Cheese lovers, rejoice! Research shows that eating a daily portion of the much-loved smelly stuff could reduce the risk of fatal heart attacks and stroke.
This comes just months after a previous study found that cheese could hold the keys to a longer life – suggesting that it is undeserved of its persistent bad rep.
A review of 15 studies by scientists in China used a results-pooling system called meta-analysis to examine the effects that regular cheese consumption had on the heart. Reporting in the European Journal of Nutrition they say that volunteers who ate roughly 40g (the size of a small matchbox) a day saw a 14% slash in heart disease risk – the greatest overall reduction compared to other participants.
It is thought that this is because cheese contains high levels of calcium and boosted so-called ‘good cholesterol’, while simultaneously reducing levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol. It also contains an acid that can help prevent clogging in the arteries.
Reacting to the latest findings, Ian Givens, Professor of Food Chain Nutrition at Reading University, said: ‘[Dairy products such as cheese] do seem to be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and – particularly with yoghurt – Type 2 diabetes, which is an area of research we are trying to develop because there are 700 new cases every day.’
He added: ‘The biggest element in cheese appears to be the close association between calcium and fat. There is a link between the fat and calcium which makes the fat less digestible.’
It is estimated that around 700,000 tonnes of cheese are consumed in Britain each year and, with Christmas just around the corner, it’s likely that many people will be indulging more than usual in the coming months. Speaking to The Express, Tracey Parker – senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation – said that, although a moderate intake of cheese can be beneficial, too much will have the opposite effect.
‘In the run-up to Christmas the prospect of tucking into a festive cheese board is probably quite tempting, but while cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, it is often high in saturated fat and salt,’ she says.
‘That means eating too much could contribute to high cholesterol and high blood pressure.”‘
She added: ‘Eating two to three portions of dairy products a day should be enough to meet your calcium requirements but this doesn’t have to be cheese. Low-fat yoghurt and milk will also provide calcium and protein but without the salt and saturated fat.’
