This study looked at Cheddar cheese made from pasture-fed versus grain-fed cows.
Key Takeaways
Its no secret that we Americans love our cheese.
Importantly, not all saturated fats are created equal.
Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
How Was This Study Conducted?
The participants had no chronic comorbidities or dairy intolerances, and they all consumed an omnivorous diet.
TMR feeding is a common strategy for feeding indoor herds in the United States, Europe and China.
Other measurements included blood pressure, blood lipidsincluding cholesterol and triglyceridesand blood glucose (sugar).
Participants also completed a food frequency questionnaire at baseline and again at the end of the study.
Study Limitations
What Did This Study Find?
In addition, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations decreased in both groups at about the same levels.
How Does This Apply to Real Life?
Fat isnt the only component in cheese that may affect heart health, though.
One serving of cheese is about 1.5 ounces.
Both pasture-fed and grain-fed cheese appeared to lower LDL and total cholesterol levels.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Economic Research Service.Dairy Data.
Perna M, Hewlings S.Saturated fatty acid chain length and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review.Nutrients.
- doi: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2025.106246
American Heart Association.Dairy Products: Milk, Yogurt and Cheese.
