New study observes that chances of developing type two diabetes could be 12 per cent lower for cheese lovers. British and Dutch researchers found that eating just two slices of cheese a day cuts the risk of type 2 diabetes. The researchers analysed the diet haits of 16,800 healthy adults and 12,400 patients with type 2 diabetes from eight European countries. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that those who ate at least 55 grams of cheese a day — around two slices were 12 per cent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

One theory is that the so-called probiotic bacteria in cheese and yoghurt can lower cholesterol and produce certain vitamins which prevent diabetes. In addition cheese, milk and yoghurt are also high in vitamin D, calcium and magnesium, which may help protect against the condition.

“We recommend a healthy balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables and low in salt and fat. This study gives us no reason to believe that people should change their dairy intake in an attempt to avoid the condition,” Dr. Iain Frame, director of research at a UK-based charity, was quoted by the paper as saying.