Three Cheese Myths Busted

As with any delicious food, there are numerous myths surrounding cheese. The most common are related to nutrition, but you can also find myths about cooking techniques, origins, and more. Out of the various cheese myths, the following include some of those with the most misleading information. By setting the record straight, you will be able to enjoy our cheese without guilt.

Myth: Those With Lactose Intolerance Can’t Eat Cheese

The idea that those who are lactose intolerant cannot eat cheese seems to make sense. After all, milk has lactose and cheese is made from milk. The reality, however, is that even those with lactose intolerance can enjoy cheese, provided they select the right types. Cheese that retains more whey has a higher level of lactose.

This means that some folks with lactose intolerance really should avoid soft and moist cheeses. However some can safely eat hard, dry cheese. Of course, many people who have negative effects with cheese made from cow’s milk will also find that from the milk of goats or sheep to be fine.

Myth: Cheese And Diets Are Mutually Exclusively

Another common myth says that if you are on a diet, or even just trying to eat healthy, you should avoid cheese. While it is true that cheese has a relatively high fat content, you can still follow a healthy diet and enjoy it. Just do so in limited quantities and select your cheese carefully. Those trying to watch their fat should opt for goat’s milk cheese as it has the lowest fat content. Soft cheeses also tend to have less fat than harder ones because of the difference in moisture content. For those whose diet includes a reduced intake of salt, stick to one of the cheeses with a lower salt content. These include cottage cheese, mozzarella, Emmental, and cream cheese.

Myth: Cheese Is Addictive

One of the more recent myths involving cheese is that it is addictive. This is due to research from the University of Michigan that included cheese on their list of foods with refined carbs and added fats that are more difficult to give up. The inclusion of cheese, however, was very far down the list. In fact, it sat below items like bananas, eggs, and broccoli!

The theory that cheese may be addictive comes down to its casein. The idea is that when the body breaks casein down, a by-product casomorphin has addictive effects on the brain in a way similar to morphine. However, that claim was from someone who actively promotes veganism, meaning they have a clear bias. Additionally, the European Food Safety Authority has expressed extreme doubt that these casomoprhins would even enter the brain or bloodstream as they enter the intestine. In other words, only a very small handful of experts thing cheese is addictive; the overwhelming majority disagree.