Daily consumption of cheese linked to reduction in heart attack, stroke risk

New Delhi: Used as a main ingredient in many dishes and as a taste enhancer in some, cheese is a gourmet lover's delight.

However, cheese is often on the list of things to avoid for those who want to lead a healthy life. But, cheese lovers now have a reason to rejoice!

According to a new research, eating a daily portion of cheese could reduce the risk of fatal heart attacks and stroke.

This comes just months after a previous study found that cheese could hold the keys to a longer life.

According to the research, a daily portion of the size of a small matchbox reduces the chances by 14 percent. All cheese is rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins which help protect against cardiovascular disease.

Cheese also contains high levels of calcium, which means that although it is high in fat, less of that fat is absorbed by the body.

Participants eating around one-and-a-half ounces (40g) a day saw the greatest reduction in risk to their health.

The scientists said the research also showed cheese boosted levels of so-called "good" cholesterol while reducing levels of "bad" cholesterol.

Reacting to the latest study, Ian Givens, Professor of Food Chain Nutrition at Reading University, said calcium from dairy products such as cheese played a vital role in reducing fat in the body.

He said, "They do seem to be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and - particularly with yoghurt - Type 2 diabetes, which is an area of research we are trying to develop because there are 700 new cases every day. The biggest element in cheese appears to be the close association between calcium and fat."

Adding, "There is a link between the fat and calcium which makes the fat less digestible."

Sophie Clarke, of the British Cheese Board, said, "Far from having a negative effect, a number of large studies have shown dairy products to have a protective effect on factors relating to heart health. Looking specifically at cheese, a number of studies show no association between eating cheese and heart disease."

The study was published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

(With ANI inputs)