Say cheese and live a longer life

30 April 2015 - 09:02 By SAFFRON ALEXANDER

Eating cheese could be the key to a faster metabolism and reduced obesity. Scientists at Aarhus University in Denmark investigated why the French tend to lead long and healthy lives while consuming diets high in saturated fats.Though most explanations of this phenomenon, known as the "French paradox", focus on wine consumed and lifestyle, theDanish research points to a simpler answer - fermented dairy products such as cheese.The French enjoy a low incidence of coronary heart disease and an average life expectancy of 82 years, while consuming up to 23.9kg of cheese each year. The British, who eat 11.6kg of cheese each year, have twice the levels of cardiovascular disease and their life expectancy is 81.Hanne Bertram, a food scientist at the university, compared urine and faecal samples from 15 men and found that those who ate cheese had higher levels of butyric acid, a compound that has been linked to reduced obesity, a higher metabolism and a reduction in cholesterol.Earlier research suggested it was specifically Roquefort cheese that helped guard against cardiovascular disease, leading to good health and longevity.The cheese, known for its mould and green veins, had specific anti-inflammatory properties that contributed to the occurrence of the French paradox. - ©The Daily Telegraph..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.