If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you've probably heard of queso enchilado. This spicy cheese is perfect for adding a bit of heat and flavor to your favorite dishes. And if you're watching your calorie intake, you'll be pleased to know that a single ounce of queso enchilado contains just 90 calories! So, let's take a closer look at the nutritional content of this delicious cheese.
In addition to its low calorie count, queso enchilado is also relatively low in fat, with only 7 grams per serving. However, it's important to note that nearly half of those fat grams are from saturated fat. So while queso enchilado can be a healthy addition to your diet, it's best consumed in moderation.
Of course, queso enchilado isn't just a source of fat. It also contains a decent amount of protein, as well as small amounts of carbohydrates, sodium, and cholesterol. And let's not forget its calcium content, which is an important nutrient for healthy bones and teeth.
Calorie content
As previously mentioned, one ounce of queso enchilado contains just 90 calories. This makes it a great low calorie option for those who are looking to watch their weight or maintain a healthy diet. It's important to note, however, that the amount of queso enchilado you consume can greatly impact how many calories you're consuming. So be sure to measure your portions carefully and enjoy in moderation.
Fat content
While queso enchilado is relatively low in fat compared to other cheeses, it still contains 7 grams of fat per serving. Nearly half of that fat is from saturated fat, which can increase your risk of heart disease and other health issues. To enjoy queso enchilado without overloading on fat, try pairing it with other low fat or fat free ingredients. For example, sprinkle a small amount of queso enchilado on top of a salad made with fresh veggies and grilled chicken.
Serving size
The serving size for queso enchilado is one ounce, or 28 grams. This is a relatively small serving size, so it's important to be mindful of how much you're consuming if you're watching your calorie or fat intake. To make it easy to measure out a one ounce serving, you can use a food scale or measure out a quarter cup of queso enchilado.
Protein content
In addition to being low in calories and fat, queso enchilado also contains a decent amount of protein. One ounce of queso enchilado contains around 5 grams of protein, which can help you stay full and satisfied for longer periods of time. To boost your protein intake even further, consider pairing queso enchilado with other high protein foods like grilled chicken, black beans, or lean beef.
Carbohydrate content
Queso enchilado is relatively low in carbohydrates, with only around 1 gram per serving. This makes it a good option for those who are following a low carb or ketogenic diet. However, if you're pairing queso enchilado with other carb-heavy foods like tortilla chips or rice, be sure to monitor your portion sizes and overall carb intake.
Sodium content
Unfortunately, queso enchilado is relatively high in sodium, with around 200 milligrams per serving. This can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues. To keep your sodium intake in check, consider limiting your intake of queso enchilado or pairing it with low sodium ingredients like fresh veggies and lean proteins.
Calcium content
One of the biggest nutritional benefits of queso enchilado is its calcium content, which can help to promote healthy bones and teeth. One ounce of queso enchilado provides around 20% of the recommended daily value (DV) of calcium. To increase your calcium intake even further, consider pairing queso enchilado with other high calcium foods like leafy greens, almonds, and salmon.
Cholesterol content
Queso enchilado does contain a small amount of cholesterol, with around 20 milligrams per serving. While this isn't a significant amount, it can still contribute to high cholesterol levels in some individuals. To keep your cholesterol levels in check, consider limiting your intake of queso enchilado or pairing it with other cholesterol-lowering foods like high fiber fruits and veggies.
Calories from fat
Out of the 90 total calories in one ounce of queso enchilado, around 70 of those calories come from fat. This means that queso enchilado contains a relatively high amount of calories from fat compared to other low calorie foods. To enjoy queso enchilado without overloading on calories, try pairing it with other low calorie ingredients like fresh veggies and lean proteins.
Daily value
Each nutrient in queso enchilado provides a certain percentage of the daily value (DV) that our bodies need. For example, one ounce of queso enchilado provides 20% of the DV for calcium. To ensure you're getting all of the nutrients your body needs, aim to consume a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods.
Queso enchilado is a delicious and spicy addition to any meal. While it's relatively low in calories, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and to pair it with other nutrient-dense foods.
FAQ About Queso Enchilado
1. What is queso enchilado?
Queso enchilado is a type of Mexican cheese that is flavored with chili pepper. It is commonly used in Mexican cuisine to add flavor and texture to dishes.
2. How many calories are in 1 oz (28 g) of queso enchilado?
There are 90 calories in 1 oz (28 g) of queso enchilado. This makes it a relatively high-calorie food option, particularly if consumed in large quantities.
3. What are some ways to use queso enchilado in recipes?
Queso enchilado can be used in a variety of recipes, including tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, salads, and more. It can be crumbled or grated and used as a topping for dishes, melted and used as a filling, or eaten as a snack on its own.
4. Is queso enchilado healthy?
As with any food, the healthiness of queso enchilado depends on how much and how often you consume it. While it does contain calcium and protein, it is also high in sodium and saturated fat. It should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
5. Can queso enchilado be substituted for other types of cheese in recipes?
Queso enchilado has a distinct flavor and texture that may not be suitable for all recipes. However, it can generally be substituted for other types of cheese in Mexican-inspired dishes. Some good alternatives to queso enchilado include cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterrey Jack cheese.