Switching to low fat cheese doesn’t reduce cholesterol, blood pressure or your waistline

CHEESE has a reputation as one of the unhealthiest foods there is.

But a new study suggests ditching cheese for lower-calorie alternatives may be a waste of cash - as low fat versions do not reduce cholesterol, blood pressure or weight.

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During research by scientists at the University of Copenhagen, volunteers who ate a daily 80g portion of cheese or a low-calorie option saw little or no difference in heart disease risk by the end of the study.

The reports the findings could damage sales in the rapidly-growing "healthy cheese" market - with sales in the UK currently thought to be over £70 million a year, as shoppers reject 35 per cent fat cheese for versions containing around 22 per cent.

However, while low-fat versions of cheeses such as cheddar contain about a third less saturated animal fat, levels are still high at approximately 14 per cent.

Meanwhile, other 'full fat' options including cottage cheese, ricotta and mozarella contain just 3 per cent, 6 per cent and 12 per cent of heart-harmful saturated fat respectively.

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The Danish researchers, who received sponsorship from the Danish dairy industry, noted the reduced-fat cheese market has boomed despite a lack of evidence that it is beneficial.

They said: "Regular-fat cheese contains a high amount of saturated fat. Therefore, dietary guidelines in many countries recommend the consumption of reduced-fat cheese instead.

";However, the negative effect of regular-fat cheese is still under debate."

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The British Daily Council, meanwhile, commented that the study proves it is okay to eat full-fat cheese - which contains other vital nutrients.

Senior nutrition scientist Erica Hocking said: "This study shows there’s much more to cheese than fat.

"The heavy focus on the fat content of cheese has almost made people forget about the wealth of nutrients found in dairy foods, which are an important part of a healthy and balanced diet."