Aging population a The rise of cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease poses significant global health challenges.
In the United States, Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people, and the number of cases is estimated to increase in the coming years. In 2024, an estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older will have Alzheimer’s disease. and by 2050, 13.8 to 16 million Americans over age 65 could suffer from it.
Given this panorama, maintain a balanced diet and take care of brain health They have become essential priorities for many people.
Caring for your memory and keeping your mind active depends on many factors, including diet. The relationship between diet and brain health is a topic of increasing interest in the scientific community, and one of the foods that is in the spotlight is cheese.
Which types of cheese are good for the brain and which are not? This is what the experts explain.
Cheese and its effect on cognitive functions
Cheese is a rich source of essential nutrients such as calcium, protein and vitamins, but not all types of cheese have the same effect on health. According to Dr. Milla Etienne, neurologist and neurosurgeon, Regular consumption of certain types of cheese may be beneficial for memory and cognitive function. Recent studies support this claim consumption of cheeses such as feta and cheddar with improved mental performance.
A study conducted in Japan found a positive relationship between eating feta and cheddar cheese with better memory. These types of cheeses contain nutrients and bioactive compounds that may help maintain brain health and slow age-related cognitive decline.
Processed cheeses: a risk for the brain
Although some cheeses can be beneficial, not all have the same positive effect. Dr. Etienne warns against consumption of processed cheeses and cheeses sold individually packaged or as spreadable cheeses. These productsThey often contain diacetyl, an enzyme used to improve taste but which can have negative effects on brain health. diacetyl It is associated with memory impairment and an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease.
Ultra-processed foods, including many types of cheese, may contain additives that negatively affect the body, increasing inflammation and affecting brain function. Therefore, it is crucial to read the labels of the products we consume. If the ingredient list contains names you don’t recognize, it’s best to avoid consumption, experts suggest.
What kind of cheese is best for the brain?
Dr. Etienne recommends Opt for low-lactose and minimally processed cheeses. His favorites include Swiss cheese, Parmesan and Cheddar, which stand out for their low lactose content and high nutritional value. These cheeses, in addition to being rich in protein, They contain healthy fatty acids that can protect brain cells from premature aging.
Dr. For its part, Betry Grunch also advocates the consumption of a minimum of processed cheeses like cheddar and brie. These cheeses contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), compound that has been shown they have anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for cognitive function. According to Grunch, CLA can help reduce inflammation in the brain, thereby improving mental performance.
Both experts agree that it’s important to avoid ultra-processed cheeses. Dr. Grunch emphasizes that a diet rich in fresh, natural foods is essential for maintaining long-term brain health. “If the ingredient list is endless and has names you don’t know, it’s best to put the product back on the shelf,” he says.
The connection between the gut and the brain
Dr. Etienne also notes that the relationship between the gut and the brain is an area that has gained a lot of interest in recent years. According to an expert any food that negatively affects the digestive system, such as those high in saturated fat or difficult to digest, may affect cognitive function. Cheese is no exception.
If you notice that certain types of cheese affect your digestion, chances are they affect your brain as well. Digestive symptoms such as lactose intolerance may be related to cognitive problems. For this reason, Etienne recommends listening to your body’s signals and opting for cheeses that are easy for your body to digest.
Should we eliminate cheese from our diet?
The answer is no. If your body tolerates cheese well and you opt for minimally processed varieties, there is no reason to exclude this food from your diet. In fact, certain cheeses such as feta, cheddar or parmesan can be part of a healthy diet that supports brain health.
However, it is important to consume these cheeses in moderation and as part of a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other nutrient-dense foods.
Cheese can be an ally for brain health if consumed consciously.
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