Why is Cheese Bad For You? – Cellulose powder and calcium sulfate are the main ingredients of pre-shredded cheese. The first one is used to thicken food at a cheaper price than using oil and flour. Also, it is used to help preserve the food for longer periods. The calcium sulfate is regularly used in building materials and can cause severe gas and swelling of the abdomen if consumed in large quantities.
American cheese is no longer legally allowed to be called cheese because it is far from the natural form of the product. That’s why they call it “processed cheese”. It contains cellulose powder, calcium sulfate, additional food coloring, and an increased salt content.
The bad news is the use of food colorings has been found to cause tumor and mental health problems in children. That’s why you need to take a look at some healthy alternatives!
Healthy Nut Cheese Alternative
Natural and organic cheeses are far healthier than processed cheese, but the truth is that they have an extremely high-fat content. With this being said, the easiest way to protect your health is to make your own nut cheese.
Although it might sound strange, nut cheese is a healthy replacement for traditional dairy cheese. Making it is no short process, but your gut will thank you. It can be made from a range of different nuts like macadamia, almonds, and cashews.
They are all high in oleic oil which can lower triglyceride levels. That’s why these nuts are linked to improved cardiovascular health.
Moreover, nuts are high in magnesium and by consuming magnesium-rich foods our nervous system is kept in a relaxed working order. Remember that nuts cheese is lower in fat than regular cheese and is made from 100% natural ingredients. Here is a fantastic recipe for your homemade nut cheese!
Garlic and Herb Vegan Nut Cheese
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240 g) raw cashews
- 2 garlic cloves, minced 6 g)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder, plus more to taste
- 1 lemon, zested
- 2 lemons, juiced (1/4 cup or 60 ml)
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) water
- 2 tbsps (6 g) nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
Preparation:
- Place the cashews in a bowl of cool water and place the bowl in the refrigerator. Leave to soak for 12 hours.
- Add the nuts to the blender after you drain the water. Add garlic powder, minced garlic, lemon zest, water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, olive oil, and salt. Make sure the mixture is smooth, and season to suit your preference.
- Use a fine mesh strainer and lay down two layers of a clean, absorbent towel.
- Before gathering the corners and twisting the top to form a cheese “disc”, scoop all of the cheese onto the cheesecloth with a spatula.
- To secure the shape use a rubber band. Place in the refrigerator and leave for 12 hours.
- Season with additional herbs and be careful when removing the cheese.
We hope you’ll enjoy your homemade cheese ball!