According to a new study from the USA, certain types of cheese have a similarly high addictive potential as opioids. You can find out here why this is the case and which cheese you can eat without hesitation.
Whether on pizza, lasagne or bread: cheese, whether sliced or melted, is a popular and versatile food.
A study shows that some cheeses are associated with addictive eating behaviors. In their study, the researchers at the University of Michigan came to the conclusion that some types of cheese have a high potential for addiction and can have a similar effect to opioids. Until now, a different assumption had been made: a certain protein in cheese (casein) could stimulate the reward center in the human brain, but ultimately not trigger any withdrawal symptoms.
Study confirms that some types of cheese have a similar addictive effect as opioids
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On the occasion of their study, the scientists found out that certain types of cheese can have a similar addictive potential as opioids, from which hard drugs are derived. Here, too, the scientists refer to the protein casein, which can stimulate certain brain receptors. Although the mode of action is not as extreme as with hard drugs, the potential for addiction could be triggered to a similar extent.
There are mainly evolutionary reasons behind this mode of action: It would be relaxing for mammals to drink mother’s milk. The intensive skin-to-skin contact also has a relaxing effect, reducing stress hormones. In contrast to milk, the cheese contains a good ten times higher dose of casein, which is why the researchers advise against excessive consumption.
Utopia says: The right cheese makes the difference
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / Engin_Akyurt)
The new findings don’t mean you can never eat cheese again. However, the potential for addiction can be reduced by avoiding highly processed cheeses and products. However, a few grams of cheese a day does not immediately make you “addicted” – you would have to eat a lot of cheese for the addiction potential to become noticeable.
If you eat animal cheese, look for one if possible organic seal. In general, not only meat but also cheese is usually associated with animal suffering. Besides, you can Cheese without rennet be careful, because calves have to be slaughtered for this.
tip: Offer all-round sustainable cheese enjoyment vegan cheesesthat contribute to a healthy lifestyle. You can even make them yourself, mostly based on nuts and yeast flakes.
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