Your Brain on Cheese

According to recent statistics, the average American downs 11 pounds of cheese in a year. That’s a lotta cheddar. But this urge to glut might not (totally) be your fault.

Cheese contains casein, which has been shown to induce the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter related to feelings of pleasure, and according to research published in PLOS One, higher-fat foods have been linked to pleasure receptors in your brain.

The upshot is that cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, and some early research even suggests that casein could have anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. However, the lactose and high-fat and salt content in cheese can make it problematic for those who are sensitive to dairy or have high blood pressure, so limit accordingly.