One of the healthiest snacks accessible anywhere on the globe, cheese can help guard against tooth decay. However, did you know that some types of cheese can even improve bone health? If stories are to be believed, some researchers have discovered a certain type of Norwegian cheese that helps prevent bone illnesses like osteoporosis.
The Study
This Norwegian cheese is extremely beneficial for human health because it can encourage the growth of both bones and teeth, according to a study that was published in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention. In this study, 66 "healthy women" with an average age of 33 received either 50 grams of the K2 deficient cheese Camembert or 57 grams of Jarlsberg every day for six weeks. Professor Sumatra Ray, executive director of the NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, who cut the cheese on the study, said, "This study shows that while calcium and vitamin D are known to be extremely important for bone health, there are other important factors at play such as vitamin K2, which is perhaps not as well known."
The Findings
The Jarlsberg group obtained the best outcomes when the blood samples of all the participants were used to examine the subjects' peptides and proteins. After six weeks, they were seen to have more indications of bone renewal and rises in K2, in contrast to the Camembert crew, whose "indicators of bone health declined significantly." The cholesterol levels and glucose levels of the women who ingested Jarlsberg both decreased by about 3%. On the other hand, when the Camembert women switched to Jarlsberg cheese, their blood sugar levels reduced by 2%.
What Makes This Cheese Special
The Jarlsberg cheese from Norway has regular holes and a mild flavour was discovered in an eastern town. Because of the holes, this cheese is categorised as a Swiss-type cheese. However, this cheese came from Norway and a daily ration of this tasty snack can prove to be worthy of your health. This cheese is rich in vitamin K2, which is believed to aid bone health. Researchers also discovered that this Scandinavian cheese can increase levels of osteocalcin, a protein that helps build bones.
Conclusion
The researchers found that the bacteria in Jarlsberg cheese generate the coenzyme DNHA, which is thought to be able to both hinder and promote bone tissue growth. This discovery explains why osteocalcin levels have increased. However, Ray cautions, "Because this was a small study involving young, healthy individuals, extreme caution should be exercised in how you interpret the results. Additionally, this research should not be interpreted as endorsing any particular brand of cheese. Consuming too much of this cheese should be avoided.