Could eating cheese boost our cognitive performance? That’s according to recent research among older adults living in Japan.
- Regular consumption of cheese could have a positive effect on cognitive functions.
- Eating dairy products could prevent the risk of developing dementia, researchers say.
- Cheese lovers also have slightly lower blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) than non-cheese eaters.
Good news for cheese lovers! This type of dairy product may improve cognitive functions, according to a new study published in the journal Nutrients.
To reach this conclusion, the researchers assessed the health status, physical activity and eating habits of 1,516 people aged over 65 living in Tokyo (Japan). During this work, nearly 80% of the volunteers consumed cheese, either daily (28%), once every two days (24%), or twice a week (30%).
Higher cognitive abilities in cheese lovers
To assess their cognitive function, the volunteers also had to answer 30 questions about memory, language, orientation, attention and visuospatial abilities. A score of 23 or less was considered a marker of poor cognitive function.
The scientists then found that cheese lovers were less likely to score lower on cognitive tests. Participants who regularly ate these dairy products had an average score of 28 points, while those who did not eat them had an average score of 27 points.
Cheese-eaters also had slightly lower blood pressure and body mass index (BMI), faster walking speeds, and a more varied diet. However, they had higher cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Dementia: high consumption of dairy products could reduce risks
In support of their findings, the study leaders noted that previous research has shown that a diet high in soy products, vegetables, seaweed, milk and dairy products is associated with a reduced risk of dementia. “Furthermore, high consumption of milk and dairy products reduces the risk of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (…) Our results suggest that cheese consumption is inversely associated with decreased cognitive function, even after adjusting for multiple confounding factors”they stressed
