This year, a team from the National Research Institute in Rennes, France developed an experimental type of cheese as a remedy for certain types of intestinal disease.
This 100% natural medicine gives hope to those who suffer from chronic inflammatory conditions which affect the intestinal system, such as Crohn’s Disease, colitis, or even Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Although many experts say that cheese consumption typically aggravates intestinal problems, this “super cheese” can purportedly prevent them or keep them in check.
At the very least, the team at the National Research Institute affirms their new invention can lessen the pain which patients experience.
According to Gwenaёl Jan, the cheese also offers another unexpected benefit to consumers, as it can alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy.
A press release from the National Research Institute explains:
“These probiotics affect such factors as the immunity and inflammation of the intestine, as well as the digestive capacity, motility, sensitivity and permeability of the intestinal system, and their technological potential is not recognised.“
It all started when scientists from the STLO laboratory (the Science and Technology of Milk and Eggs research unit) isolated three strains of bacteria which are present in the fermentation process.
These bacteria also help keep our intestinal system healthy and well balanced and leave a visible trace, namely the holes you find in certain varieties of cheese.
After isolating the bacteria, the researchers collaborated with an industrial cheesemaker in Brittany to create an Emmental cheese wheel using only these three types of bacteria.
The first trials of the cheese with mice were conclusive. Following on from the positive results, the team registered a patent and organised clinical trials with patients from the University Hospital of Rennes.
More money is needed to further develop and validate this research, and luckily, some companies are already taking an interest in the potential of the team’s super cheese.
Whilst awaiting the results of their human clinical trials, the researchers plan to unveil their invention at the “Cheese Symposium” which will be held for the first time in France, in the town of Rennes, from 4 to 6 April 2019.
