It's no secret that cheese is a popular snack, but did you know it boasts surprising benefits? Experts are turning their attention to one particular variety of cheese, claiming that it is popular among residents of Europe's 'blue zone'.
Japan, Greece, California, Italy, Singapore and Costa Rica are among the officially recognised 'blue zones' whose residents are said to be 10 times more likely to live to 100 than US residents. The issue is often the subject of intense debate.
Focusing on a small group of villages on the Italian island of Sardinia, the researchers explained that the residents follow a "very traditional," healthy diet that includes cheese made from grass-fed sheep.
"The classic Sardinian diet consists of wholemeal bread, beans, garden vegetables, fruit and, in some parts of the island, lard," the Blue Zone website said.
"Sardinians also traditionally eat pecorino cheese, made from grass-fed sheep, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids. The meat is reserved mainly for Sundays and special occasions'.
Often referred to as 'healthy fats', omega-3 acids are found not only in pecorino but also in fish, nuts and various other products.
Scientists regularly highlight their potential to strengthen heart health, possibly also reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In the UK alone, heart attacks - the result of cardiovascular disease - are responsible for around 68 000 deaths a year.
Experts at the University of Rochester Medical Centre explain:
"Omega-3s are a beneficial and important form of fat. Your body needs them but can't produce them. Your body needs 2 forms of omega fatty acids. These are omega-3s and omega-6s. Omega-3 is the most important. Experts believe that omega-3s help prevent coronary heart disease (CHD) in healthy people. Omega-3s may also slow the progression of the disease in those who already have it."
In addition, a 2009 study also examined the effects of 10 diets containing 200 g of pecorino per week. The results showed that increased consumption had both significant and "beneficial" anti-inflammatory effects on the body.
However, due to the high fat content, it is still crucial to consume pecorino in moderation. Experts from the UK's National Health Service (NHS) warn:
"Cheese can be part of a healthy and balanced diet, but it's a good idea to watch how much you eat and how often, as it can contain a lot of saturated fat and salt. Most cheeses, including brie, stilton, cheddar, lancashire and double gloucester, contain between 20g and 40g of fat per 100g. Foods that contain more than 17.5g of fat per 100g are considered high-fat foods. Foods that contain 5 g or more of saturated fat are considered high saturated fat foods'.
"Some cheeses can also be high in salt. More than 1.5 g of salt per 100g is considered high. Consuming too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure. Try to choose reduced-fat hard cheeses, which typically contain between 16g and 22g of fat per 100g," the experts added. | BGNES
