The Surprising Benefits of Cheese: How It Can Improve Heart, Gut, and Cognitive Health

New research suggests that cheese may have health benefits and does not deserve its previous reputation as an unhealthy food. Multiple studies have found that cheese may have positive effects on heart health, gut health, cognitive health, and could potentially protect against type 2 diabetes. One study conducted in Japan found that older individuals who regularly consumed cheese performed better in cognitive tests and had a lower risk of dementia compared to those who did not consume cheese. Another study presented at a nutrition conference found that a probiotic found naturally in parmesan and yogurt improved memory and brain function in older individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The probiotic is thought to rebalance the gut microbiome, which in turn affects brain function. Additionally, cheese has been found to have high levels of anti-inflammatory molecules that benefit the brain. When it comes to heart health, recent research has shown that cheese may actually reduce cholesterol levels. One study found that a group of individuals who consumed full-fat cheese had a greater reduction in overall cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, compared to groups consuming other forms of dairy fat. The specific structure of cheese and how fat is held within it is thought to contribute to this effect. Cheese may also reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the gut. Furthermore, components in cheese known as sphingolipids may inhibit the uptake of unhealthy elements in cheese. Different types of cheese vary in their fat and salt content, with softer cheeses tending to have less fat and salt. However, it is not clear if softer cheeses offer the same health benefits as hard cheese. Overall, while the specific mechanisms are not fully understood, cheese, particularly full-fat cheese, may have health benefits and can be included as part of a healthy diet.