Sonoma County creameries offer best form of therapy: cheese and chocolate

In honor of our focus on mental health this month (all vegetarians who don’t eat cheese and individuals who are lactose intolerant - unless it’s only milk that you can’t handle, rather than cheese or yogurt your body can tolerate, please plug your ears, close your eyes and hum the Hmm hmmm song), I declare that cheese is good for your mental health! “This writer is off her rocker!” you say, but - am I?! My claim may seem to be the impossible dream of a cheese-aholic, but with careful consideration I’ve learned that there are some scientific studies that have shown how cheese can be a true feel-good, healthy fare.

Due to certain fats in good cheese, that is to say, non-processed cheese, the brain releases dopamine, a hormone that gives us those feel-good feelings. The difference between drinking plain milk as opposed to cheese, is that fermented foods, such as cheese and yogurt contain probiotic bacteria which can keep cholesterol levels healthy and support a smooth-running gut. Cheese is also a good source of glutathione, an antioxidant which assists in maintaining the health of your brain and helps your body fight free radicals. The important thing to remember is that almost all cheese should be enjoyed in moderation, due to the high fat content. This can be difficult, as all of us cheese lovers have so many great ways to enjoy this delicious provender.

Read the full article here....