Chapter 1: The Reality of Processed Cheese

Who would have thought that cheesy potatoes could be garnished with wood chips and a dash of prescription medication? It’s time to take a closer look at what’s inside our processed cheese!

In today's fast-paced world, preparing a nutritious meal can still be achievable with just a few convenient products found at your local grocery store. Many of us can easily find pre-sliced vegetables that cut down on the time needed for meal prep. For example, frozen carrots and broccoli are readily available, already cut and ready for cooking. Mushrooms can also be purchased pre-sliced, and a variety of cheeses come pre-shredded, making meal preparation a breeze.

Using these items may seem like a smart choice when you’re pressed for time, right?

But hold on!

The question is, why should we avoid this convenience? The answer may come as a shock to many. The adage "haste makes waste" rings true here, especially considering the increased costs associated with pre-packaged foods. More importantly, health-conscious consumers who scrutinize food labels may already be aware that the ingredients in store-bought items often lack nutritional value.

In reality, the components found in most processed foods can be harmful if consumed regularly. High Fructose Corn Syrup is commonly included in nearly every manufactured product, but we can delve deeper into its negative impacts in a dedicated chapter.

Moreover, wood chips and even prescription medications have made their way into our food supply—this may sound unbelievable, but it’s true! Those lengthy, complex terms under the Ingredients section are worth understanding.

Take a closer look at those shredded cheese packages.

One ingredient to note is Natamycin, a term many may not recognize. For those unfamiliar, Natamycin is an antibiotic prescribed to treat various infections of the eye, skin, or vaginal area. Yes, you read that right—this antibiotic is added to our pre-shredded cheese.

Natamycin, marketed under the name Natacyn Ophthalmic, has been around since the 1950s, coinciding with the rise of grocery stores. It's shocking to realize that this antibiotic is a common additive found in nearly all pre-shredded cheese available on the market. My personal attempts to find shredded cheese without this ingredient were unsuccessful—it's everywhere!

What are the potential risks associated with consuming Natamycin?

The side effects may include:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Changes in vision
• Eye redness or irritation
• Swelling or pain in the eye
• Chest pain

These adverse effects are linked to the antibiotic routinely added to shredded cheese. The reasons behind its inclusion in these products revolve around food preservation, as it is deemed safe by regulatory authorities. However, the credibility of these studies often raises questions about funding and objectivity.

Moving on from the unsettling news about antibiotics in shredded cheese, let’s investigate another common ingredient: Cellulose.

Cellulose is categorized as an organic fiber, often marketed as beneficial due to its fiber content. At first glance, this seems positive, especially when considering the importance of fiber in our diets.

However, let’s take a closer look at the origins of this organic cellulose and how our bodies process it. Although cellulose is a form of fiber, humans cannot digest it. Instead, it aids in digestion by helping food move through the gastrointestinal tract.

Cellulose naturally occurs in fruits, vegetables, and various plant foods, forming part of their cell walls. While it can be found in tree bark and other plant materials, the cellulose used in processed cheese does not come from healthy plant sources.

You might be surprised to learn that tree bark contains cellulose. Additionally, cotton has a high cellulose content—making it the purest form of cellulose—but it’s not typically used in shredded cheese.

So where does the cellulose in shredded cheese come from?

Sawdust! Yes, that’s right; wood pulp, which consists of 40-50% cellulose, is more commonly used due to its lower cost compared to cotton.

So, why is fiber included in shredded cheese?

The simple answer: to prevent the cheese from clumping together in the bag. When you shred your own cheese, you’ll notice it clumps together without the addition of sawdust.

While fiber is essential for our health, it’s crucial to consume it from natural plant sources rather than processed additives like sawdust. Cheese is a dairy product, not a fibrous plant.

Whether you’re in a hurry or not, the best advice is to shred your cheese yourself—unless you want a cheesy potato dish decorated with wood chips and a sprinkle of antibiotics.

If you’ve been unwittingly consuming these ingredients, it’s time to explore the provided links for more information on this topic.

Oh, and from now on, consider shredding your cheese yourself!

Chapter 2: Understanding the Implications of Processed Foods

The journey continues as we delve into the implications of consuming processed foods and the importance of making informed choices.