1 slice (21 g) Natural American Cheese has approximately 80 calories. Cheese is a tasty addition to many meals, but understanding its nutritional value can help you make informed choices.

In addition to calories, a single slice of American cheese contains approximately 7 grams of fat, 2.7 grams of protein, and 0.5 grams of carbohydrates.

If you're looking to improve your calcium or vitamin D intake, Natural American Cheese can be a good source of both of these essential nutrients. But, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks of consuming too much cheese, such as high sodium and cholesterol content. In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for incorporating cheese into your meals while still maintaining a balanced diet.

Calories

As mentioned, a single slice of Natural American Cheese contains approximately 80 calories. This may not seem like a lot, but if you're watching your calorie intake, it's important to be mindful of the amount of cheese you consume. One way to incorporate cheese into your diet without overdoing it is to use it as a garnish or as a flavor enhancer rather than as the main component of a dish. For example, you could sprinkle a small amount of grated cheese over a salad or use a slice or two of cheese to add flavor to a sandwich rather than piling on multiple slices.

Fat

One slice of Natural American Cheese contains approximately 7 grams of fat. While this may not be a huge amount, it's important to keep in mind that consuming high amounts of saturated fat can increase your risk of heart disease and other health issues. To reduce your intake of saturated fat, opt for low-fat or reduced-fat cheese varieties whenever possible. You can also use a smaller amount of cheese or choose other flavor-enhancing ingredients like herbs and spices to add taste to your meals. If you're making a recipe that calls for a lot of cheese, you could try using a different type of cheese that has a lower fat content or reducing the amount called for in the recipe.

Protein

Natural American Cheese contains approximately 2.7 grams of protein per slice. While this may not be a huge amount, every little bit helps when it comes to meeting your daily protein needs. If you're looking to incorporate more protein into your diet, there are a number of tasty and healthy ways to do so. Try adding beans or lentils to your meals, snacking on nuts or seeds, or choosing high-protein dairy products like Greek yogurt. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find ones that are high in protein. For example, Parmesan cheese contains approximately 10 grams of protein per ounce, while ricotta cheese has around 6 grams per ounce.

Carbohydrates

A single slice of Natural American Cheese contains approximately 0.5 grams of carbohydrates. While this may not be significant for most people, it's important to be mindful of your carbohydrate intake if you're following a low-carb diet. If you're looking to reduce your carbohydrate intake, there are a number of delicious low-carb foods to choose from. Some examples include leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, and high-protein meats and seafood. You can also experiment with low-carb cheese options like feta or goat cheese to add flavor to your meals without adding excessive amounts of carbohydrates.

Calcium Content

Cheese can be a great source of calcium, and Natural American Cheese is no exception. A single slice contains approximately 20% of your daily calcium needs. Calcium is important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, but many people don't consume enough of it in their diets. In addition to cheese, other good sources of calcium include leafy greens, dairy products, and fortified foods like cereals and juices. If you're having trouble meeting your calcium needs through your diet alone, you may want to consider taking a calcium supplement to ensure you're getting enough of this vital nutrient.

Vitamin D

In addition to calcium, Natural American Cheese is also a good source of vitamin D. A single slice contains approximately 10% of your daily vitamin D needs. Vitamin D is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth and plays a role in many other functions in the body as well. However, many people don't get enough of this essential nutrient, especially those who live in areas with limited sunlight. In addition to cheese, other good sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, eggs, and fortified foods like milk and cereal. If you're having trouble meeting your vitamin D needs through your diet alone, you may want to consider taking a supplement or spending more time in the sun (with proper sun protection, of course).

Sodium Content

One potential drawback of consuming cheese is its high sodium content. One slice of Natural American Cheese contains approximately 180 milligrams of sodium. While sodium is an essential nutrient that plays a role in many bodily functions, consuming excessive amounts of it can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health issues. To reduce your sodium intake, you can opt for low-sodium cheese varieties or use smaller amounts of cheese in your meals. You can also try using other flavor-enhancing ingredients like herbs, spices, and vinegar to add taste to your food without adding excess sodium.

Cholesterol

Another potential drawback of consuming cheese is its cholesterol content. One slice of Natural American Cheese contains approximately 25 milligrams of cholesterol. While dietary cholesterol doesn't have as big of an impact on blood cholesterol levels as was once believed, consuming excessive amounts of it can still contribute to health issues for some people. To reduce your cholesterol intake, you can opt for low-cholesterol cheese varieties like mozzarella or goat cheese. You can also use smaller amounts of cheese in your meals, or choose other flavor-enhancing ingredients like herbs and spices to add taste without adding excess cholesterol.

Uses

Natural American Cheese can be used in a variety of ways to add flavor to your meals. Some popular uses include adding it to sandwiches, burgers, and wraps, or using it to make grilled cheese sandwiches or quesadillas. You can also use shredded American cheese to top off dishes like pasta, soups, and chili, or add it to casseroles for an extra kick of flavor. Whatever your preference, there are plenty of creative ways to incorporate cheese into your meals.

Storage

To ensure your Natural American Cheese stays fresh and delicious, it's important to store it properly. In most cases, it's best to keep cheese in the refrigerator to slow down the growth of bacteria and mold. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to help prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors and odors in your fridge. If you're storing a large block of cheese, it's a good idea to slice off only what you need and re-wrap the rest before returning it to the fridge. This can help prevent waste and ensure your cheese stays fresh for as long as possible.