They will learn why everything is better with the addition of cheese.

Any food will be better if you add cheese. We’ve all heard someone say this at some point. If you haven’t heard it from anyone, it’s probably because you say it. And it is true. Social networks are full of viral recipes in which 60% of the dish consists of cheese. This seems like an exaggeration to us, but we see them and sometimes even recreate them. It’s clear that, with a few exceptions, cheese is a very popular ingredient. But perhaps it’s not just his taste. It is also possible that this will help us in some way. live happier.

Before we continue, we need to clear something up. No, happiness cannot be achieved through diet. Depression cannot be cured with cheese. Even with chocolate, although sometimes it seems to us that this is possible. But it is true that some ingredients can increase our well-being.

A new study published by Chinese scientists explains this possibility in terms of much broader study. Essentially, their goal was to test parameters that increase our well-being and, as a result, help us live longer. There are many, but interestingly, eating cheese seems to be very important.

Recipe for well-being

There are many studies that point to the relationship between certain lifestyle habits, emotional well-being and longevity. However, the vast majority are based on observational studies in which cause-and-effect relationships beyond chance cannot be established. For this reason, these scientists conducted their study, now published in Nature Human behaviorthrough something known as Mendelian randomization.

This is a method that uses known genetic variants to determine whether an observed association between a risk factor and an outcome is consistent with a causal effect. An example of this would be if we have a genetic variant that we know causes a higher risk of developing diabetes. If, in turn, we have a variant associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes as well as heart disease, we can conclude that there is a cause-and-effect relationship in the fact that people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing heart problems . This is not a coincidence.

Following this method, the scientists analyzed eight data sets from different European populations. The number of people included in them was from 38,000 to 2.4 million. Using Mendelian randomization, they found that mental well-being, as measured by its relationship with life satisfaction, mood, neuroticism and depressive symptoms, can help lead to a longer, healthier life. It is important to remember that neuroticism is not pathological and does not mean “crazy.” It is simply a psychological trait that denotes an intense reaction to emotions. Let’s not confuse this with being very sensitivebecause it’s a self-diagnosis label that has a lot of marketing behind it.

This is all very good, but what does cheese have to do with it? Moreover, how does it happen general nutrition?

The role of cheese in emotional well-being

Thanks to this extensive data set, the factors influencing life expectancy in a broad sense were visible. However, the researchers wanted to analyze more specific parameters. So they focused on 33 people from different populations. Also analyzing using Mendelian randomization some much more specific factorssuch as diet, sedentary lifestyle or smoking, have found reasons for well-being as specific as cheese.

Specifically, of these 33 people, those who reported eating more cheese and fruit had higher scores on emotional well-being. Especially with cheese, which had a positive effect 3.67% compared to 1.96% for fruit.

There were also parameters with a negative impact, such as smoking – 4.56% or hours of watching TV – 7.39%.

Why cheese?

It is unclear to these scientists why these results were obtained with cheese. Like other foods rich in proteins and fats, it is a good source of energy. High calorie foods activate reward systemsbecause energy helps us survive, so if it brings us pleasure, we are more likely to continue to receive it through that source.

This is the pleasure derived from dopamine release, may be responsible for the emotional well-being of people who frequently eat cheese. It is important to remember that too much cheese is also not good. Especially cheeses with a high degree of melting, such as grated cheese. Very mature cheeses may contain too much fat, and brined cheeses may contain too much salt. They are healthy, but need to be monitored to ensure an adequate supply of these substances.

In short, it seems so. Putting cheese on everything makes us happier in a way. If we don’t abuse it, maybe it will force us too live longer.