A Swedish study conducted over an extended period provides surprising observations on cheese consumption in brain development, challenging some established beliefs regarding dietary fats.
Researchers followed nearly 28,000 people for 25 years. Their work indicates that participants consuming more full-fat cheese and cream had a reduced risk of developing cognitive disorders. This association was particularly marked in individuals without a known genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease.
To strengthen reliability, the team excluded participants already suffering from dementia at the start. They also verified the results by removing those diagnosed in the first decade, limiting the influence of early changes related to the disease. This approach makes it possible to better isolate the effect of diet in the long term.
These discoveries contrast with the usual recommendations favoring low-fat dairy products. However, previous work published in journals like
Neurology indicates that cheese does not necessarily increase cardiovascular risks. These aspects are important because heart disease and dementia share common factors.
What matters is not an isolated food, but the overall diet. Habits like the Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fish and cheese, are associated with better brain health. In the Swedish study, the benefits seemed linked to a replacement of processed meat with dairy products.
Full-fat cheese consumers in the study tended to be more educated and in better overall health. This indicates that the beneficial effect might come from a balanced lifestyle, including a diverse diet and regular physical activity, rather than from cheese alone.
Important nutrients in cheese for the brain
Full-fat cheese contains several nutrients that can help brain function. Among them, fat-soluble vitamins A, D and K2 play a role in protecting neurons and inflammatory regulation. These elements are often present in full-fat dairy products, which could partly explain the study's observations.
Moreover, cheese is a source of vitamin B12, folate, iodine, zinc and selenium. These micronutrients are involved in the energy production of nerve cells and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Their presence in the diet helps maintain normal cognition as we age.
However, it should be noted that these nutrients are not exclusive to cheese. They are also found in other foods such as eggs, fish or green vegetables. A varied diet makes it possible to cover these needs without depending on a single type of product.
Finally, the bioavailability of these nutrients in cheese can be influenced by fermentation. Fermented dairy products, such as certain cheeses, could offer additional advantages thanks to their probiotics, but data remain to be confirmed for dementia.