Cheese

Can you name something more delicious than cheese? Whether it's melted on crispy pizza, a burger, between two slices of bread, or eaten on its own with crackers or fruit, the star of the dairy food group comes in a plethora of different types and flavors, and is arguably one of the tastiest foods around. But if you happen to eat too much cheese, it will harm your health.

It may not be a surprise that consuming cheese can be a driver of weight gain, which is evident in a 2016 study. This is especially common when it's consumed in high amounts or with other not-so-healthy foods. Depending on which type of cheese you choose, you could be adding as much as 100 calories per ounce of cheese since it's rare that you will eat just one ounce at a time. You can take in 800 or 900 calories or even more if you keep eating pieces throughout the day. That can ultimately lead to weight gain. Large portions of cheese put you at a higher risk of heart disease. This type of food is high in saturated fats which are notorious for causing coronary heart disease. Cheese also often causes heartburn due to the hormone called cholecystokinin, which is released while eating.

Eating too much cheese or any dairy for that matter has been linked to the risk of stomach issues, such as gas and bloating, especially for those who may be lactose intolerant. Although cheese is a lower lactose food with one ounce of sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Swiss cheese providing less than 0.1 grams of lactose, there may be a limit that your body can tolerate at one time. Eating an amount of lactose greater than the body's ability to digest it can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, which is the definition of lactose intolerance.

Overindulging in cheese can also make it difficult to go to the bathroom. Although cheese is a good source of protein, it is not a source of fiber. If you are eating your cheese with an already low fiber eating plan, you will feel the effects of constipation.