Cheese And Longevity: A Healthy Partnership?

Cheese has long been thought to increase the risk of death, especially from heart disease. However, recent studies have shown that eating cheese may actually help you live longer. One study, from Texas A&M University, found that aged cheeses like cheddar, brie and parmesan contain a compound known as spermidine, which can help boost life expectancy and prevent liver cancer. Another study, published in the medical journal The Lancet, found that eating more than two servings of dairy per day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. While more research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of cheese, it's safe to say that indulging in your favourite dairy treat may not be as unhealthy as once thought.

Cheese may reduce the risk of liver cancer

Cheese has long been a staple in many diets around the world, and new research suggests it may offer more health benefits than previously thought. While cheese has a reputation for being unhealthy, recent studies indicate that consuming cheese may help reduce the risk of liver cancer and increase life expectancy.

A study from Texas A&M University found that aged cheeses like cheddar, brie, and parmesan contain a compound called spermidine, which has been shown to stop damaged liver cells from replicating. Spermidine can prevent liver fibrosis, the accumulation of scar tissue that occurs in most liver diseases, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. The study's findings suggest that cheese may play a role in preventing and reducing the impact of these liver conditions.

The Texas A&M University study analyzed the effects of spermidine treatment in mice over their entire lifespan and found a 25% increase in life expectancy. While further research is needed to determine if these results translate to humans, they suggest that consuming cheese may have significant health benefits. The compound spermidine, found in aged cheeses, could be key to reducing the risk of liver cancer and improving overall liver health.

In addition to its potential liver-protective effects, cheese has also been linked to improved cardiovascular health. Research presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in 2018 found that those who consumed cheese had an 8% lower total mortality risk, contrary to the belief that dairy products negatively impact heart health. This indicates that cheese may have a protective effect on cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Furthermore, a 2024 study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that a higher intake of cheese was associated with improved mental well-being and healthy aging. The study, which analyzed data from 2.3 million genetically diverse Europeans, suggested that cheese consumption may contribute to overall well-being and longevity, independent of socioeconomic factors.

While more research is needed to fully understand the link between cheese consumption and liver cancer risk, the current evidence suggests that cheese may offer protective effects against liver cancer and other health benefits. As with all foods, moderation is essential, and cheese should be consumed as part of a balanced diet to maintain overall health and well-being.

Cheese may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease

Cheese has long been thought to increase the risk of death, particularly from coronary heart disease, due to its high levels of saturated fat. However, recent research has challenged this notion, suggesting that cheese may actually help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve heart health.

A 2018 study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress analyzed the dietary habits of 24,474 US adults over six years and found no link between cheese consumption and cardiovascular problems. In fact, cheese and yogurt were found to be protective against cardiovascular disease, with an 8% lower total mortality risk for cheese eaters and a 2% lower risk for those consuming any dairy.

These findings were supported by another large-scale study published in The Lancet, which examined the eating habits of 130,000 individuals from 21 countries. This study found that consuming more than two servings of dairy per day was associated with a reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Interestingly, the protective effects of dairy were more pronounced for cheese, yogurt, and milk compared to other dairy products like whole milk.

The potential cardiovascular benefits of cheese may be attributed to its nutritional profile. Cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. Additionally, grass-fed cheese has been found to have a healthier balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart and metabolic health. High-fat cheeses, such as blue cheese, Brie, and Cheddar, also contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat that may help prevent obesity, heart disease, and reduce inflammation.

While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between cheese consumption and cardiovascular health, current evidence suggests that cheese may play a role in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and promoting healthy aging.

Cheese may reduce the risk of stroke

Cheese has long been thought to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease due to its high saturated fat content. However, recent studies have challenged this assumption, suggesting that cheese may actually be protective against cardiovascular problems.

One study, published in the medical journal The Lancet, found that consuming more than two servings of dairy per day was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Specifically, the study found that those who ate cheese had an 8% lower total mortality risk, while those who consumed any dairy had a 2% lower total mortality risk. These findings indicate that cheese and other dairy products may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health, contrary to popular belief.

The protective effects of cheese on cardiovascular health may be attributed to several factors. Firstly, cheese is a good source of calcium, fat, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. These nutrients are essential for maintaining overall health and may contribute to cardiovascular health. Additionally, cheese contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat that may help prevent obesity and heart disease and reduce inflammation.

Furthermore, the way protein and fat molecules are arranged in cheese may also play a role in its potential benefits. The protective shield for fat molecules is better preserved in cheese than in homogenized milk, which could explain why cheese consumption is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk.

While the exact mechanisms behind the potential benefits of cheese consumption are not yet fully understood, the available research suggests that cheese may indeed play a role in reducing the risk of stroke and promoting cardiovascular health. However, it is important to note that cheese is also high in calories, saturated fat, and salt, and consuming too much of any one food is not recommended. A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods is generally recommended for optimal health.

Cheese may be good for your mental health

Cheese is a healthy and delicious source of many nutrients. It is a great source of calcium, fat, and protein, and contains high amounts of vitamins A and B12, along with zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. High-fat cheeses like blue cheese, brie, and cheddar contain small amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat that may help prevent obesity and heart disease, and may reduce inflammation.

Aged cheeses like cheddar, brie, and parmesan could help boost life expectancy and prevent liver cancer. These cheeses contain a compound known as spermidine, which stops damaged liver cells from replicating. After analyzing spermidine treatment in mice over their entire lifespan, researchers found that their life expectancy increased by 25%.

In addition to its physical health benefits, cheese may also have a positive impact on mental health. While more research is needed to confirm the link between cheese consumption and mental well-being, the existing evidence suggests that including cheese in your diet may contribute to a healthier and happier life.

Cheese may help prevent cavities

In addition to cavity prevention, cheese has been linked to several other health benefits. For example, a study published in the medical journal The Lancet found that consuming more than two servings of dairy per day was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Furthermore, eating cheese has been found to lower the risk of mortality, with one study reporting an 8% lower total mortality risk for those who consume cheese.

Cheese is also a good source of various nutrients, including calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. High-fat cheeses, such as blue cheese, Brie, and cheddar, contain small amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat that may help prevent obesity, heart disease, and reduce inflammation.

While cheese has been associated with these potential health benefits, it is important to remember that it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Cheese is high in calories, saturated fat, and salt, which can be a concern for individuals with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

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