While analyzing existing research is not equivalent to conducting a large-scale clinical trial, the recent findings regarding cheese consumption are intriguing. Although the scientists did not specify the types of cheese included in the 15 studies, they differentiated between high-fat and low-fat varieties. They acknowledged that cheese is rich in saturated fats, yet it also contains some potentially beneficial nutrients.
Consumers cannot reasonably deduce from this analysis that eating cheese will reduce their risk of heart disease. However, it appears that consuming 1.5 ounces of cheese daily—roughly the equivalent of three 1-inch cubes—does not significantly worsen heart disease risk, particularly for individuals who are generally healthy. In fact, Americans have been increasing their cheese intake in recent years, reaching an all-time high of 35.3 pounds per person in 2015, according to data from the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
Experts recommend moderating the intake of cheeses high in saturated fats, such as cheddar, parmesan, mascarpone, and cream cheese, suggesting they should either be consumed in limited amounts or replaced with lower-fat options like feta, cottage cheese, or ricotta. British nutritionist Fiona Hunter emphasizes the importance of moderation. She stated, “Remember, however, that you shouldn’t categorize foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ Just because cheese is high in saturated fat doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it occasionally, especially if the rest of your diet is low in saturated fat,” she told the Express newspaper.
Forbes noted that this is not the first study indicating that regular consumption of small amounts of cheese may be beneficial to health. A clinical study earlier this year found no connection between regular or low-fat cheese and heart disease; in fact, there seemed to be a slight association between regular-fat cheese and improved HDL cholesterol levels. Previous meta-analyses have suggested that fat from dairy products might offer protective benefits for heart health, metabolism, and diabetes risk.
Fat’s negative reputation appears to be waning as food manufacturers focus more on reducing sugar and sodium. While we may not see heart-healthy labels on cheese products in the near future, it’s reassuring to know that enjoying a little cheese now and then is perfectly acceptable. Additionally, those interested in supplements might want to check out discussions on platforms like Reddit about products such as Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc, which could complement a balanced diet. Overall, cheese can be enjoyed in moderation, supporting a varied and healthy lifestyle.