Ever wonder why milk and cookies go so well together? They form peptides (casomorphins and gluteomorphins), which bind to opioid receptors in the brain.

Now, some might think milk (or gluten) are bad because they are addictive. Usually addiction is bad. But it might be that our bodies are wired to desire them for survival purposes.

Sources:

https://www.drhagmeyer.com/the-food-opiods-casomorphins-and-gluteomorphins/

https://thefnc.com/research/gluten-and-dairy-are-like-addictive-drugs-to-the-brain/

AI generated search result:

"Milk contains proteins like casein that break down into casomorphins during digestion—peptides with morphine-like effects that bind to opioid receptors in the brain.  These food-derived opioids are similar in action to drugs like heroin and can contribute to addictive behaviors, especially in processed forms like cheese, where casein concentration is significantly higher.

Carbohydrates, particularly high-glycemic processed carbs (e.g., pizza crust, donuts), cause rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar, triggering brain regions linked to reward, pleasure, and cravings.  This metabolic response activates the same neural pathways involved in addiction, reinforcing overeating and cravings.

While carbs themselves don’t produce opiates, the combination of high-carb, high-fat foods (like pizza) amplifies addictive potential by simultaneously stimulating opioid pathways (via dairy) and reward centers (via blood sugar swings).  This dual mechanism may explain why such foods are so difficult to resist.

• Casomorphins (from milk) and gluteomorphins (from gluten) are opiate-like peptides that bind to brain opioid receptors.

• High-glycemic carbs drive cravings through blood sugar fluctuations and hormonal imbalances (insulin, leptin).

• The combination of dairy and processed carbs (e.g., cheese pizza) may be especially addictive due to compounded effects on brain reward systems."

#health