Despite the fact that cheese is generally a nutrient-rich and well-tolerated fermented dairy product, its effects on health remain at the centre of debate and are still the subject of controversy.
This is due to the fact that cheese is on the one hand a rich source of high-quality proteins, lipids, minerals, vitamins, probiotics and bioactive molecules. On the other hand, however, it may contain high saturated fats and salt, elements considered inappropriate especially for preserving cardiovascular health.
A recent study published in Advances in Nutrition reviewed some data in this regard and this is what was found.
Despite the fact that cheese is generally a nutrient-rich and well-tolerated fermented dairy product, its effects on health remain at the centre of debate and are still the subject of controversy. This is due to the fact that cheese is on the one hand a rich source of high-quality proteins, lipids, minerals, vitamins, probiotics and bioactive molecules.
On the other hand, it may contain high saturated fats and salt, elements considered inappropriate especially for preserving cardiovascular health. A recent study published in Advances in Nutrition reviewed some data in this regard and this is what was found.
The study published in Advances in Nutrition was conducted by a mixed team of university researchers, who proceeded to clean up data that had been available so far and review it. What was discovered would be related to the association of cheese consumption with 47 major health effects. The outcome would make it possible to hypothesise, in summary, how cheese consumption does not shorten life.
The study seems to have found that there would be an inverse relationship between cheese consumption and mortality, for all causes (-7%) and for cardiovascular diseases and events (-5%). No correlation was found between cheese consumption and certain diseases such as cancer and hypertension (neutral effect).
According to the study, in order for cheese to have a neutral effect on health, it should be consumed in moderation, always remaining under 40 grams or less per day (and not necessarily to be consumed every day).