The Surprising Power of Cheese?

The jury is still out on the effectiveness of dairy-rich diets. There’s evidence both for and against. But regardless of your diet, there’s a certain dairy product that should be eaten carefully: cheese.

Logically, it seems strange that cheese is a favorite snack and diet staple. It’s high in fat, calories, and cholesterol, and furthermore, it smells. Yet some people just can’t get enough of it.

There’s a reason: there are molecules in cheese called caseins which contain casomorphines, or opiate-like substances that are released into the body during digestion. Casomorphines are similar to morphine and are purported by some scientists to have similar addictive properties.

What can you do to curb your cravings? It may be tough, but going cold turkey and following a diet rich in vegetables and whole grains may help you forget your beloved dairy addiction. If you can’t imagine a life without cheese, you could try alternatives such as rice cheese, lack cheese, vegan alternatives such as soy cheese, and tofu spreads. Plus, it’s fine to indulge in high-fat cheese sometimes; just make sure you limit your portion size.