Disclaimer: Cheese is NOT a Drug 

Before we embark on our exploration into the addictive allure of cheese, it’s essential to clarify a crucial point: Cheese is NOT a drug.

While we will delve into the fascinating science behind casomorphins and their effects on the body, it’s important to emphasise that the term “addictive” in relation to cheese does not equate to a chemical addiction.

Cheese, like many other foods, can elicit pleasurable responses and cravings due to its sensory attributes, cultural significance, and the interaction of compounds like casomorphins with our brain’s reward system.

However, these cravings and pleasures are distinct from the intense, potentially harmful cravings and dependency associated with drugs and alcohol.

Understanding the factors that make cheese appealing and potentially habit-forming in some individuals allows us to approach its consumption with mindfulness and moderation. It reminds us to appreciate the complexities of our relationship with food and to make informed choices that promote our overall well-being.

So, while cheese may have an addictive allure, it’s a far cry from being an addictive substance.

Why do some people find cheese addictive? 

So, why do some people find cheese so irresistible? Unsurprisingly, there are several aspects to this beloved food that can get you hooked.

Let’s break them down.

1. Fat content

Cheese is relatively high in fat, which can make it quite satisfying and pleasurable to eat. Fats are known to stimulate the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine in the brain, which can contribute to the sensation of craving more.

2. Umami flavour

Moreover, cheese is rich in umami, one of the five basic tastes (alongside sweet, salty, bitter, and sour). Umami is often described as savoury or meaty, and it can be highly rewarding to the taste buds, making you want more.

3. Texture

The texture of cheese can vary widely, from soft and creamy to firm and crumbly. Therefore, the combination of textures in cheese can be pleasurable and contribute to the desire to consume more.

4. Salt content

Many cheeses are relatively high in salt, and salt is another taste that can be rewarding and make you crave more. It’s also worth noting that the combination of salt and fat is known to be particularly appealing to our taste buds.

Want to know why cheese is so salty? We’ve got all the answers in this article on the role of salt in cheesemaking

5. Cultural and social factors

Furthermore, cheese is often associated with social gatherings, celebrations and comfort food. These cultural and social factors can contribute to the pleasurable experience of consuming cheese and reinforce the desire to eat it.

6. Opioid-like compounds 

Some studies have suggested that dairy products like cheese contain compounds called casomorphins. While the evidence is not conclusive, it’s theorised that these compounds may play a role in the pleasurable sensations associated with cheese consumption.

Next, we take a closer look at casomorphins and their effect on the human body.

What are casomorphins?

Casomorphins are peptides that can have opioid-like properties. As a result, they can influence our bodies in fascinating ways.

While research on casomorphins is ongoing, there’s evidence to suggest their presence in cheese. Studies have detected these opioid-like compounds in dairy products, contributing to their potential addictive qualities.

Where do casomorphins come from?

The process of casomorphin formation begins during the digestion of casein. Casein is the primary protein found in milk, including cow’s milk, which is the most commonly used milk source for cheese production.

Enzymes in our digestive system, such as pepsin, cleave casein into smaller peptide fragments. Some of these fragments, particularly those derived from beta-casein, are the casomorphins.

These casomorphins have structures that resemble opioid molecules, hence their name, which is a fusion of “casein” and “morphine”.

What do casomorphins do to the body?

When casomorphins interact with the body, they can have several notable effects, including the release of dopamine, which is often associated with feelings of pleasure and reward.

Here’s a closer look at the effects of casomorphins:

1. Mood enhancement

Casomorphins can bind to specific receptors in the brain, known as opioid receptors. When this binding occurs, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine.

Dopamine is a key player in the brain’s reward system and is associated with feelings of pleasure and well-being. Consequently, the consumption of casomorphin-producing foods, like cheese, can lead to an elevation in mood and a sense of satisfaction.

2. Appetite modulation

The interaction of casomorphins with opioid receptors may also influence appetite regulation. Indeed, some studies suggest that casomorphins can affect the brain’s perception of hunger and fullness.

As a result, this can lead to increased food intake, particularly of cheese and other dairy products.

3. Digestive impact

Furthermore, casomorphins might exert effects on gastrointestinal motility and digestive processes. Some individuals may experience changes in bowel movements or gastrointestinal discomfort after consuming casomorphin-rich foods, although these effects can vary widely from person to person.

It’s essential to note that while casomorphins can influence mood and appetite, their effects are not as potent or addictive as those of drugs like opioids.

The release of dopamine and subsequent feelings of pleasure from casomorphins in cheese are relatively mild compared to the intense euphoria associated with opioid drugs.

Additionally, the response to casomorphins varies among individuals. Some people may be more sensitive to these compounds, while others may experience minimal effects. Factors such as genetics, tolerance and overall diet can all play a role in how casomorphins affect an individual.

Conclusion

To sum up, our love for cheese is a complex mix of fat content, umami flavour, texture, salt, cultural factors, and yes, casomorphins.

So, the next time you go back for seconds after finishing your serve of cheese, take a moment to reflect on the reason why. What was the one standout element of the cheese eating experience that left you wanting more?

Was it the flavour? Or the texture? Or was it simply the social aspect of eating cheese with others?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Leave me a comment below and we can keep this conversation going.

References

Formation and Degradation of Beta-casomorphins in Dairy Processing – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4487594/

Dietary proteins and food-related reward signals – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3168366/

Jonah Kincaid

Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online. 

cheesescientist.com

The post Why Is Cheese Addictive? (The Mystery of Casomorphins)  appeared first on Cheese Scientist.

The myth-busting study

To this day, a lot of people believe the old wives’ tale that cheese gives you nightmares. However, a study carried out by the British Cheese Board in 2005 found that there is no scientific basis to this claim. 

Of the 200 volunteers who took part in the study, 72% slept very well each night and 67% remembered their dreams. But the most telling finding was that 0% recorded experiencing nightmares after eating 20g of cheese 30 minutes before bed. 

What does cheese actually do to your brain?

Rather than bring on nightmares, the researchers instead found that it had a relaxing effect. Indeed, all of the participants claimed that they slept better after eating a piece of cheese. The main reason for this is the presence of an amino acid called tryptophan in cheese. 

Moreover, the human body uses tryptophan to make serotonin, also known as the happy hormone. As a matter of fact, a small 2012 study found that participants who are tryptophan-enriched cereal experienced better sleep and mood. 

Different types of dreams

For their 2005 study, the British Cheese Board gave six different types of cheese to their 200 participants (100 male and 100 female). And very interestingly, their dreams differed depending on the cheese they ate. 

Red Leicester

Red Leicester proved to be brilliant for helping participants to get a good night’s sleep. Indeed, one quarter of them slept well every single night of the study. And 83% of all nights under the influence of Red Leicester were good sleep experiences.

As for dreams, Red Leicester is the cheese to choose if you are feeling nostalgic about your past. Over 60% of participants eating this cheese revisited their schooldays, or long-lost childhood friends, or previous family homes and hometowns. 

Stilton

Stilton-eating participants enjoyed their sleep too. over two thirds had good sleep experiences during five out of the seven nights. However, if you want some vivid or crazy dreams, the King of British cheeses is the one for you. While 75% of men in this category experienced odd and vivid dreams, a massive 85% of females who ate Stilton had some of the most bizarre dreams of the whole study. 

Highlights included talking soft toys, lifts that move sideways, a vegetarian crocodile upset because it could not eat children, dinner party guests being traded for camels, soldiers fighting with each other with kittens instead of guns and a party in a lunatic asylum. 

British soft white mould cheese

British Brie caused all participants to sleep very well, but dreams varied between males and females. As a matter of fact, the women tended to experience very nice dreams, such as Jamie Oliver cooking dinner in their kitchens, or relaxing on a sunny beach. By contrast, the men who ate Brie experienced rather odd, obscure dreams, such as driving against a battleship, or having a drunken conversation with a dog. 

Lancashire

If you are thinking of changing career, snack on a lump of creamy Lancashire before bed and you might get some guidance. Indeed, two thirds of all Lancashire participants had a dream about work but only 30% of these involved the participants’ real-life jobs. One ambitious dreamer saw herself as a successful Prime Minister and one of her popular reforms involved teaching useful finance in schools. 

Cheddar

Cheddar-eating participants tended to dream of celebrities, ranging from the participant’s family sitting in a pub with Michael Jordan, to a Glaswegian old firm football match with Paul Gascoigne and Ally McCoist. Ashley from Coronation Street also featured and one lucky girl helped to form a human pyramid under the supervision of Johnny Depp. 

Cheshire

Finally, if you just want a good night’s sleep without too many dreams, then choose lovely crumbly Cheshire. In this category, over half of all nights were dreamless, while participants stated that 76% of all Cheshire-induced sleeps were either “quite good” or “very good”. 

Sweet dreams are made of cheese…

Now, before you all go rampart, I realise that this is a small sample size, non-randomised without a control group study that has not been peer reviewed. Furthermore, it was organised by the British Cheese Board with a very clear agenda in mind. Their aim was to increase consumption of British cheese in the UK. 

Having said that, I hope that you enjoyed reading this fun article. Drop me a comment below with your own personal experience. As for me, I always sleep better after cheese. 

Jonah Kincaid

Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online. 

cheesescientist.com

The post Can Cheese Give You Nightmares? (Cheese Myth BUSTED!) appeared first on Cheese Scientist.