Scientists have revealed a link between consuming large amounts of full-fat cream and cheese and a reduced risk of dementia.
The researchers found, in a study that lasted 25 years, that consuming at least 50 grams of full-fat cheese daily, and at least 20 grams of full-fat cream daily, is associated with a reduced risk of dementia.
According to "Daily Mail", the study's data included dietary records and interviews with more than 27,000 Swedes.
Cheese classification
Dr. Emily Sonestedt, a neurologist at Lund University in Sweden, said, "For decades, the debate over high-fat versus low-fat diets has influenced health advice, to the extent that sometimes cheese has been classified as an unhealthy food that should be limited in consumption."
She continued, "Our study showed that some high-fat dairy products may actually reduce the risk of dementia, challenging some common assumptions about fats and brain health."
High-fat cheese types, such as cheddar, brie, and gouda, contain more than 20% fat, while high-fat cream types contain 30% to 40% fat, including whipping cream, double cream, and clotted cream.
Low-fat cheese
In contrast, low-fat cheese types, as well as low-fat butter, milk, kefir, and cream, showed no benefit in preventing dementia.
Researchers also found a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease among those who consumed larger amounts of high-fat cheese, but only among those who do not carry the APOE e4 gene variant, which is a major genetic risk factor.
The researchers said, "These findings suggest that the benefits of dairy products for brain health are not equal."
They warned against substituting full-fat cheese and cream with other fatty foods like red meat rich in saturated fats, which have been linked to an increased rate of all types of dementia.
