Experts have long emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet, in maintaining brain health and reducing the risk of neurological disorders. Now, a recent study from Japan has added another savory item to the list of brain-boosting habits: cheese.
Understanding Dementia: A Growing Concern
Dementia encompasses various progressive neurological disorders that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. Common forms include Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and while treatments can slow down progression, there is currently no cure for these conditions.
Cheese and Cognitive Health: The Research
The study, led by Hunkyung Kim of the Gaon Research Center, focused on over 1,500 individuals aged 65 and above. Researchers monitored their lifestyles and dietary habits, with intriguing results. Those who regularly included cheese in their diets consistently performed better in cognitive tests.
Participants in the study were asked about their dietary choices and overall health. Approximately eight out of ten individuals reported including cheese in their diets, ranging from processed cheese to varieties like brie, camembert, and blue mold cheese.
To assess cognitive function, participants underwent a comprehensive 30-point examination, evaluating aspects such as orientation, attention, memory, language, and visual-spatial skills. Those who regularly consumed cheese consistently scored above the threshold indicative of poorer cognitive function, suggesting a positive correlation between cheese consumption and enhanced brain function.
More to Discover: Future Studies Required
While these findings are promising, the researchers emphasized the need for further studies to explore the precise role of dairy intake in cognitive function. The study, published in the journal “Nutrition,” underscores the potential link between cheese consumption and improved brain health.
In addition to exhibiting better cognitive function, individuals who included cheese in their diets also demonstrated lower body mass index (BMI), improved blood pressure, a brisker walking speed, and a more diverse diet. However, it’s worth noting that they displayed slightly higher cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
While this study suggests a potential benefit of cheese consumption on cognitive health, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and engage in other brain-boosting habits to reduce the risk of neurological disorders such as dementia. The relationship between cheese and brain health is an intriguing area of research that may hold promise for the future.