Top and worst cheeses for gut health

Research indicates that certain types of cheese, especially those that are aged and fermented like cheddar, Parmesan, and Camembert, contribute to supporting gut health due to the beneficial bacteria formed during the fermentation and aging process, particularly after aging periods ranging from 6 to 24 months. These types of cheese help protect the beneficial bacteria from the acidic environment of the stomach, enabling them to reach the intestines effectively. Conversely, processed and manufactured cheeses, such as sliced cheese for burgers and packaged cheese sticks, are considered less beneficial because they lack beneficial microbes and often contain artificial additives that may harm digestive health and reduce the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut.