The cheese that can strengthen your bones and lower cholesterol— and you can eat it every day
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy cheese without guilt, this Norwegian variety might be worth adding to your diet according to a health study.
Cheese is one of those foods—along with chocolate—that many people simply can’t imagine giving up. Its versatility in the kitchen and rich, satisfying flavor make it a staple in diets around the world. Yet, despite its popularity, cheese often gets a bad rap in health-conscious circles, frequently disappearing from meal plans due to concerns over cholesterol and saturated fat. But what if not all cheeses deserve to be lumped into the same category?
A study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health suggests that one particular cheese—Jarlsberg—might actually break the mold. This mild, semi-soft cheese from eastern Norway, traditionally made from cow’s milk, has been found to offer unique health benefits. Not only is it packed with protein, essential minerals, and vitamins, but researchers have discovered that it may also help lower cholesterol and improve bone health—two concerns often associated with aging and overall well-being.
The study: How Jarlsberg affects cholesterol and bone strength
Initially, researchers set out to examine how cheese consumption affects bone density. However, as their study progressed, they stumbled upon an unexpected discovery: Jarlsberg had a significant impact on cholesterol levels as well.
The study involved 66 healthy women with an average age of 33 and a normal body mass index (around 24). They were split into two groups: one consumed 57 grams (about two ounces) of Jarlsberg daily, while the other ate 50 grams of Camembert. After six weeks, the groups switched cheeses for another six weeks.
The results: a stunning discovery
Blood samples taken from the participants revealed a striking trend. The women who started with Camembert and then switched to Jarlsberg experienced a noticeable drop in total cholesterol and LDL (“bad” cholesterol). Meanwhile, those who began with Jarlsberg and later switched to Camembert saw their cholesterol levels rise again.
But the benefits didn’t stop there. The researchers also found that daily consumption of Jarlsberg had a positive effect on osteocalcin, a hormone essential for bone strength. This suggests that eating Jarlsberg regularly may help prevent bone thinning caused by osteoporosis—all without raising harmful LDL cholesterol levels.
Original article written by Sergio Murillo, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Greg Heilman.
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