Eating a well aged cheese might help you age well

Scimex: A common dietary compound extends lifespan in mice and improves cardiovascular health in mice and rats, reports a paper published online this week in Nature Medicine. Spermidine is a metabolite synthesized in the body of all animals and is also present in a wide array of foods, including aged cheese, legumes and whole grains. Previously, spermidine has been found to extend lifespan in simple organisms, such as yeast, fruit flies and roundworms. This lifespan-extending effect is thought to be due to the ability of spermidine to activate a cellular process known as autophagy, which allows for the degradation and recycling of cellular components.

Health Check: is cheese good for you?

TheConversation: It’s no wonder people are confused about whether it’s good to eat cheese, when even food experts are divided. Some argue that we’re not eating enough of this important source of protein and calcium, while others say the high levels of salt and saturated fat mean we should be eating less. Whatever your position, it’s becoming increasingly hard to avoid cheese. Whether its grilled halloumi with poached eggs for breakfast, pumpkin and feta salad for lunch, or pepperoni pizza for dinner, cheese is a key ingredient in many regular meals. It’s a popular snack food, with many health professionals promoting crackers and cheese as a high-protein snack. A cheese platter is also the favourite way to kick off afternoon drinks or a barbeque.