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Jennifer Curtis
Probiotic Cheese Boosts Immune System of Elderly
Cheese is not only a delicious food, but also a potential health booster for older adults. A new study from Finland has found that cheese can help preserve and enhance the immune system of the elderly by acting as a carrier for probiotic bacteria.
The study, published in FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, reveals that daily consumption of probiotic cheese helps to tackle age-related changes in the immune system, such as reduced ability to fight infections and tumors.
The researchers recruited volunteers aged between 72 and 103, who lived in the same care home, to eat one slice of either placebo or probiotic Gouda cheese with their breakfast for four weeks. They then measured the effect of probiotic bacteria contained within the cheese on the immune system by analyzing blood samples.
The results showed a clear enhancement of natural and acquired immunity through the activation of certain blood cells and an increase in phagocytic activity, which is the process of engulfing and destroying foreign invaders by white blood cells.
"The increase in the proportion of aged individuals in modern society makes finding innovative ways to thwart the deterioration of the immune system a priority," said lead author Dr. Fandi Ibrahim from the University of Turku in Finland. "The intake of probiotic bacteria has been reported to enhance the immune response through other products and now we have discovered that cheese can be a carrier of the same bacteria."
Probiotic bacteria are beneficial microorganisms that can improve the balance of gut flora and modulate immune responses. Cheese is an ideal vehicle for delivering probiotics to the gastrointestinal tract, where 70 percent of vital immunoglobulin cells are created.
"The aim of our study was to see if specific probiotic bacteria in cheese would have immune enhancing effects on healthy older individuals in a nursing home setting," Ibrahim said. "We have demonstrated that the regular intake of probiotic cheese can help to boost the immune system and that including it in a regular diet may help to improve an elderly person's immune response to external challenges."
The study suggests that probiotic cheese could be a simple and effective way to improve the health and quality of life of older adults, who are more susceptible to infectious diseases, chronic inflammation disorders and cancer.
Source: Live Science, Science Daily
Not only does probiotic cheese support the immune system, but it also offers other health benefits. According to Harvard Health, cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin B12. It may also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels ( 16 ).
However, not all cheeses are equally rich in probiotics. The best cheeses for probiotics are those that have been aged but not heated afterward, such as Swiss, provolone, Gouda, cheddar, Edam, GruyÃre, and cottage cheese ( 16 ). These cheeses contain live cultures of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria that can survive the acidic environment of the stomach and reach the intestines ( 17 ).
Another type of cheese that contains probiotics is kefir cheese, which is made from kefir grains. Kefir grains are cultures of various bacteria and yeast that ferment milk and produce a tangy, creamy drink. Kefir cheese is similar to cream cheese but has a stronger flavor and more probiotic strains than regular cheese ( 18 ).
To get the most benefits from probiotic cheese, it is important to choose high-quality products that are made from organic milk and do not contain additives or preservatives. You should also store them properly in the refrigerator and consume them within the expiration date. A moderate intake of about one or two ounces per day is recommended, as cheese can also be high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium ( 16 ).
Probiotic cheese is a delicious and easy way to add more good bacteria to your diet. By eating it regularly, you can improve your immune system and overall health.
Source: Healthline, Fermenters Kitchen, Livestrong