Did You Know That Pasta Can Increase Happiness?

Are you feeling down or stressed? Well, here is some food for thought (no pun intended!)

Did you know that pasta can actually increase happiness? That is right! The delicious dish that has been a staple in many cultures for centuries may have more benefits than just satisfying your taste buds.

But how did people figure this out and does pasta actually increase your happiness? If yes, how does it do that? Keep on reading to find out more.

Study Says Pasta Can Increase Happiness

An Italian study by the Behavior & Brain Lab at the Free University of Languages and Communication IULM, in collaboration with Unione Italiana Food, investigated the emotional and neurophysiological processes involved in the pleasure of eating pasta.

Researchers used lie detector-like methods to study emotional reactions, monitoring brain activity in 40 subjects aged 25 to 55 without food allergies. The findings showed that eating pasta triggers a powerful and lasting emotional-cognitive state comparable to, or even surpassing, the joy from activities like listening to music or watching sports.

What Did the Study Find Out?

The study found that eating pasta elicits a strong and enduring positive emotional-cognitive state, rivaling or exceeding the joy produced by favorite activities such as listening to music or watching sports.

Professor Vincenzo Russo, founder of the Neuromarketing Behavior & Brain Lab IULM, argues that pasta and happiness are inherently linked. He suggests that the experience of tasting and savoring pasta evokes deeply positive memories and emotions.

The taste of pasta alone triggers positive memories and emotions. Researchers also found that people also associate eating pasta with social activities like spending time with family and friends.

How Did They Figure This Out?

The study revealed that people associate eating pasta with happiness, family gatherings, and friendships. About 40% of participants viewed pasta as a comfort food. When asked about the emotions linked with pasta, the predominant immediate response was happiness.

76% of respondents reported that eating pasta makes them very happy.

Additionally, scientific evidence supports the theory that complex carbohydrates like those found in pasta stimulate the production of endorphins. These endorphins aid in the absorption of tryptophan and B vitamins present in pasta. Tryptophan regulates mood, while B vitamins promote muscle relaxation and serotonin production.

Are you a fan of eating pasta? What effect does it have on you?

You might also want to read: Eating Pasta Will Not Make You Fat! Study Says Eat It With Ease