Cheese lovers, rejoice: indulging in a cheese board doesn't have to come with guilt. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have shown that cheese can raise levels of HDL (good) cholesterol without increasing LDL (bad) cholesterol or expanding waist circumference, despite its calorie content.
In a rigorous 12-week study involving 139 participants, one group incorporated high-calorie cheese into their diet, another low-calorie cheese products, and a control group made no changes. Among cheese consumers, LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist size remained stable, while HDL levels rose significantly. When paired with a balanced diet, cheese may even help lower cardiovascular disease risk. Moderation is key—while no short-term weight gain occurred, long-term effects warrant caution. As nutrition experts emphasize, evidence-based choices like this can enhance dietary enjoyment without compromising health.
