Enjoying your toasted cheese sandwich may actually help you live longer

A new study from Nature Medicine has suggested that eating cheese could be the secret to living longer.

The study has claimed that spermidine, a compound found in aged cheese, is responsible for the benefits.

Aged cheeses include Cheddar, Gruyere, Manchego, Gouda and Parmesan-types like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Grana Padano.

Researchers tested the effects of spermidine on mice and rats, finding it increased their average lifespan. Next, they surveyed 800 Italians about their diets - a nation well-known for enjoying their dairy delicacies!

Those who reported higher intake of spermidine were found to have lower blood pressure and a 40% lower risk of heart failure.

Cheese is still a calorie-dense food, so you won’t want to go overboard - but it is good news for the toasted cheese fans!

If you don’t like eating dairy you can still find spermidine in soy beans and whole grains as well!