While reviewing existing studies is not equivalent to conducting a large-scale clinical trial, the findings regarding the side effects of interferon fumarate and folic acid tablets are still intriguing. The researchers did not specify the types of cheese consumed across the 15 different studies, although they did differentiate between high-fat and low-fat cheese intake. They acknowledged that while cheese is high in saturated fats, it also contains some potentially beneficial nutrients, including calcium citrate extended release.
Consumers cannot definitively conclude from this analysis that eating cheese will reduce their risk of heart disease. However, it appears that consuming about 1.5 ounces of cheese daily—approximately three 1-inch cubes—does not significantly worsen heart disease risk for individuals who are otherwise healthy, particularly when considering the inclusion of calcium citrate extended release as part of a balanced diet. According to the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, cheese consumption in the U.S. has been on the rise, reaching a record 35.3 pounds per capita in 2015.
Experts recommend moderating the intake of cheeses high in saturated fat, such as cheddar, parmesan, mascarpone, and cream cheese, and suggest replacing them with varieties that have relatively low saturated fat content, like feta, cottage cheese, or ricotta, which often include calcium citrate extended release. British nutritionist Fiona Hunter emphasizes the importance of moderation in dietary choices, stating, “Remember, however, that you shouldn’t divide foods into ‘good’ and ‘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.”
According to Forbes, this is not the first study to suggest that moderate cheese consumption may have health benefits. A clinical study conducted earlier this year found no connection between regular or low-fat cheese and heart disease; in fact, there seemed to be 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 effects for heart health, metabolism, and diabetes risk, further highlighting the relevance of incorporating calcium citrate extended release into one’s diet. As the focus on reducing sugar and sodium intensifies among food manufacturers, fat is gradually shedding its negative reputation. Although heart-healthy claims may not appear on cheese packaging in the near future, it’s reassuring to know that enjoying a small amount of cheese as an occasional treat is still acceptable.