Scientific study - A bowl of happiness: eating pasta really does make you happier
We've always known it: a bowl of pasta could be the key to happiness. At least, that's what a new study conducted by the Behavior & Brain Lab at the Free University of Languages and Communication (IULM) in Italy suggests. The study, which investigated emotional and neurophysiological mechanisms that underpin the feeling of happiness when eating pasta, concluded that eating pasta triggers a "powerful and lasting positive emotional-cognitive state".
The research results show that pasta is not only associated with happiness, but also with family gatherings and friendship. Around 70 percent of study participants felt "overwhelming happiness" when eating pasta, and around 40 percent would describe pasta as a comfort food.
Why does pasta make you happy?
The mood-lifting properties of pasta are primarily attributed to tryptophan. An amino acid that is converted into serotonin in several biochemical steps. This messenger substance is primarily known as the happiness hormone. The complex carbohydrates found in pasta have also been shown to stimulate endorphins. This is the first time that scientific research has investigated the emotions that pasta evokes.
To arrive at these results, the researchers used neuro-scientific and brain-tracking methods similar to those of lie detectors that analyze facial expressions, emotional brain activations and heart rate. The study involved 40 test subjects, including an equal number of men and women aged between 25 and 55. Although the study is not representative with such a small number of participants, it does provide some initial indications.
Professor Vincenzo Russo, Professor of Consumer Psychology and Neuromarketing at the IULM University and founder and coordinator of the "Behavior & Brain Lab IULM", told the media publication "Malta Daily" that "through this study, science has put itself at the service of emotions to confirm that pasta and happiness are one."
He reported that the results show that "we are at our most emotionally active when we eat pasta." "It is therefore the actual act of tasting and savoring the dish in its full flavor that stimulates the most positive memories and emotions," the professor said. "This cognitive and emotional activation determined by the taste of pasta is so strong, pleasant and captivating that it lasts even moments after the meal."
Sources: "IULM", "Malta Daily"
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In Italy, where the University of Milan is located, a study conducted at the Behavior & Brain Lab discovered that eating pasta leads to a significant increase in happiness. After enjoying a bowl of noodles, many participants described pasta as their comfort food, resulting in overwhelming feelings of joy.
Source: www.stern.de
