Unlock Brain Health: Surprising Benefits of High-Fat Cheese in Lowering Dementia Risk

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(NewsNation) — Fresh insights from European research indicate that indulging in high-fat cheese daily could potentially reduce the risk of dementia. However, experts caution against overindulging in your favorite cheese just yet.

A study, recently published in the journal Neurology on December 17, observed that individuals who consumed 50 grams or more of high-fat cheese had a decreased likelihood of developing dementia compared to those who ate less than 15 grams. Additionally, those who enjoyed 20 grams or more of high-fat cream each day also showed a reduced risk compared to those who did not consume any.

This conclusion emerged from an analysis of dietary data collected from nearly 28,000 Swedish participants in the 1990s, cross-referenced with their health records, including dementia diagnoses, from the past decade.

A potential limitation of the study is its reliance on dietary information, which may have evolved over time. However, researchers conducted an analysis on a subset of participants to evaluate changes in their eating patterns.

“Our research suggests that people who ate more high-fat cheese had a slightly lower risk of developing dementia later in life,” senior study author Emily Sonestedt of Lund University in Sweden told CNN. “This does not prove that cheese prevents dementia, but it does challenge the idea that all high-fat dairy is bad for the brain.”

Foods that are high in fat have long been identified with the potential to increase levels of “bad cholesterol” in the body, leading to strokes or heart attacks. In looking at “healthier” dairy options, such as cheese, cream and milk with lower fat levels, researchers said these items were not associated with a lower dementia risk.