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Be it a creamy Brie or Camembert, or a sharp Cheddar — cheese has long been a beloved and delicious snack. Rich and flavorful, it’s also often regarded as an indulgence.
According to research, published in Neurology, high-fat cheese may be linked to lower dementia risk and better brain health. The surprising findings may even inspire you to reach for another slice or two. So smile and say “cheese!”
A New Way to Think About Cheese
The study followed 27,670 adults in Sweden for approximately 25 years. Its goal was to examine the relationship between high-fat and low-fat dairy consumption and dementia risk. High-fat cheese was defined as cheese containing more than 20 percent fat.
According to this measure, high-fat cheeses include Gouda, Brie, and Cheddar, People reports. It also encompasses the soft cheese Camembert, semi-soft Gruyère, and blue cheeses such as Stilton.
Participants kept track of their intake of various dairy products, including high-fat cheese, cream, butter, milk, and fermented milk, according to ScienceDaily. According to the findings, participants who consumed 50 grams or more of high-fat cheese per day had a 13 percent lower risk of developing dementia compared with those who consumed less than 15 grams daily or none.
The association was even stronger for vascular dementia, with a 29 percent lower risk observed among higher consumers of high-fat cheese. In contrast, the study found no similar association between dementia risk and consumption of low-fat cheeses and other dairy products, including milk, butter, and fermented milk such as yogurt.
A Dietary Assumption Gets a Fresh, Healthy Look
Study author Emily Sonestedt observed that these results challenge long-standing dietary beliefs. “Our study found that some high-fat dairy products may actually lower the risk of dementia, challenging some long-held assumptions about fat and brain health,” Sonestedt told ScienceDaily.
Those who ate high-fat cheeses also tended to have lower rates of hypertension, diabetes, and stroke and were less likely to be on lipid-lowering medication, according to People.
One difference to note is that Swedes prefer to eat cheese by itself, while in other places it's enjoyed in a pasta dish, on a sandwich, or as part of a larger meal, including in America.
Despite these cultural food behaviors, this research is kicking off a new conversation about diet and the mind. This is great news for cheese lovers, who can now enjoy full-fat cheeses knowing that besides being tasty, they may also support brain health.
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