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A study involving 2.3 million individuals has revealed surprising insights into the relationship between cheese consumption, mental well-being, and healthy aging. Conducted independently of socioeconomic influences, the research shows the potential benefits of cheese consumption beyond mere culinary enjoyment.

Led by Tian-Ge Wang and his team at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, the study aimed to explore the nuanced connections between lifestyle factors and aging outcomes among genetically diverse Europeans. Using advanced DNA-driven, two-sample Mendelian randomization, researchers analyzed data from eight extensive datasets to identify causal links between various factors and healthy aging.

The researchers highlighted that genetics, lifestyle choices, wealth, and education are closely interconnected with health outcomes, but their study focused on pinpointing specific influences on mental well-being and aging, as detailed in their published findings.

The study, published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, highlighted that individuals reporting better mental well-being tended to exhibit higher scores in resilience, self-rated health, and longevity over time. Interestingly, socioeconomic status, while impactful in aspects like healthcare access and nutritional availability, did not singularly determine well-being and healthy aging outcomes.

The researchers acknowledged that factors such as higher income, education, and job satisfaction significantly contribute to overall mental health, recognizing their broader societal impact on well-being.

Cheese emerged unexpectedly as a significant factor contributing to enhanced mental well-being and healthy aging scores. Alongside fruit intake, cheese consumption showed a notable positive impact on aging-GIP (genetically independent phenotype of aging) traits, including a 3.67% increase in healthy aging factors, New Atlas reported.

The study also conducted a mediation analysis, identifying 33 key factors influencing the relationship between well-being and aging-GIP, such as lifestyle choices and chronic conditions like heart disease and ADHD. Cheese consumption, in contrast, demonstrated a distinct positive influence on these factors, aligning with broader dietary benefits.

The researchers cautioned that due to the complex interplay of factors involved, it is challenging to identify singular causes for optimal aging, despite the study's focus on adults of European descent.