It may be one of the most popular fast foods, but melted cheese on toast may not be so good for your gut health, according to a new study.
Scientists found that uncooked cheddar had a positive effect on the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria and other organisms associated with digestion, immunity, and even mood.
According to the study, hard cheddar increased the diversity of these beneficial bacteria, helping to maintain a balanced microbiome. But when the cheese was melted, this positive effect was significantly reduced.
Researchers from University College Dublin analyzed the effects of cheddar on 69 volunteers over six weeks. One group consumed 120 grams of uncured cheese per day, while the other group ate the same amount, but in processed form.
At the end of the experiment, the scientists compared changes in the participants' gut bacteria. They found that cheddar had benefits for the microbiome, but these benefits were largely lost when the cheese was used melted, like on toast.
According to researchers, heating hard cheese damages its structure, making it harder for the body to absorb beneficial nutrients.
In the report, published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, the authors explained that when cheddar is melted, its dense, semi-solid structure breaks down and becomes looser. This may be one reason why melted cheese doesn't produce the same increase in bacterial diversity.
Surveys show that cheese on toast is one of the most popular foods in Britain, with almost one in four people choosing it as their first snack when they feel hungry. /GazetaExpress/
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