What's in cheese

Molecules in it 7

• Casein

  On MoleculeFinder's curated cheese list from source

  The protein that makes up most of the protein in milk. Curdling it is what makes cheese, and it digests slowly, hence slow-release protein powders.

• CalciumCa

  On MoleculeFinder's curated cheese list from source

  The metal whose ion builds every bone, shell and tooth, sets cement, and triggers every muscle contraction in your body. Element 20.

  As a pure substance, its GHS hazard label: signal word Danger; Flammable, Corrosive from source

• Sodium chlorideClNa

  On MoleculeFinder's curated cheese list from source

  Table salt. Sodium and chloride ions in a cubic lattice, and the only rock people eat on purpose.

  As a pure substance: LD50 3,000 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• Monosodium glutamateC5H8NNaO4

  On MoleculeFinder's curated cheese list from source

  MSG, the sodium salt of glutamic acid and the purest form of savory taste. It is what the tongue is detecting when food reads as umami.

• TyramineC8H11NO

  On MoleculeFinder's curated cheese list from source

  A molecule that builds up in aged cheese, cured meats, and chocolate as they ripen.

  As a pure substance, its GHS hazard label: signal word Warning; Irritant from source

• HistamineC5H9N3

  On MoleculeFinder's curated cheese list from source

  The molecule your immune cells dump during an allergic reaction, causing the itch, the swelling, and the runny nose that antihistamines are named for.

  As a pure substance, its GHS hazard label: signal word Danger; Toxic, Irritant, Health hazard from source

• Butyric acidC4H8O2

  On MoleculeFinder's curated cheese list from source

  The smell of vomit and rancid butter, and also the compound your gut bacteria make from fiber to feed the cells lining your colon.

  As a pure substance: LD50 8,790 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source