Italian study proves: eating pasta really does make you happy
Eating pasta makes you happy. Duh, I hear you say. Of course pasta makes us happy! Believe me, I know. But did you know that this is also a downright fact? An Italian study has now proven it.
The study was conducted by the Neuromarketing Behavior & Brain Lab at the IULM University in Milan, the Free University for Languages and Communication. They carried out the research for the Italian pasta makers of Unione Italiana Food. The study found that a plate of pasta makes us just as happy—or even happier—than music. Even a goal scored by our favorite sports team does less for us than eating pasta. Wow.
Small group, big result
The feeling of happiness we get from pasta is therefore based on an emotional and neurophysiological mechanism. In short, something really happens in our brains when we eat pasta. It triggers emotions. How do we know that for sure? The Italian researchers used the same kinds of methods as those used with lie detectors. For example, they analyzed facial expressions, emotional brain activity, heart rates and sweating. They did this with 40 participants (20 women and 20 men).
A small research group, and the study was carried out by the Italian pasta makers themselves (“We at WC Duck recommend WC Duck”), but we still think it’s fun to share the findings with you. We’ll just admit it: as huge pasta lovers, we’re somewhat biased.
The results don’t lie
The scientists ultimately examined 4 indices: the memory index, the engagement index, the emotional index and the happiness index. What did they find? Pasta scores better than music and sports on all indices. Our bodies therefore show more positive signals when faced with a plate of pasta than when we listen to music or watch sports.
Vincenzo Russo, professor of consumer psychology and neuromarketing at IULM University, told the International Pasta Organisation: ”The results tell us that we are emotionally most active when we eat pasta. It is therefore the actual act of tasting and enjoying the dish in all its flavor that evokes the most positive memories and emotions. This cognitive and emotional activation, determined by the taste of pasta, is so strong, pleasant and engaging that it continues even immediately after eating.”
Pasta = Italy, good and happiness
The study also shows that we associate the word “happiness” with pasta. When the study participants were asked which word came to mind when they thought of pasta, the answer was “happiness.” The words “Italy” and “good” also came up, of course. These 3 were mentioned most often. The participants were also asked directly how happy pasta made them. The vast majority (76%) responded with “a lot.”
Happy chemicals
Also interesting: pasta itself contains substances that make you feel happier. Carbohydrates—which pasta consists largely of—stimulate the production of endorphins, for example. That’s the hormone that creates a feeling of happiness. Pasta also contains the amino acid tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin, in turn, is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. A plate of pasta can increase the serotonin level in your body and thereby improve your mood. See? That pasta smile comes naturally.
Plenty of reasons to make lots of pasta, then. Perhaps a delicious pasta Carbonara? Or a fresh pasta Primavera? A wonderfully cheerful dish for this miserable weather. Or, well, at least we now know that it doesn’t matter which pasta you eat. It’ll make you cheerful and happy anyway!
Also read:
- 10 best tips for pasta
- 10 food situations in which luck is truly on your side
- Memorize these 4 sauces for eternal kitchen happiness
Sources: International Pasta Organisation, IULM, trillmag.com
