Food for Health Ireland researchers undertake the largest study of the impact of cheese on Irish heart health.
For years, cheese has been demonized as a food high in saturated fat, which could raise cholesterol levels and heart disease risks. If you have cholesterol concerns, you may be told to avoid cheese. Irish researchers in University College Dublin and Teagasc Moorepark now think that this advice needs a rethink.
A number of scientific studies published in the last few years have called into question the current negative message about cheese as an unhealthy food. This emerging science from around the world is poking holes in the argument that cheese is detrimental to health. FHI scientists are currently conducting the largest study of its kind in Ireland to understand more about cheese and its impact on our health.
This human study is being conducted in UCD. Dr Emma Feeney, FHI UCD explains ‘Cheese is high in saturated fat, however there is something special about the matrix of cheese. The fat is found with other nutrients like calcium and protein. It is believed that this matrix of nutrients with the fat can potentially have a positive effect on our health. Our study will look at this theory in more detail’.
The idea of our diet impacting our health is a hot topic these days. With obesity and its related diseases such as heart disease, on the increase, we need to look towards prevention rather than relying on cure. The results of this study will add to the body of knowledge about cheese and health proving that the combination of nutrients in cheese has many promising health benefits.
If you’re over 50 years old and have a BMI of 25 or over, This Irish cheese study needs you….Come to the FHI stand in the Innovation Arena (Unit no. 7) in the Innovation Arena at the National PloughingChampsionships to learn more about taking part.