The OP copied and pasted a warning from “ CASH “ ( Consensus Action on Salt and Health ) about salt levels in cheese, without giving his own opinion.


• We now have a good idea about members’ favourite cheeses. Have the “ CASH “ warnings made any difference, or ( more important ) should they ?


• It’s true that too much salt is ONE factor raising blood pressure – which ( if untreated ) in turn is ONE risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The disease is due to ischemia ( lack of blood flow to the heart muscle due to narrowed arteries ) and the heart may fail ( it has to pump harder ). Stroke may be ischaemic, or the result of bleeding ( haemorrhage ).


• Hyperlipidaemia ( raised fats of the “ wrong “ type in the blood stream ) is ONE other risk factor for these diseases . Cheese also contains high fat levels. So too much cheese COULD raise salt and fat levels in the body with adverse consequences.



• In summary the “ salty “ cheeses are Roquefort, feta and halloumi … and the least salty mozzarella, emmental and wensleydale.


High fat cheeses are cream cheese, mascarpone, stilton, cheddar type cheeses, gouda and parmesan …medium fat include “ half-fat “ cheddar, edam, brie, camembert, and mozzarella…low fat include Cottage, curd cheese, ricotta, light cheese spread and half-fat Edam.



• Members may well not wish to change “ lifestyle choices “ of cheese, and might not appreciate CASH’s attempts to make the Health Department set lower targets for salt in cheese - even if salt content already varies between cheese products in the same category ( they taste different ).


• My non-judgemental advice would be - for members well-informed enough to read this thread - moderation is the key .


• Cheese is nutritious – including protein, vitamins and minerals like calcium. Try to have smaller portions ( if possible choosing the lower salt AND lower saturated fat options ), and enjoy !