Cheese, more than any other food, is the subject of countless myths that many still believe to be true. We take our cheese facts very seriously here at JS. Bailey, therefore we are debunking some of the most common cheese myths.
Cheese gives you nightmares
There is no evidence that shows eating cheese before bed will give you nightmares. In fact, one study found that an amino acid that is found in cheese can reduce stress and help to induce sleep, whilst another found that there was evidence that it gave volunteers vivid dreams but no nightmares were recorded.
Those with a lactose intolerance cannot eat cheese
This is true to an extent, there are some cheeses that those with an intolerance to lactose should avoid, including soft cheeses. This is because, during the cheese making process, depending on the type of cheese being made, the more whey retained, the more lactose found. More mature, harder cheeses will often contain very little lactose, therefore should be safe for those with an intolerance to eat. We would recommend, however, that those with a severe intolerance to seek the advice of a doctor before consuming cheese.
Mice like to eat cheese
Countless cartoons depicted the way to catch a mouse is to lure it into a trap with cheese, however research has revealed that mice are actually more attracted to foods with a high sugar content, such as chocolate. This is thought to be due to a mouse’s diet, predominantly made up of grains and fruit, both high in sugar.
Cheese isn’t good for you
As with any foods, eaten in excess cheese will not be healthy for you. In the correct portion size cheese can have many benefits, due to its nutritional content of calcium and potassium. In fact, recent studies have found evidence that cheese could protect teeth from cavities and may even help to prevent hearing loss.
What are some of the strangest cheese myths you’ve heard? Let us know on Twitter!
