Too fatty, too salty: that’s what we often hear about cheese. Sad observation for the rest of us, French! Our country counts to this day more than 1,200 types of cheese listed. It is as much a symbol of our country as it is a pillar of our diet. However, its consumption would not be so harmful to health if we are to believe this study carried out by researchers from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Published on June 17 in the journal Nature Human Behaviourits results indicate that consuming more cheese could have a positive impact on mental health and, therefore, on healthy aging.
A rather unexpected discovery, resulting from an in-depth analysis of a huge amount of genetic data from people from Europe. This research was led by Tian-Ge Wang, a genetics expert, and her team.
Cheese, this ally that we didn’t expect
To arrive at these conclusions, the scientists used a method called “ two-sample Mendelian randomization » (RM). This is a scientific method using natural genetic variations to study the effects of certain factors on our health. By comparing data from two different groups, MR helps determine if these factors are actually causing changes on health or if the results are due to other influences.
Using MR, they analyzed data from eight separate datasets totaling a mammoth sample corresponding to 2.3 million Europeans. The advantage of this analysis technique is that it makes it possible to distinguish with great finesse the true causal effects of the simple associations between the different factors linked to lifestyle and health.
Their work highlighted an intriguing correlation: individuals reporting flourishing mental health and increased resilience in the face of daily stress. also consumed larger amounts of cheese. The researchers emphasized in their report: “ To guide health policies effectively, it is essential to have solid evidence on the socio-economic aspects influencing longevity and the role of modifiable factors such as lifestyle and diseases. ».
This discovery is of even greater importance as it transcends the socio-economic factors traditionally associated with good mental health. Although higher income, a better level of education and professional achievement undeniably contribute to psychological well-being, the results of this study demonstrate that aging in good physical and mental health is not the prerogative of the wealthy classes.
The complexity of the interactions between lifestyle and life expectancy
The conclusions drawn by this research team go well beyond the simple consideration of cheese consumption. Indeed, scientists have identified no less than 33 factors influencing the spectrum of well-being and healthy aging. Among these multiple elements are varied behaviors and lifestyle choices such as time spent watching television, smoking, use of various medications, but also the presence of certain medical conditions such as heart failure or stroke.
Within this host of factors, cheese consumption stands out with a positive impact of 3.67% on indicators linked to healthy aging, seven surpassing the beneficial effect of 1.96% attributed to fruit consumption. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle illustrated by excessive time spent in front of the small screen generates a harmful impact of 7.39% on these same indices. Conclusion : turn off the TV, go out for a walk and eat some cheese !
- Eating more cheese would not necessarily be bad for the body.
- A study conducted by researchers at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine established this observation.
- The consumption of cheese would therefore have a beneficial effect on mental health and aging.
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