_{24 July 2012}

Cheese lowers diabetes risk by 12 per cent, new study shows 

For years, dieters have steered clear of cheese in a bid to avoid piling on the pounds, but a study has shown a bit of cheddar or Stilton could actually be good for us; lowering the risk of diabetes by as much as 12 per cent.

Cheese is packed full of 'healthy fats' which make dairy fans less likely to suffer from the disease, the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition said.

Although researchers say their findings 'deserve further study', Diabetes UK has warned people against upping their cheese intake until more in-depth research has been carried out.

Dr Iain Frame, director of research at the charity, said: 'It is too simplistic to concentrate on individual foods.

'We recommend a healthy balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables and low in salt and fat.'

Dr Frame added: 'This study gives us no reason to believe that people should change their dairy intake in an attempt to avoid the condition.'

See the The Metro online for more or the Daily Mail newspaper.