Difficult for you to make a meal without cheese? But this source of lipids can quickly increase the calorie addition. Fortunately to have fun without feeling guilty, the shelves of supermarkets are also full of cheeses in a light version, chew on a piece of bread or spread. A good option when you pay attention to your line? Not so sure according to our expert.
A lighter cheese that hides its game well
Alexandra Murcier, dietitian-nutritionist is not frankly seduced by these healthier cheeses with healthier packaging. First of all, because the argument of a better food for health, when we talk about alleged product, is just a thread.
“Already, these so -called light cheeses are quite salty despite everything, while our consumption of salt is often too high. It is therefore not a good option, especially if we have a risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, etc.” she poses.
In addition, like almost all Light products, the term “lightened” targets fat … for the benefit of other substances over in silence. Cheeses are no exception to this rule.
“To lighten a cheese, we reduce its fat in fat but we add other ingredients to” compensate “ confirms the expert. We will then find in these cheeses in more or less large quantity depending on the industrialists:
- Thickening;
- Starch;
- Powdered milk proteins;
- Salt.
The expert also quotes carraghenanes (E407) of controversial additives often found in light products. “Studies highlight that in the event of high consumption, this can create inflammation of the digestive system ” mentions the nutritionist.
The lighter, the more you think you can crack …
Finally, there is a bias of thought. On a plateau, the versions of Gruyères, goat cheeses or Light spreads often act as a “right” to crack more often.
“The taste of lightened products is on the one hand less satisfactory. But the light side gives us the impression of being able to eat more” confirms the expert. Result: too frequent and significant consumption of ultra -processed foods, which contain a lot of additives! This cocktail effect would not be without risk on our health and the intestinal microbiota. In the end, a very bad operation for your health … or your waist.
Better a reasonable part of a classic (and fat) cheese
Our expert therefore has a rather clear opinion: lighter cheese should not necessarily register on your shopping list. “These processes make these cheeses ultra -processed food much less beneficial than their classic version” Press Alexandra Murcier.
If you want to lose weight or be careful, it advises to stay on the classic version of a cheese that you appreciate, adapting portions and meals and avoiding combining several foods that have high energy density at the same time for example.