This Is Why You’re Addicted To Cheese
Certain aspects of cheese can make it more desirable and potentially lead to overconsumption for many people. More than its creamy texture and high-fat content, cheese contains a particular compound called casomorphins that makes it especially addictive.
Casomorphins are naturally occurring peptides (short chains of amino acids) found in dairy products, particularly in cow's milk. These peptides are formed during the digestion of a protein in milk called casein. The name "casomorphins" is a combination of "casein" and "morphine" because these compounds have structural similarities to the opioid neurotransmitter, morphine.
Casomorphins are classified into different types, with the most common being beta-casomorphins. Beta-casomorphins are derived from beta-casein, one of the major proteins found in milk. When the digestive enzymes in the stomach break down beta-casein, they release beta-casomorphins. These compounds can have mild opioid-like effects in the body when they bind to opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system.
The opioid-like effects of casomorphins are not as potent as those of drugs like morphine, but they can result in feelings of relaxation and pleasure. Researchers speculate that these effects may contribute to the perceived addiction to dairy products, such as cheese.
Moreover, casomorphins indirectly stimulate the brain's reward pathway. The reward pathway involves the release of various neurotransmitters, including dopamine - a key neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. When dopamine is released, it reinforces feelings of pleasure with the experience of consuming cheese, encouraging overconsumption.
If you enjoy eating cheese, it should be consumed in moderation as a part of a balanced and varied diet, and any difficulties with controlling cheese consumption or eating habits should be addressed through a holistic approach that considers both physiological and psychological factors.
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