Andy Montoya
Cravings are not well understood, but they could be a sign that your body is lacking certain nutrients. If you are craving cheddar cheese, it could be because you are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, or magnesium. Cheese is also rich in the amino acid tyramine, which triggers increased levels of dopamine—the same chemical released by the brain when people take opioids and feel a 'high'. It also contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a neurotransmitter that can elicit euphoria. Cravings for cheddar cheese may also be related to stress or the need for comfort.
Why am I craving cheddar cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional deficiency | Your body may be lacking certain nutrients, such as vitamins, calcium, magnesium, or fatty acids (omega-3). |
| Stress | Cheese cravings may occur after a stressful event or period. |
| Habit | Cheese cravings could be a result of habit or familiarity with certain foods. |
| Taste and texture | Cheese is known for its delicious taste, salty flavour, and versatile textures (raw, melty, crispy, etc.). |
| Neurochemical factors | Cheese contains substances like phenylethylamine (PEA), tyramine, and tryptophan, which can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, leading to feelings of euphoria and happiness. |
| Nutritional content of cheese | Cheese is a good source of protein, natural milk sugars, and fat, which can provide energy and sustain your body. |
| Individual differences | Cravings can vary from person to person and may not always indicate a specific deficiency. |
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What You'll Learn
You could be deficient in fatty acids, vitamins, or calcium
Cravings for cheddar cheese could be your body's way of telling you that you are deficient in fatty acids, vitamins, or calcium. Cravings are believed to be one way your body communicates that it is out of balance and needs certain nutrients.
If you are craving cheese, you may be deficient in omega-3 fatty acids or calcium. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for your heart and brain health. While there is no specific recommendation for omega-3 fatty acid intake, you can include fatty fish like salmon, lake trout, sardines, and tuna in your diet at least a couple of times a week. You can also get omega-3 fatty acids from nuts and flax seeds. If you think you are deficient in calcium, aim for more milk and other dairy products, kale, broccoli, grains, and fortified foods.
Vitamin deficiency is another possible reason for your cheddar cheese cravings. More than 40% of American adults do not get enough vitamins A, C, D, or E, calcium, or magnesium. While there is no direct link established between cheese cravings and vitamin deficiency, it is possible that your body is craving certain foods to compensate for a lack of nutrients.
Additionally, your cheese cravings could be related to a deficiency in specific vitamins, such as the B vitamins. B vitamins include vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. A well-balanced diet that includes lean meats, eggs, low-fat dairy, green vegetables, beans, nuts, starchy vegetables, fruits, and fortified foods can help ensure you're getting enough B vitamins.
It is important to note that cravings can also be influenced by factors other than nutrient deficiencies, such as gender, suppressed thoughts, context associations, specific moods, stress levels, and insufficient sleep. However, if you are concerned about your cheddar cheese cravings and suspect a nutrient deficiency, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional or a dietitian for personalized advice and guidance.
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Your body may be craving natural milk sugars
Cravings are thought to be the body's way of indicating a deficiency of certain nutrients. While cravings don't always signal a specific deficiency, it is believed that the body may be trying to communicate something when we crave certain foods.
Cheese is a nutrient-rich food, containing healthy amounts of fat, protein, calcium, vitamin D, and natural milk sugars. It is also a source of tryptophan, which triggers the release of serotonin, and choline, which has soothing benefits.
One of the natural milk sugars found in cheese is called phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA is a neurotransmitter that can mimic the feeling of being in love and induce euphoria. Cheese is also rich in tyramine, an amino acid that increases dopamine levels in the brain, creating a feeling of happiness or a "high".
If you are craving cheddar cheese, your body may be seeking these natural milk sugars and the associated release of "feel-good" chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. While cheese can be a tasty and nutritious treat, it is important to remember that overindulging in any food, including cheese, is generally not recommended.
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You may be stressed or in need of comfort
Cravings for cheddar cheese can be attributed to several factors, and one of the primary reasons could be stress or the need for comfort. While cheese is indeed delicious, its cravings may signify something deeper—a yearning for solace or a response to stressful situations.
Cheese is a versatile food with a unique combination of ingredients that make it highly craveable. It contains tyramine, a stimulant that increases dopamine levels in the brain, giving you a "high" similar to that produced by opioids. Additionally, cheese has phenylethylamine (PEA), a neurotransmitter that evokes a sense of euphoria and mimics the feeling of being in love. These chemicals can make you feel happy and provide comfort, especially during stressful periods.
The comfort and happiness derived from cheese consumption may be particularly appealing when you are stressed or seeking solace. The act of eating comfort foods like mac and cheese can be a self-soothing mechanism, providing a sense of satisfaction and pleasure. This is especially true if you have a strong emotional connection to cheese or associate it with positive memories.
Furthermore, cheese is rich in fats and provides a good amount of energy. When you are stressed, your body may crave cheese to balance hormones and provide a boost of sustenance. Cheese also contains natural milk sugars and tryptophan, which triggers the release of serotonin, contributing to feelings of well-being and relaxation.
If you find yourself constantly craving cheddar cheese, it may be beneficial to reflect on your stress levels and emotional state. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or in need of comfort? Addressing these underlying issues and finding healthier coping mechanisms can help manage your cravings and improve your overall well-being.
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You could be dehydrated
Cravings are not well understood, but they could be a sign that your body is trying to tell you something. If you are craving cheddar cheese, it could be that you are dehydrated. Thirst can sometimes be mistaken for hunger or cravings, so it is always a good idea to have a glass of water and see how you feel.
Cheddar cheese is high in fat, with fat making up about a third of its content. Cravings for cheddar cheese may signal a fatty acid deficiency, most likely omega-3. If you are experiencing symptoms such as dry or scaly skin, small lumps on the back of your arms, dry eyes, or excessive ear wax, you may be deficient in omega-3 fatty acids.
Rather than reaching for the cheese, try to incorporate some extra sources of omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Oily fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are all good sources of omega-3. It is also important to consider your digestion, as optimal digestive functions are needed to break down and make use of the fats we eat.
In addition to fatty acids, your body may be craving the natural milk sugars found in cheese. Cheese is also a good source of calcium and vitamin D, so if you are craving cheddar cheese, you may be deficient in these nutrients. Try incorporating more leafy greens and fish into your diet, as these are good sources of calcium and vitamin D.
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You may be craving cheese for its taste
It is true that cheese is a tasty and versatile food, with its diverse range of textures and flavours. It can be eaten raw, melted, toasted, crispy, or even used as a seasoning. Cheese is also a staple in many comfort foods, such as mac and cheese, and its salty and creamy taste can be very satisfying.
Cheese is made from milk, which offers a healthy dose of tryptophan, an amino acid that triggers the release of serotonin, improving your mood. Cheese also contains choline, which has soothing benefits. So, when you give in to your cheese cravings, you are not just satisfying your taste buds, but also providing your body with vital nutrients.
Cheese is also rich in protein and provides a good amount of energy for your body. It contains natural milk sugars that your body may crave, and its high-fat content can be beneficial for weight loss, heart health, and balancing hormones. The fats in cheese can be especially appealing to those who are not consuming enough healthy fats in their diet.
In addition, cheese contains an amino acid called phenylethylamine (PEA), a neurotransmitter that can mimic the feeling of being in love and induce euphoria. It is also rich in tyramine, an amino acid that increases dopamine levels in the brain, creating a sense of happiness and a "high" similar to opioid effects.
While cheese can be a tasty treat and provide some nutritional benefits, it is important to remember that overindulging in any food, including cheese, is generally not recommended. Moderation is key, and if you are experiencing intense cravings, it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional or consider adopting a more balanced and nutrient-packed diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Cravings for cheddar cheese may be due to a fatty acid deficiency, specifically omega-3, or a calcium deficiency. Cheese is also a good source of vitamin D, which may be lacking in the winter months.
Symptoms of a fatty acid deficiency include dry or scaly skin, small lumps on the back of your arms, dry eyes, and excessive ear wax.
Yes, cheese contains an amino acid called phenylethylamine (PEA), which is a neurotransmitter that can elicit euphoria. Cheese is also rich in tyramine, which triggers increased levels of dopamine. Cheese may also be craved due to its salt content, or as a comfort food after a stressful event.
