Cheese is supposed to close the stomach: Grandma already knew that. But we have found out for you whether that is actually true and what health benefits cheese has.

The saying that cheese closes the stomach probably comes from the Roman writer and scholar Pliny, who around 2,000 years ago rounded off cheese with every meal. He must have thought cheese was good for his digestion. And to this day it is still the case that cheese platters are served at the end of a meal or at celebrations. So what’s up with Grandma’s rumor that cheese closes the stomach? We know it and have found out all the facts on the subject for you.

Cheese closes the stomach: true or false?

Contrary to the cheese myth, cheese does not promote digestion. In fact, eating high-calorie cheese makes you feel full faster. This is due to the fatty acids and proteins contained in cheese. These delay the emptying of the stomach. So you could say that the cheese does not close the stomach, but rather clogs it up.

The high-calorie cheese triggers a long-lasting, strong feeling of satiety. This is probably the reason why the saying came about in a figurative sense that cheese closes the stomach. Gouda or Camembert are said to be particularly filling, while hard cheeses such as Parmesan or mountain cheese are particularly healthy. Cheeses like these provide the most minerals, such as calcium.

Cheese also stimulates saliva production and, depending on the variety, which contains a lot of phosphorus and calcium, can prevent tooth decay and maintain healthy tooth enamel in the long term.