University of Graz Special types of cheese extend the relative lifetime

Spermidine in cheese improves the health of the heart
If you like to eat cheese, there is good news for you: Certain types of cheese (such as blue cheese) can help increase your life expectancy. Researchers have now discovered that so-called spermidine contained in cheese can improve heart health and lead to a longer life.

The scientists of the Medical University of Graz found in an investigation that spermidine contained in cheese can contribute to a longer life. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Nature".

For some people, this picture is sure to make your mouth water. But cheese tastes not only good, the consumption also seems to improve the health of our heart and thus leads to an increased life expectancy. (Image: gkrphoto / fotolia.com)

Cheese is good for the heart but also contains a lot of fat
Does the consumption of cheese really increase human life expectancy? At first, that sounds like we should eat tons of cheese. But before you start looting the cheese counters, you should consider the usually very high fat content of cheese. So we have to compare the negative effects of the fat content of cheese with the positive effects of containing spermidine. The key, as with many foods, seems to be consumption in moderation, explain the researchers.

Test animals live longer through cheese consumption
The current study was conducted on mice and rats. The experts were able to determine that feeding with spermidine improved the heart health of the test animals. This usually also led to the animals living longer.

High levels of spermidine in the diet leads to decreased blood pressure
Spermidine was first discovered in semen samples, so it also carries a related name. But spermidine is also found in soybeans, chicken liver, peas, corn and clams. Not only in mice, but also in humans, high levels of spermidine in the diet are associated with decreased blood pressure and less incidence of heart disease, say the scientists.

Further research in the field is needed
Our findings point to a new and easily implemented strategy for protecting against cardiovascular disease, the authors of the study write. However, even larger studies are needed before any clear conclusions can be drawn, the experts add.

Especially people with weight problems should not exaggerate cheese consumption
Cheese can undoubtedly be consumed as part of a balanced diet, but - as with the diet in general - this food should be consumed only moderately. Cheese contains calcium, zinc and other essential nutrients, but cheese is also high in fat and high in calories, say the experts. So if you pay attention to your weight, you should not overdo it with cheese consumption.

A normal recommended serving consists of 30 grams of cheese
The doctors recommend that a normal portion of the food should consist of about 30 grams of cheese. However, if you sometimes consume slightly larger portions, it does not really pose a problem. The important thing is that such increased consumption does not happen regularly, the experts explain. (As)