Vegan cheese is a type of cheese made from plant-based ingredients, such as nuts, soy, or peas. It is a popular alternative to traditional cheese, particularly among those who follow a plant-based or vegan diet. Unlike traditional cheese, which is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, vegan cheese is typically lower in fat, calories, and cholesterol, making it a healthier option.
Studies have shown that plant-based diets can have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Vegan cheese can help individuals meet their nutritional needs while reducing the amount of unhealthy fats and cholesterol in their diet.
One of the advantages of vegan cheese is that it can help balance out the negative impact of consuming oily and fried foods.
Fried foods, such as fries or chips, are high in unhealthy fats, such as trans fats, which can increase cholesterol levels and contribute to heart disease. However, pairing these foods with vegan cheese can help balance out the meal and make it less harmful to the body.
Vegan cheese is often lower in unhealthy fats and calories than traditional cheese, making it a healthier option. It is also free from cholesterol, which is only found in animal-based foods. Additionally, some vegan cheeses are fortified with essential nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, which are typically found in animal-based foods.
Calcium is an essential mineral for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. Many vegan cheeses are made from nuts, which are naturally rich in calcium. Other vegan cheeses may be fortified with calcium to ensure that individuals following a plant-based diet are meeting their daily calcium needs. Vitamin B12 is another nutrient that is typically found in animal-based foods. It is important for maintaining healthy nerves and red blood cells. Some vegan cheeses are fortified with vitamin B12 to ensure that individuals following a vegan diet are meeting their daily B12 needs.
Another benefit of vegan cheese is that it can be a more environmentally friendly choice than traditional cheese. The production of traditional cheese requires large amounts of water, energy, and other resources. Additionally, traditional dairy farming practices can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental issues. Choosing vegan cheese over traditional cheese can help reduce the environmental impact of your diet.
In conclusion, incorporating vegan cheese into your diet can be a healthy choice, particularly if you are looking to reduce your consumption of saturated fat and cholesterol. Combining vegan cheese with fried or oily foods can help balance out the meal and reduce the negative impact on the body. It's important to choose high-quality, nutrient-rich vegan cheeses and consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, choosing vegan cheese can be a more environmentally friendly option than traditional cheese, making it a great choice for those who are concerned about sustainability.
Sources:
"Plant-Based Diets for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: All Plant Foods Are Not Created Equal" (Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2017)
"A Plant-Based Diet and Hypertension" (Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, 2017)
"Plant-Based Diets and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in US Adults: Results from Three Prospective Cohort Studies" (PLOS Medicine, 2016)
"Vegetarian Diets and the Incidence of Cancer in a Low-risk Population" (Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 2013)
"Nutrient Content of Cheese Products Made from Soybeans, Peanuts, and Cashews" (Journal of Food Science, 2014)
"The Nutritional Properties and Health Benefits of Plant Proteins" (Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 2017)
"Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age" (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2021)
"Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet for Health Professionals" (National Institutes of Health, 2021)
"Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Dairy Sector: A Life Cycle Assessment" (Journal of Cleaner Production, 2016)