Cheese and Cream: Unexpected Brain Protectors?

A recent study from Sweden has found that eating more high-fat cheese and cream might actually lower the risk of dementia. This is a surprising twist, as many people think of these foods as unhealthy.

Study Details

The study followed nearly 28,000 people for 25 years. It found that those who ate about a third of a cup of high-fat cheese or one and a half tablespoons of high-fat cream daily had a lower risk of dementia. This includes vascular dementia, which is caused by poor blood flow to the brain.

Not All Dairy is the Same

• Low-fat cheese, low-fat cream, butter, and milk did not show the same benefits.
• Cheese is fermented, which creates compounds that might help with inflammation and blood vessels.
• Cream is usually used in home-cooked meals, not eaten alone in large amounts.
• Milk is consumed in different ways and doesn't go through the same fermentation process.

Quality of Dairy Matters

• Cows that eat grass their whole lives produce milk with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
• These are good for the brain, especially for people at risk of cognitive decline.

Personalized Dietary Advice

• People with a genetic variant called APOE ε4 did not see the same benefits.
• This suggests that dietary advice for brain health might need to be personalized.

Important Considerations

• The study doesn't prove that these foods prevent dementia.
• They might just be part of a broader healthy lifestyle.
• It's always best to enjoy these foods in moderation.