If you think there is something wrong with you because of your obsession with cheese, don't worry. Science proves that it is a common case.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service, every American consumes over 35 pounds of cheese per year and that is because of one highly addictive content found in cheese.
A new study has found out that cheese can be as highly addictive as such substances. The paper, titled "Which foods may be addictive? The roles of processing, fat content, and glycemic load," published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information Journal has confirmed that cheese is one of the most addictive foods humans can continuously eat and enjoy.
Researchers from the University of Michigan have examined over 500 foods as well as their "addictiveness value," and found out that "not all foods are equally implicated in addictive-like eating behavior."
They concluded that Casein, a protein found in all dairy products, is the culprit. This protein releases opiates in our bodies called casomorphins which result to our chemically-backed up addiction with cheese.
"[Casomorphins] really play with the dopamine receptors and trigger that addictive element," registered dietitian Cameron Wells told Mic.
The study also said that pizza followed cheese on top of the list of highly addictive food, primarily because of its cheese content. Scientists also linked the high-fat content processed foods have, the chances of it being addictive is also higher.
Since 1970, Americans have more than tripled their cheese consumption. There are also studies claiming that cheese can kill cancer cells in our body.
Though no direct studies have proven that a lot of cheese or cheese addiction is harmful to our health, moderation is still key to achieve a balanced diet and an overall healthy body.
