Tag: Casomorphins

In 2015, a University of Michigan study suggested that certain foods could trigger addictive-like eating behaviors, with pizza topping the list. While not a true addiction, the craveable nature of cheese can be attributed to the chemical called casein, a protein found in all dairy products.

Archaeological evidence of cheese-making dates back over 7,000 years, suggesting humanity's long-standing connection to this food. But beyond history, why is cheese universally loved by people across cultures and millennia? This article explores the scientific, cultural, and historical factors that make cheese a worldwide culinary favorite.

According to a study involving hundreds of people, highly processed and high-fat foods, including cheese, are more likely to trigger addictive-like eating behaviors than less-processed options. If you find yourself consistently asking, "what is my body missing if I crave cheese?" there are several potential explanations beyond simple hunger.

According to a 2015 study, cheese and other highly processed foods can trigger the brain's opioid receptors, creating a rewarding sensation similar to certain drugs. This addictive neurological response is a primary reason why people crave cream cheese and other dairy products so intensely.

Recent scientific studies show that the lactic acid bacteria used in yogurt fermentation can degrade bioactive peptides. This raises the critical question for many consumers: does yogurt have casomorphins, and if so, how does fermentation affect their presence?

Recent studies in *Nature Human Behaviour* and *Neuroscience Research* have found that compounds in some cheeses are linked to improved mood and cognitive function. Yet, for a different subset of the population, cheese can trigger inflammation, brain fog, and headaches. This reveals that the answer to whether cheese affects your brain is not as simple as it seems.

According to the USDA, American cheese consumption has steadily risen for decades, suggesting a widespread cultural obsession. The reason for this deep and widespread affection for cheese is not simply a matter of taste, but a fascinating interplay of evolutionary hardwiring, chemical rewards in the brain, and the complex sensory experience it provides.

Research has identified that food proteins, when digested, can release bioactive peptides with opioid-like activity. So, what foods contain opioid peptides, and what does this mean for human health? These peptides, known as exorphins, are not narcotics but can bind to the body's opioid receptors, potentially influencing physiological functions like digestion, emotion, and mood.

Did you know that some common foods contain natural opioid-like peptides called exorphins? Unlike medicinal or illicit opioids, these compounds are typically formed during digestion and have far milder effects, though one notable exception exists with contaminated poppy seeds.

Studies suggest that a protein in cheese called casein breaks down into compounds called casomorphins, which can trigger the brain's reward center. This physiological response might be part of the reason you find yourself asking, 'what does eating a lot of cheese mean?' as you reach for another slice.