Whether you’re adding slices of Swiss to your sandwich or snacking on some Stilton, there are just some cravings that only cheese can cure. The delectable dairy items can even be relatively healthy when eaten in moderation, providing a source of protein, calcium, and even probiotics in some cases, per the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. But besides boosting your spirits, new research has now found that eating certain cheese can possibly improve your memory.
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Eating camembert could boost cognitive health, scientists say.
In a study published in the journal Neuroscience Research, a team of scientists set out to expand upon previous research that found camembert cheese could provide some support for brain health and cognitive function. Specifically, the team focused on fatty acid amides found in the soft cow’s milk cheese, especially myristamide, which is a relatively rare compound produced during the fermentation process, PsyPost reports.
To test this, researchers took two groups of male mice and fed both a high-fat diet. But one group received daily doses of camembert, myristamide, and other related compounds found in the cheese over seven days. They were then subjected to basic cognitive tests, including the Object Recognition Test (ORT), which measured how long mice explored a new item placed in their container, and the Object Location Test (OLT), which measured how mice reacted to moving an item placed in their habitat.
Results found that mice in the camembert group showed improved cognitive function compared to the group eating a high-fat diet. Researchers also noted that mice who had received higher doses of myristamide performed even better on both tests, per PsyPost.
Researchers noted some physiological effects, too.
On top of the observed behavioral changes, the scientists also noted physical changes in the camembert group of mice. While studying the hippocampus region of their brains—or the part most responsible for learning and memory—it was found that myristamide increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), PsyPost reports. This is essential for cognitive health.
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There were some limitations to the findings.
Still, the team admitted that there were some caveats with the study’s results. The first major limitation was that the experiment was conducted on mice. And while previous research has found connections between camembert and cognitive health in human subjects, more research is required to determine whether or not the physiological changes observed will carry over.
The team also noted that the scope of the experiment only considered short-term changes in the mice. Per PsyPost, further research is also required to determine what long-term effects ingesting myristamide and the related compounds could have.
But the key to better brain health could be in fermented foods.
“Recently, there has been an increased interest in the relationship between food intake and cognitive function,” the researchers wrote in conclusion. “The present study showed that the improved cognitive function can be attributed not only to the components of natural foods but also to those of fermented foods. In particular, we found that the fermentation of milk by white mold produces molecules with enhanced physiological activity. Further investigations, including longer-term studies and broader data analyses, will be needed.”
It's been well documented that fermented foods like kimchi can reduce inflammation in the body and better gut health. A study published earlier this year found that because of the "microbiota-gut-brain axis," fermented foods could, therefore, lead to better brain health.
"Fermented foods keep the intestinal barrier healthy and strong, preventing bacteria and toxins from entering circulation and reducing the chance of leaky gut syndrome," explained Medical News Today when reporting on the study. "The gut-brain connection is linked with numerous brain functions such as memory, cognition, anxiety, depression, and overall health."
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The takeaway.
A recent study found that eating camembert cheese could help boost cognitive function. The experiment used two groups of mice, including one that was fed daily doses of the cheese and important fatty acid amides that are uniquely created during the French soft cheese’s fermentation. Results found that mice receiving the cheese performed better on cognitive tests compared to the group that was fed solely a high-fat diet without camembert.
The researchers suggest that their results could support the larger theory that fermented foods lead to better brain health.
But despite the seemingly good news, scientists admit that further research is needed to better understand the implications for humans.
