, due to their mold content, high saturated fat, and sodium content. These health concerns are compounded when combined with other high-fat or high-sodium foods, as observed in the field of science.