Cheese is one of the greatest gifts of life and the greatest temptation. For some people, there is no such thing as chewing creamy and tender cheese to look back on the day. However, according to experts, eating some of these delicious cheeses can endanger our health as we grow older.
A recent Mayo Clinic web post outlines the types of cheeses that are mostly soft and moldy, which are dangerous for people with weak immune systems. That is, most people over the age of 65 fit the description, but making such major changes can be difficult. Dr. Tamika D. Sims, Senior Director of Food Technology Communications, International Food Information Council, summarized why it is important to avoid foods that can cause health problems.
“As we age, the immune system tends to weaken, which can lead to an immune response to infections that are not as robust as young and healthy adults, such as food poisoning,” says Dr. Sims. .. “Infectious microbes can be found not only in spoiled foods, but also in the processing of cheese.”
What types of cheese should people over the age of 65 avoid?
According to Sims, dangerous cheese types for the elderly include soft cheeses from unpasteurized (raw) milk such as feta cheese, brie cheese, camembert cheese, blue bain cheese and keso fresco.
They are considered “high risk” by the FDA because they are more likely to cause food poisoning. Some of them are also mold-aged, that is, they are mold-aged, and it already contains dangerous bacteria to avoid.
However, there is one way to continue enjoying moldy cheese. According to the United Kingdom National Health Service, it can be safely consumed if cooked thoroughly.
“Thorough cooking should kill the bacteria in the cheese, so you should safely eat cooked moldy soft cheese,” their website says. Make sure the cheese is much hotter so that it can be consumed safely. Thankfully, this means that a grilled cheese sandwich made from brie cheese, or a pizza with feta cheese, is still on the menu.
Why is the risk increased for people over the age of 65?
According to the FDA, food poisoning can be difficult for people over the age of 65, primarily because our bodies and organs change with age. One of the big changes is that the digestive system begins to hold food longer and gives the bacteria time to grow. At the same time, the stomach acid needed to fight bacteria usually decreases with age.
Similarly, our kidneys and liver struggle to get rid of foreign bacteria and toxins. This, coupled with the fact that our immune system begins to decline between 50 and 60, means that our bodies cannot fight food poisoning as effectively as they once did.
Which cheese is safer to eat?
All hope is not lost. Most cheeses found in local grocery stores are pasteurized. If you’re worried, Sims has outlined the types of cheese that people over the age of 65 can safely consume.
Clearly labeled as “made from pasteurized milk”, hard and semi-soft cheeses (palmesan, cheddar, colby, swiss, etc.), processed cheeses (American cheese, spreads, etc.), cream cheese, mozzarella cheese. Soft cheese can be eaten more safely. Said. These types are considered low risk by the FDA.
In a nutshell, Sims recommends sticking to “refrigerated pasteurized cheeses and other dairy products” for the elderly and anyone with weakened immunity. These are what you would normally find in a grocery store. (Cheddar cheese is a good example.) You can always ask to double-check that the cheese you are buying is pasteurized. Watch out for the flashy cheese corridors!
