Popular cheeses in the longest-lived regions of the planet

Popular cheeses in the longest-lived regions of the planet

While many people consider cheese to be their favorite food, others are concerned about choosing the right ones.

types of cheese that do not compromise your health and fitness.

It is common to hear advice to avoid excessive consumption of cheese, not only because of the calories, but

also due to the content of saturated fats and sodium present in these dairy products.

However, for those who cannot imagine a life without cheese, it is interesting to know that two types of

cheese are consumed in the diets of the so-called "blue zones", regions where people live longer. Those

cheeses are grass-fed sheep's cheese and goat's cheese.

What role do these cheeses play in the diets of these people known for their longevity?

What's different about these cheeses?

It is important to highlight that the mentioned sheep and goat cheeses are produced from pasture-fed animals, known as grass-fed.

Consuming cheese, meat, and other dairy products from animals following this type of diet has specific benefits.

According to nutritionist Taylor Fazio, grass-fed products have higher levels of beta-carotene and omega-3s

compared to products that come from conventionally fed animals.

These products also have a lower amount of omega-6, which has an inflammatory effect, and it is recommended to

consume it in moderation and in smaller quantities than omega-3, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, explained Fazio.

The nutritionist stressed that omega-6 is not harmful in itself, but the problem arises when there is an excessive consumption of omega-6 in relation to low intake of omega-3, which is associated with the development of many chronic conditions related to modern diet.

Additionally, Fazio pointed out that grass-fed cheeses, made from grass-fed animals, contain more antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, as well as being a higher-quality source of protein compared to conventional options.

The Benefits

Going for a grass-fed cow cheese can be a good option, but it's important to note that goat and sheep cheese tend to have an even healthier nutritional profile compared to cow cheese.

According to nutritionist Taylor Fazio, goat's milk has a slightly higher protein content and contains healthy fatty acids and vitamins.

In addition, its lactose content is lower, which facilitates digestion for people with lactose intolerance.

Likewise, sheep's cheese is rich in vitamins and minerals essential for health, being considered a food source with a high protein content, according to Fazio.

Additionally, a 2021 article published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences indicated that bioactive substances in sheep milk have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Another positive aspect is related to the fact that cheese is a fermented food.

Fazio explained that fermented foods like cheese and yogurt provide beneficial bacteria that contribute to the gut microbiome and promote digestion.

The nutritionist also pointed out that the fermentation process can reduce lactose.

She advises including a variety of fermented foods in the diet, as this is important for gut health, immunity, and even mood.

No exaggeration and it's not just the cheese

It is important to point out that, according to the Blue Zones official website, the presence of products derived from goat and sheep milk in the traditional menus of the Blue Zones of Ikaria and Sardinia is prominent, but in relatively small quantities and consumed only a few times per week, not daily.

It is also worth remembering that simply consuming grass-fed goat and sheep cheese is not enough to achieve longevity.

Blue Zones are examples of health due to a combination of several factors.

Daily habits like staying consistently active, consuming locally grown whole foods, eating moderately and mindfully, and having a sense of community all contribute to overall health, said dietitian Taylor Fazio.

The presence of goat and sheep cheese in the diet of people in these regions is only a small part of a much larger picture and may complement, but not directly cause, the benefits in terms of longevity. This information is from Well+Good.