SYSK Choice: Is "Gut Instinct" A Real Thing? & The Fascinating Ways Sound Affects You

Chemical Properties

Cheese's allure may be more than just taste; it could be chemically addictive. Mike Carruthers explains that cheese contains casein, a protein that acts like a drug, often referred to as "dairy crack." This addictive quality is due to the concentration of casein, which is higher in cheese than in other dairy products because it takes ten pounds of milk to produce one pound of cheese 1.

Researchers at the University of Michigan report that casein acts like a drug.

--- Mike Carruthers

This chemical property might explain why cheese is a favorite among many, including those who typically avoid animal products.

   

Cravings & Consumption

The consumption patterns of cheese suggest a potential link to its addictive properties. Mike Carruthers notes that the average person consumes about 35 pounds of cheese annually, a significant increase from past decades 1. This rise in consumption could be attributed to the addictive nature of casein, which might trigger cravings similar to those experienced with other addictive substances.

It gives some credence to the idea that cheese can be addictive and act like a drug in some people.

--- Mike Carruthers

Such cravings may explain why cheese is often the most missed animal product among vegans.