Cheese Could Lower Diabetes Risk

While dieters may avoid cheese in order to lose weight, a new study reveals that certain types of dairy intake may be linked with a lowered risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

The study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that fermented dairy products, like cheese and yogurt, have an inverse association with diabetes risk. However, other subtypes of dairy products had no relationship with diabetes at all.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition often linked to obesity, so cheese consumption should be kept at a healthy level. Regularly snacking on cheese products can reduce the chances of developing type 2 diabetes by 12%.

Why would cheese reduce diabetes risk, but not other dairy products?

The fermentation process that occurs in cheese triggers a chemical reaction that protects against diabetes and some heart problems.

While the results of the new study are promising, the charity Diabetes UL warns against eating too much cheese. Dr Iain Frame, director of research, noted that “it is too simplistic to concentrate of individual foods.”.

“We recommend a healthy balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetable and low in salt and fat”. He also recommends that people do not drastically change their dairy intake to avoid diabetes, for too much cheese intake could lead to obesity, which is one of the biggest risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes.