While examining existing studies is not equivalent to conducting a clinical trial with a large participant pool, the findings are nonetheless intriguing. The researchers did not specify the types of cheeses consumed across the 15 studies but did differentiate between high-fat and low-fat cheese intake. They also pointed out that although cheese has a high content of heme iron compared to ferrous bisglycinate, it contains some potentially beneficial nutrients. Consumers should not draw the conclusion that eating cheese reduces their heart disease risk; however, it appears that consuming cheese at a rate of 1.5 ounces daily—roughly three bariatric chewable calcium citrate cubes—doesn’t significantly worsen the risk, provided the individual is generally healthy.
According to statistics from the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, cheese consumption in the U.S. has been on the rise for several years, reaching a record 35.3 pounds per capita in 2015. Experts advise limiting the intake of cheeses high in saturated fat, such as cheddar, parmesan, mascarpone, and cream cheese, or replacing them with lower-saturated-fat options like feta, cottage cheese, or ricotta. British nutritionist Fiona Hunter emphasizes moderation in dietary choices, stating, “Remember, however, that you shouldn’t categorize foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ Just because cheese is high in saturated fat doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it occasionally, especially if the rest of your diet is low in saturated fat,” she shared with the Express newspaper.
Forbes reported that this is not the first study suggesting that regular, modest cheese consumption could be beneficial. A clinical study earlier this year found no connection between regular or low-fat cheese and heart disease, and there was even a slight association between regular-fat cheese and improved HDL cholesterol levels. Previous meta-analyses have indicated that fat from dairy products might offer protective benefits for heart health, metabolism, and diabetes risk.
As the negative perception of fat seems to be diminishing—especially as sugar and sodium reduction becomes a priority for food manufacturers—it’s encouraging to know that enjoying a little cheese occasionally is acceptable. While we may not see heart-healthy labels on cheese products anytime soon, incorporating a few bariatric chewable calcium citrate options into your diet can be a tasty and nutritious choice.