Eating cheese once a week may lower dementia risk, study finds

A study suggests that eating cheese one time a week can lower the risk of dementia

A Japanese study found that weekly cheese consumption was associated with a lower risk of dementia.

Photo Credit: Azzedine Rouichi via Unsplash

This tasty treat may be more beneficial than expected. A recent study in the open access scientific journal Nutrients, a Japanese team of researchers discovered that eating cheese one time a week could lower the chances of developing dementia up to 24 percent. 

The cheese that makes life great

This study compared those who regularly consumed cheese to those who did not. The data was collected over three years. According to the findings, people who regularly consume cheese may be at lower risk for dementia than those who don’t. At the end, 3.4% of regular consumers of cheese had been diagnosed with the disease, compared to 4.45% among those who eat it rarely or never. It may appear that the difference is small, but in reality it amounts to 10,6 less cases of dementia per 1,000 people.

The study found that people who ate cheese regularly and then developed dementia, did so a little later than those who didn’t. The study found that those who ate regular cheese were diagnosed seven days later on average than their counterparts who didn’t.

Many health benefits of What is the word for this?

Experts in nutrition suggest several reasons why cheese could positively impact brain health. According to the study, cheese contains “proteins and amino acids essential for neuronal maintenance as well as fat soluble vitamins like vitamin K2 that play a role in vascular and calcium homeostasis.” In addition to supporting neuronal function, the amino acids found in cheese also protects the brain against damage. Some evidence suggests that fermented milk products may influence inflammation and gut-brain axis. These are believed to be involved in cognitive decline, including dementia.

“Fermented dairy products are also associated with a lower risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, which are both known to be risk factors for dementia,” says the paper. The calcium-containing vitamins in cheese are essential for maintaining a healthy blood level of calcium.

In addition to dietary factors, socioeconomic factors such as health, income, and education were recorded.

The researchers of the study in the journal wrote: “Although there was a slight reduction in risk, this is consistent with previous evidence suggesting that fermented dairy products may have cognitive benefits.”

In particular, processed cheese was the most commonly consumed cheese among participants, with an 82.7 percent rate. White mould cheese (creamy soft cheeses such as camembert, brie or camembert) followed with 7.8 percent. 

Research is needed to confirm specifics

Although the study indicates that eating cheese may be beneficial in reducing dementia risk, further research will need to be done to determine if cheese prevents dementia or other brain conditions. The study was observational, which means it only showed an association, but did not prove a cause-and-effect. It is important to conduct further research in order to determine the ideal amount of cheese, as well as other factors such subtypes of cheese.

In 2021, more than 50 millions people were diagnosed with dementia around the globe. The World Health Organisation’s Global Status Report on Public Health Response to Dementia states that the number could triple by 2050. In Japan, the country where the study took place, dementia diagnoses are on the rise. According to the study, dementia diagnoses in Japan will increase from 4.4million adults in 2022 to a total of 5.8million in 2040.

Around 944,000 British people over 65 years old have dementia.

If you are on a strict diet, these facts may give you a valid reason to include cheese in your next meal.

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About Liam Bradford

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Liam Bradford, a seasoned news editor with over 20 years of experience, currently based in Spain, is known for his editorial expertise, commitment to journalistic integrity, and advocating for press freedom.

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