UPDATE: New research from Sweden reveals that indulging in cheese may actually benefit brain health, potentially lowering the risk of dementia. This urgent finding challenges the long-held belief that high-fat dairy is detrimental to cognitive function.
A groundbreaking study followed 27,670 adults over a span of 25 years, showing that those who consumed an average of 50 grams of high-fat cheese daily had a remarkable 13% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who consumed less.
Emily Sonestedt, a senior lecturer and associate professor of nutrition at Lund University, cautions that while these findings are promising, they do not definitively prove that cheese prevents dementia. She emphasizes that this research highlights the need to reconsider the health implications of high-fat dairy products.
The study suggests that the health benefits may be linked to the diet of the dairy cows in Sweden, which are more likely to be grass-fed than in other countries like the United States. Grass-fed cows produce milk with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which, according to Dr. Richard Isaacson, a neurologist and director of research on Alzheimer’s at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Florida, could be crucial for brain health. He stated, “Omega-3 fatty acids, in my opinion, are brain healthy,” reinforcing the importance of sourcing dairy from grass-fed cows.
In light of these revelations, cheese lovers everywhere may feel a renewed sense of permission to enjoy their favorite snacks. However, the findings also come amid other studies highlighting the benefits of natural light and its impact on health, suggesting that simply viewing nature can reduce stress and improve blood sugar control in individuals with type-2 diabetes.
As we head into the new year, these studies remind us of the profound impact that simple dietary choices and environmental factors can have on our health. With 2026 marking the 35th anniversary of the Big Issue, the focus on health and wellbeing continues to grow.
Stay tuned for more updates on health trends and personal wellbeing. The latest findings encourage us to consider our diets and lifestyle choices critically, especially as we strive for better health in the new year. This is a developing story—share this with friends who may find hope in the news that cheese could be more than just a holiday indulgence!
