When it comes to the Philly cheese steak, there are many differing opinions on whether or not it can be considered a healthy meal. This classic sandwich is made from thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and vegetables served on a long roll bread. In this article, we will explore the nutritional aspects of each component of this popular dish in order to determine its overall health value.
Beefsteak
The key ingredient that makes up the center of a Philly cheese steak sandwich is beefsteak. While red meat has been associated with increased risk for heart disease and certain cancers when consumed in large amounts over time, it also provides protein which we need to build muscles and maintain strong body tissues. The American Heart Association recommends eating lean meat such as sirloin instead of high-fat prime cuts like rib-eye or T-bone steak.
Lean cuts of beef may contain:
– Protein: Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein.
– Iron: Red meat contains heme iron, which our bodies absorb more easily than non-heme iron found in plant-based foods.
– Zinc: A mineral essential for immune function and wound healing.
– Vitamin B12: Helps maintain healthy nerve cells and make DNA.
However, some studies have shown that consuming too much red meat might increase inflammation levels within the body increasing risk factors including heart disease as well as several types of cancer.
Cheese
There’s no doubt about it – cheese tastes great! But cheese is known for being especially high in fat content so portion sizes become particularly important if you’re watching your calorie intake or dietary cholesterol levels too closely. Cheese contributes significantly to calories across most meals due to its composition being loaded with saturated fat & salt content leading towards various negative impacts on health.
While most cheeses provide calcium necessary for strong bones alongside other nutrients like vitamin D– they do come with drawbacks beyond their delicious taste if eaten regularly:
Some cons include :
High Calories:
Cheese is dense in calories and therefore adds up easily. One serving of cheese on a Philly cheese steak sandwich could contain as many as 100 to 115 calories (maybe more) depending upon the type & amount used.
High Fat Content:
Most cheeses are high in fat, some have around 11g or more per one ounce (28gm) serving potentially leading to weight gain or cholesterol issues due to too much saturated fat intake.
High Sodium Content:
Most American menus prioritize sodium-heavy cheeses leading to way too much salt content within this dish alone beyond our daily salt requirement recommendations.
Vegetables
The addition of vegetables is where we can add healthy elements into an otherwise heavy meal. Some of the most common veggies that can be found in a Philly Cheese Steak include onions, peppers and mushrooms which all come with their own set of nutritional benefits:
Onions: Rich in fiber, vitamins C and B6 help lower blood sugar levels over time when consumed regularly due to unique plant compounds called flavonoids present within it also being anti-inflammatory.
Peppers: Packed full of vitamin A,C,K mixing sweet / spicy together provide veggies that give varying flavors without adding additional calories making them perfect for flavoring this iconic dish.
Mushrooms: Low-carb, nutrient-dense mushrooms are rich in antioxidants such as L-ergothioneine which has been shown by studies like from The National Institute Of Health can boost immune system function while being low-calorie resulting combined benefits having double positive effects on user’s health
Conclusion:
While it’s clear that there are both pros and cons associated with consuming various components within Philly Cheese Steaks; these facts allow for better choice when ordering next time out perhaps considering healthier alternatives known among restaurants including veggie substitutes or lighter meals but not completely avoiding/eliminating it! In moderation with adjusting ingredients slightly – it can be possible creating at least somewhat-balanced & delicious staple sandwiches like these. Eating healthier does not necessarily mean giving up the foods you love, instead it comes down finding ways to make it work within your regular eating habits overall.
When it comes to the Philly cheese steak, there are many differing opinions on whether or not it can be considered a healthy meal. This classic sandwich is made from thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and vegetables served on a long roll bread. In this article, we will explore the nutritional aspects of each component of this popular dish in order to determine its overall health value.
The key ingredient that makes up the center of a Philly cheese steak sandwich is beefsteak. While red meat has been associated with increased risk for heart disease and certain cancers when consumed in large amounts over time, it also provides protein which we need to build muscles and maintain strong body tissues. The American Heart Association recommends eating lean meat such as sirloin instead of high-fat prime cuts like rib-eye or T-bone steak.
Lean cuts of beef may contain essential nutrients like Protein: Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein; Iron: Red meat contains heme iron, which our bodies absorb more easily than non-heme iron found in plant-based foods; Zinc: A mineral essential for immune function and wound healing; Vitamin B12: Helps maintain healthy nerve cells and make DNA.
However, some studies have shown that consuming too much red meat might increase inflammation levels within the body increasing risk factors including heart disease as well as several types of cancer.
There’s no doubt about it – cheese tastes great! But cheese is known for being especially high in fat content so portion sizes become particularly important if you’re watching your calorie intake or dietary cholesterol levels too closely. Cheese contributes significantly to calories across most meals due to its composition being loaded with saturated fat & salt content leading towards various negative impacts on health.
While most cheeses provide calcium necessary for strong bones alongside other nutrients like vitamin D– they do come with drawbacks beyond their delicious taste if eaten regularly:
Some cons include:
– High Calories
– High Fat Content
– High Sodium Content
The addition of vegetables is where we can add healthy elements into an otherwise heavy meal. Some of the most common veggies that can be found in a Philly Cheese Steak include onions, peppers, and mushrooms which all come with their own set of nutritional benefits.
Onions are rich in fiber, vitamins C and B6 help lower blood sugar levels over time when consumed regularly due to unique plant compounds called flavonoids present within them also being anti-inflammatory.
Peppers are packed full of vitamin A,C,K mixing sweet / spicy together provide veggies that give varying flavors without adding additional calories making them perfect for flavoring this iconic dish.
Mushrooms are low-carb, nutrient-dense mushrooms rich in antioxidants such as L-ergothioneine which has been shown by studies from The National Institute Of Health to boost immune system function while being low-calorie resulting combined benefits having double positive effects on user’s health
While it’s clear that there are both pros and cons associated with consuming various components within Philly Cheese Steaks; these facts allow for better choice when ordering next time out perhaps considering healthier alternatives known among restaurants including veggie substitutes or lighter meals but not completely avoiding/eliminating it! In moderation with adjusting ingredients slightly – it can be possible creating at least somewhat-balanced & delicious staple sandwiches like these. Eating healthier does not necessarily mean giving up the foods you love, instead it comes down finding ways to make it work within your regular eating habits overall.