The world would be a less wonderful place without the cheese. It’s such a versatile food that it can be served in so many different ways and flavors. Whether you like it mild or strong, as a starter or dessert, with crackers or chips – there are so many ways to enjoy this creamy, gooey goodness. But what about queso? Some of us have sworn off cheese because we think it’s fattening and unhealthy. Well, that’s not entirely true. In fact, there are many health benefits to eating cheese on a regular basis. After all, it’s a wholesome source of protein and calcium – two essential nutrients for your diet. So let’s find out if queso is healthy or not.
Is Queso Healthy?
There isn’t really a consensus on whether queso is healthy or not, but some people believe that it can be a healthy choice if consumed in moderation. Queso is made from cheese, and cheese is a high-fat, high-calorie food. But it’s also a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. So as long as you don’t overindulge, queso can be part of a healthy diet.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Queso?
1. It’s a good source of protein.
A little cheese in your diet can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. It’s also a great source of protein, which helps with muscle growth and recovery. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps the body build and repair tissues, fight infections, maintain lean muscle mass, and improve overall health. A little queso on your nachos can help you feel energized all day long!
2. It’s a good source of calcium.
Backed by research from Harvard University, queso is one of the best sources of calcium in the American diet. And if you’re not getting enough calcium in your diet as it is, eating cheese can actually help boost your bone health. The calcium found in dairy foods such as milk and yogurt is absorbed better when paired with other nutrients like vitamin D and vitamin K2 (found in grass-fed dairy products). So even if you don’t have a dairy allergy, adding queso to your diet can help you get all the calcium you need to stay strong and healthy.
3. It’s a good source of vitamin A.
Even if you’re not lactose intolerant, it’s still smart to include some dairy in your diet on occasion. There are plenty of other nutrients that come from dairy products like vitamin A, which is important for eye health and immune system function. In fact, one cup of milk provides more than half of the recommended daily value for vitamin A! And that’s not even taking into account the fact that queso is loaded with other healthy ingredients such as cheese and cilantro.
4. It’s a good source of iron and zinc.
You might think that cheese is just for eating, but it turns out it has some pretty great benefits for your body too! Cheese is loaded with iron and vitamin D – two nutrients that can help boost your energy and prevent fatigue. Cheese also contains zinc, which is essential for many important bodily functions.
5. It’s a good source of protein and calcium.
We’ve already mentioned how queso can help you stay full and feel energized all day long, but it’s also a great source of protein and calcium – two nutrients that are essential for good health. A little cheese on your food can help you feel more energized throughout the day, which means less snacking! And the calcium in queso can help build strong bones and teeth – especially for women who are trying to conceive or pregnant!
Are There Any Nutritional Drawbacks To Queso?
- Cheese is a dairy product and contains fat.
- Cheese is high in calories and fat. In fact, it’s one of the most caloric foods in the world. A half-cup serving of queso contains about 200 calories, which is more than a hamburger bun or other food item that’s considered to be a “healthy” choice.
- Cheese has saturated fat – which can raise cholesterol levels if consumed on a frequent basis.
- Cheese also has sodium – about 150 milligrams per serving, which adds up over time when you eat more than one serving each day!
- Cheese can be full of allergens, like dairy, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people.
- Cheese is also high in carbohydrates – almost 30 grams per serving! This is a lot of sugar for a small serving of food. If you’re trying to cut back on sugar, this isn’t the way to do it!
How Do You Make Queso Healthier?
1. Choose low-fat cheese
Low-fat cheese is a great way to avoid the saturated fat that comes from full-fat cheese. However, low-fat cheeses can still be high in calories, so opt for a leaner version of your favorite queso recipe. For example, cheddar is a good choice when you want to eat queso with chips. But if you want to use it as an appetizer, go for a lower-fat version like Colby jack or Monterey Jack.
2. Switch out the oil for healthier oils
Some queso recipes call for cooking with oil or butter. This can add up to hundreds of extra calories and unnecessary fat every day! Instead of using oil or butter, try using olive or avocado oil instead – they are healthier and also taste great! You can also substitute it with tomato sauce instead of butter or margarine to save some calories while still getting all the flavors of your favorite dish. If you’re in a pinch, you can also substitute the oil with a small amount of water.
3. Add some whole grains
Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber and protein which can help to keep your blood sugar stable and reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. You can add them to queso by using cornmeal or oatmeal as a thickener.
4. Reduce salt intake
High-sodium foods can lead to high blood pressure and other health conditions, so be sure to try to limit your intake of processed foods that are loaded with salt (like chips!) while still enjoying queso on occasion! In fact, there is a possibility that you have too much sodium in your diet already – according to the American Heart Association, most Americans consume far too much salt! Try adding more vegetables and fruits to your diet instead of processed foods that are high in sodium. Also, try replacing some of the butter (or oil) in your queso recipe with unsalted butter or olive oil.
5. Try other flavorful ingredients
Instead of using cheese that comes in the traditional red-orange color, you can use cheddar cheese that is dyed yellow to make it look more appetizing. Or you can try adding some fresh herbs and spices like thyme, basil, oregano, and cumin to give queso a new flavor! You can also add some veggies like peppers or mushrooms for extra taste. For example, you can add chopped carrots and celery to improve the color of your queso before serving it.
Why Do People Love Queso So Much?
1. It’s creamy and tasty
There’s no denying that queso is one of the most delicious foods in the world. It’s rich, and creamy and tastes great with chips, crackers, or grilled meats. It can be served as a dip for tortilla chips or a sauce for a burrito bowl. It can even be used as a filling for tacos or enchiladas! The possibilities are endless!
2. It’s filling
If you’re hungry and craving something that’s carby, then queso should be your go-to food. It’s a great way to fill up on a low-carb diet, as it has no carbs in it at all. It’s also a great source of protein and calcium and is rich in vitamins A, C, and E.
3. It’s full of nutrients
Cheese is packed full of nutrients like protein and calcium, which help to keep your bones strong and healthy. It can also help to keep your immune system functioning at its best too!
4. It’s easy to make at home!
You can make queso from scratch if you want to (and who doesn’t like that?), but there are also lots of pre-made versions available in the supermarket or online. If you have one made already, then why not enjoy it? You can add it to your favorite recipes – like a sauce for enchiladas or tacos. Or you can use it as a dip for tortilla chips or crackers.
5. It’s cost-effective
While making your own queso is easy and fun, it can also be expensive and time-consuming if you’re not careful. Buying pre-made queso is much more affordable and saves you time too!
Final Words
Queso is a Mexican dish made with cheese. It’s a popular dip and appetizer that is served with tortilla chips. If you’re on a diet, you can make queso healthier by choosing lower-fat cheeses, leaving out the oil, and serving it with baked tortilla chips or vegetable chips. Eating cheese in moderation is important to prevent health complications. For a wholesome and healthy diet, you can’t go wrong with cheese. It’s an excellent source of calcium, protein, vitamin B, and healthy fats. Eating cheese on a regular basis will help keep your bones and heart healthy while supporting your metabolism.
