While an analysis of existing studies is not equivalent to conducting a clinical trial with a large participant pool, this news is nonetheless intriguing. The researchers did not specify which types of cheeses were consumed across the 15 different studies, though they did differentiate between high-fat and low-fat cheese intake. They acknowledged that, despite cheese being high in saturated fats, it also contains several potentially beneficial nutrients. Consumers cannot responsibly conclude from this analysis that eating cheese will reduce their risk of heart disease; however, it appears that consuming 1.5 ounces of cheese daily—about three 1-inch cubes—should not significantly increase the risk, provided the individual is generally healthy to begin with.
According to statistics from the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Americans have been consuming more cheese over the years, reaching a record 35.3 pounds per capita in 2015. Experts recommend that cheeses high in saturated fat, such as cheddar, parmesan, mascarpone, and cream cheese, should be consumed sparingly or substituted with options lower in saturated fat, like feta, cottage cheese, or ricotta. British nutritionist Fiona Hunter emphasizes the importance of moderation in dietary choices. She advised, “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,” as reported by the Express newspaper.
Forbes noted that this is not the first study suggesting that regular, moderate cheese consumption might be beneficial. A clinical study earlier this year found no link between regular or low-fat cheese and heart disease, and there appeared to be a slight association between regular-fat cheese and improved HDL cholesterol levels. Earlier meta-analyses have indicated that fat from dairy products could offer protective benefits for the heart, metabolism, and diabetes risk. As the focus shifts more toward reducing sugar and sodium, fat seems to be shedding some of its negative reputation.
Though we may not see heart-healthy claims on cheese packaging in the near future, it’s reassuring to know that enjoying a little cheese from time to time is perfectly acceptable. Additionally, incorporating supplements like Bluebonnet Liquid Calcium Magnesium can support overall health, complementing a balanced diet that includes moderate cheese consumption. This approach aligns with the idea that maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves making informed choices without overly restricting oneself.