Do you know what makes a cheese platter even better? It’s the ability to indulge in that spread of Gouda, White Cheddar, and Butterkase guilt-free.
Cheese contains nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, protein, and vitamins A and B12 that contribute to preventative health benefits. Further, consuming it regularly within serving-size guidelines has been proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and increase all-around whole-body health.
According to a series of studies published by Advances in Nutrition, a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to scientific and nutritional research, the lowest risk of all-cause mortality among participants was observed at the consumption of approximately 40 grams of cheese per day. This optimal 35 to 40 grams per day held consistent throughout alternative focus groups as well, leveling out steadily (creating an “L” shaped curve) in studies pertaining to the “relative risk of incident” for cardiovascular disease, congenital heart disease, and stroke.
This means people who consumed no cheese were at a slightly higher risk for acquiring these diseases than people who consumed 35 to 40 grams of cheese per day.
To cheese lovers, this may not seem like much cheese. Forty grams is just a little over 1/3 cup. But it’s important to note that 40 grams is where the data began to level, not rise, meaning there is some wiggle room. Consuming more than this was not directly linked to an increase in relative risk for each of the diseases.
Cheese has also been shown to improve cognitive function and bone health and contribute to hip fracture prevention. What’s more, it has the added benefit of pairing well with a variety of foods, making it a healthful alternative to highly processed snacks and meals. Fruits, nuts, bread, and wine are among the most popular pairings, and, should one want to encounter the smell and flavor of a specialty cheese at its finest, eating a chunk of cheese all on its own can be a singularly enjoyable (and nourishing) experience.
View our selection of Hoard’s Dairyman Farm Creamery cheeses here.
