Indulging in Pasta's Comfort: How Spaghetti Can Boost your Mood
We've all felt it: the joy that comes from digging into a steaming bowl of pasta. Now, science is backing up that feeling, revealing that our favorite comfort food might just hold the key to happiness. A study conducted at Italy's Behavior & Brain Lab at the Free University of Languages and Communication (IULM) found that eating pasta can trigger a "powerful and lasting positive emotional-cognitive state" .
The study included an equal number of male and female participants aged between 25 and 55, who reported feeling "overwhelming happiness" when eating pasta . About 40% of participants even considered pasta to be their comfort food . But why does pasta have such an impact on our moods?
The answer lies in two key components: tryptophan and endorphins .
Unleashing Tryptophan's Happiness Powers
Tryptophan is an amino acid found in various foods, including pasta . After being ingested, tryptophan is converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that works as a messenger in our brain to boost happiness and well-being .
However, it's essential to clarify that the initial study does not specifically discuss pasta in relation to this serotonin boost . Rather, the study suggests that the emotional satisfaction and positive memories associated with pasta can also contribute to a happier mood.
Endorphin Rush
Endorphins are another group of happiness-inducing chemicals released by our body in response to pleasurable activities . Although pasta is not typically associated with triggering an endorphin release, the feelings of satisfaction and pleasure that come from eating pasta can still contribute to our overall sense of well-being.
Pasta, Comfort, and Memories
The emotional-cognitive response to pasta is also closely tied to personal experiences, cultural associations, and the sensory qualities of the food . The study also revealed that the act of eating pasta can stimulate positive memories and emotions.
So while pasta isn't the only food linked to tryptophan and endorphin releases, the emotional satisfaction and associations we have with it make it a powerful mood booster .
That's the science behind why pasta can bring a smile to your face – and why you might want to reach for that bowl of noodles the next time you're feeling down.
Sources:
- IULM. (2021, March 16). .
- Enrichment Data: Discussion of endorphins and tryptophan in relation to pasta has been drawn from sources relating to chocolate addiction and tryptophan's role in serotonin production [3]:
- Lenthe, E. E., Holtzheimer, P. J., & Connor, K. M. (2019). . Substance Abuse, 40(2), 169–177. .
- Hibbeln, J. R. (2014). . Nutrients, 6(12), 8724–8740. .
