A large long term study challenges long held views on full fat dairy and brain health
Full fat cheese is no longer the villain. A major Swedish study links regular intake of full fat cheese and cream with a lower risk of dementia later in life.
KEY FINDINGS
Nutrition researchers from Lund University analyzed dietary habits and health data from nearly 28,000 people over a 25 year period.
The results are clear.
People who consumed at least 50 grams of uncooked full fat cheese per day showed a 13 percent lower risk of developing dementia. Daily intake of 20 grams or more of cream was linked to a 16 percent lower risk. Low fat versions showed no protective effect. No association was found with milk, butter, or yogurt.
WHAT SCIENTISTS SAY
Emily Sonestedt, one of the study authors, pointed out that full fat dairy has been debated for decades.
According to her, the findings challenge long standing assumptions about fats and brain health. The study was published in December under the auspices of the American Academy of Neurology.
HOW THE STUDY WORKED
Participants reported what they ate and how meals were prepared.
During the follow up period, 3,208 participants developed dementia. Full fat cheese was defined as products containing at least 20 percent fat. Cream below 30 percent fat was classified as low fat.
LIMITATIONS AND CAUTIONS
The observed benefits did not apply to people carrying the APOE e4 gene variant, a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers call for further studies, especially in countries like the United States where cheese is often consumed melted and with meat.
