You may have found yourself tucking into a cheeseboard over Christmas and New Year, feeling guilty for eating “unhealthily”. But a new study has revealed that one specific type of cheese could have been boosting your brain function.
As reported by The Mirror, a new study indicated there could be a cheesy method of staving off Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. Published in Neuroscience Research, the study suggests that Camembert can charge your brain power.
A high-fat diet can often lead to diminished function of the brain. And the study involved observing mice on a diet consisting highly of fats, which proved this hypothesis.
When Camembert was introduced to their menu, however, their cognitive function increased. This was due to a compound called myristamide which is found in the French soft cheese.
It’s true that high-fat diets can lead to an array of health conditions including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. But the myristamide in “fattening” Camembert appears to support brain function and boost memory.
It does this by increasing our levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for brain protection and synapse formation. The study found that a dose of 10mg of myristamide per kilogram of body weight “significantly improved cognitive performance”.
Researchers believe that BDNF can increase brain power by prompting the growth of new neurons. This was seen in the studied mice, who were notably more observant in recognising new objects and places after eating the cheese.
The study stated: “When orally administered, Camembert cheese improved the cognitive decline induced by a high-fat diet.”
Researchers then claimed: “The improvement in cognitive function from Camembert cheese might be attributed to myristamide, along with other fatty acid amides like oleamide. Prior research supports the hypothesis that dairy peptides and fatty acid amides collectively enhance cognitive function.”
The study has revealed Camembert’s potential to cut down levels of the amyloid-beta protein, an Alzheimer’s and dementia marker. But researchers stressed that more studies are required to “explore the long-term effects and mechanisms underlying these”.
Fermented foods such as Camembert are widely renowned for their health benefits. Food expert Professor Tim Spector is encouraging everyone to increase their fermented food consumption.
He claims “everyone would be healthier if they had some fermented foods every day of their lives”. And he practices what he preaches by starting his day with kefir and regularly including kimchi, cheese, and homemade kombucha in his diet.
So, next time you reach for the cheese board, don’t feel guilty – you could be feeding your brain.
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