Last Updated on June 16, 2023 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD
If you’re living with diabetes, you’re probably aware of the fact that dairy products can be a big no-no. That’s because dairy products contain high levels of carbs, which can spike blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. But what’s the best option for diabetics who love creamy foods? In this post, we’ll explore 5 of the best cream cheese options for diabetics, and tell you why each is a good choice.
What is Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese is a high-fat dairy product that is spreadable and melts easily. Unskimmed milk with extra cream is traditionally used to make it. Cream cheese must have at least 33% milkfat, a moisture level of less than 55%, and a pH range of 4.4 to 4.9 (thus its mildly acidic, tangy taste) according to labeling regulations in the United States. The listed fat content may be much greater in the labeling laws of other countries, which may or may not correlate with those in the US.
Cream cheese should be consumed right away because it is not traditionally aged. As a consequence, it stands out from other creamy cheeses like Brie and Neufchâtel. It has a stronger Boursin and Mascarpone cheeses flavor and consistency.
Pasteurized milk and cream are combined with lactic acid, which lowers the pH and causes curds to form. It turns into cream cheese when the curds are heated and stabilizers are added. Cream cheese is designed to be used quickly and does not need aging.
Let’s Create Cream Cheese at Home!
Making cream cheese at home is far easier than you might imagine. All you need to do is add salt and an acid (such as lemon juice) to cream and/or milk. Strain the mixture when it has coagulated to leave only curds behind. Process the curds until they’re smooth and creamy in a food processor.
Potential Benefits of Cream Cheese
Cream cheese has several health advantages in addition to being a delicious dip.
1 – Rich source of antioxidants
Free radicals, which are unstable molecules, are protected by antioxidants found in cream cheese. Cellular damage may occur when your body’s free radical levels are too high.
Carotenoid antioxidants, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, are present in small proportions in cream cheese. Eye health is particularly dependent on these nutrients.
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2 – Low lactose content
Lactose is found in dairy items, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Those with certain enzymes, however, are unable to break it down. Because of this syndrome, lactose intolerance is a disorder that causes bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea. Dairy items should be avoided or limited by individuals with this disorder.
According to studies, most people with lactose intolerance may eat up to 12 grams of lactose per meal without having symptoms. Since cream cheese contains less than 2 grams of lactose per ounce (28 grams), it may be safe for people with lactose intolerance.
3 – Contains probiotic effects
Lactic acid bacteria are used to make cream cheese. Probiotics, or friendly bacteria that offer health benefits, are some of the strains of bacteria listed above. Certain Lactobacillus species, for example, decrease your immune system’s inflammatory reaction when they are exposed to illness, while others boost it. When it comes to cream cheese, look for a product that boasts live and active cultures because heat kills probiotics.
4 – Good source of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is present in large quantities in cream cheese. Vitamin A is present in just 1 ounce (28 grams) at a concentration of 87 milligrams. This vitamin is vital for your vision because it is fat-soluble. Many organs, such as your skin, lungs, and intestines, are also helped by this. It supports your immune system as well.
5 Best Cream Cheese Options
Cream cheese comes in a variety of flavors, as previously stated. Some varieties may make you gag as soon as you hear the words: scallion, jalapeno, and even pizza, in addition to the conventional ones like vanilla or strawberry.
1 – Plain Cream Cheese
Plain cream cheese is what it’s called. That may sound unappealing, but it is incredibly versatile and, to make some delicious cream cheese desserts, perhaps the best option. It’s used in meatballs, egg dishes, and fondue, among other things.
2 – Blueberry Cream Cheese
More than just the gorgeous purple tint, blueberry cream cheese has a lot going for it. That’s ideal for bagels, croissants, or a serving of fresh fruits because its tangy richness is to die for. You may, of course, add it to your desserts, as McDonald’s did with their pies!
3 – Apple Pie Cream Cheese
This exquisite, luscious cream cheese contains all of the flavors of your favorite apple pie and is prepared with fewer than eight ingredients. Pecans have a nice crunch, but cinnamon provides a warm, comforting sensation in the mouth.
4 – Low-Fat Cream Cheese
This choice is ideal for anyone who is trying to reduce their fat consumption or for those who are on the Weight Watchers program. The texture will shift somewhat, but the flavor would remain the same sweet and acidic taste you adore – just a little bit different.
5 – Herb and Garlic Cream Cheese
Rest assured that this cream cheese, which is scented with a fragrant aroma and heated by garlic, will captivate you. Only fresh garlic kept in a high-quality garlic keeper should be used to get the best outcome. If you want, add some Parmesan or black pepper to spice it up.
Final Words
So, what do you think about cream cheese as a healthy food for diabetics? Furthermore, it’s also low in calories and contains no sugar or lactose. Do you think that it’s a good replacement for regular butter or mayonnaise on your sandwiches? Or maybe you’re skeptical about its health benefits and would like to know more about the 5 best options for cream cheese. Please read the FAQs below for answers to all of your questions! Reading this was a pleasure.
FAQs
Is cream cheese a good option for diabetic people?
Cream cheese is a common food that can be problematic for people with type 2 diabetes because of its high sugar content. Foods like cream cheese are problematic if you’re struggling to manage your blood sugar levels since they fuel the problem. Additionally, cream cheese contains lactose which is an allergen not typically found in small amounts in other types of dairy products.
If you do eat cream cheese, make sure to cut down on the amount that you’re eating and balance it out with other healthy snacks like nuts or fruit. And if you have any questions about how best to care for your diabetes while keeping up a balanced diet, consult with your doctor or nutritionist.
What cheese is best for diabetics?
When it comes to cheese, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s because different people have different dietary needs and may prefer a certain type of cheese for its specific health benefits. However, if you are diabetic or want to reduce your sugar intake, then some of the best types of cheeses for diabetics include gouda, brie, camembert, blue cheese ̵
While each has its unique flavor and heightened sweetness that can be enjoyed by those on a gluten-free diet as well., they all contain high levels of calcium which is essential for controlling blood glucose levels. Additionally, since most diabetics struggle with weight loss due in part to low muscle mass due to diabetes (and often lack adequate physical activity), raising your protein intake through sources like cheese can help promote healthy body composition goals.
Is there a difference between regular and low-fat cream cheese?
There is no strict difference between regular and low-fat cream cheese, but most people believe that the fat content in regular cream cheese is more beneficial than the fat content in low-fat cream cheese. The main reason for this belief is that high-fat foods are generally healthier than low-fat foods. In addition to being richer in nutrients, high-fat foods naturally contain more vitamins and minerals than low-Fat foods do.
Additionally, research has shown that adding healthy fats (like those found in high-fat dairy products) to your diet can help you lose weight or maintain your weight loss goals. These fats have been linked with decreased hunger and cravings, as well as improved blood cholesterol levels and heart health. For these reasons, it’s advised to consume moderate amounts of fatty acids from nuts, oils, olives, etc.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5572495/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20071648
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/789360/nutrients
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21276226/
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/prediabetes.html
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00873217
