Another new scientific study backs the proposition that Pizza may be the ultimate stress reliever – among your fave foods, that is. It’s the second such research project this year to reach the same conclusion. That alone tells me there’s something to the notion…
According to the results of the latest study… Just looking at
this photo of a luscious slice should banish your blues!
The first such study, reported back in January, was clear enough: “The results of a new Harris Poll released on January 25 indicate, first and foremost, that we’re a nation of stress-eaters…)
Food the best ‘pick-me-up’
“More than half of Americans admit to eating more when they’re stressed,” Vice reported. “[Some] 67 percent said that they use their favorite foods as a source of emotional solace; a ‘pick-me-up’ if you will.” And a solid majority of them named pizza as their go-to de-stressor food.
Now, a follow-up ‘study’ reveals that even the aroma of a fresh-baked pizza can reduce stress and boost your mood.
Science says…
A research team, from the University of East Anglia, (UK), England mounted a biometric study of the pizza pacifier effect.
According to the study, 42 percent of survey participants said the aroma made them feel comforted. Almost 1/3 ( 28 percent) reported a noticeable mood boost. Researchers the brain signals generated by the direct effect or memory of pizza triggered a response by the limbic system — the part of the brain that processes emotions and memories.
Even the subconscious mind knows something soothing when it detects it. And releases feel-good neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
Start with the basics…
While cheese and tomato sauce alone can achieve a soothing effect, you can increase the stressing potential of your purpose-ordered comfort pie by starting with the right crust and adding the right toppings.
Tomato sauce carries antioxidants and immune-boosting vitamin C, while the cheese brings tryptophan to the table, helping your brain blast those serotonin receptors with love.
Swap out the plain white crust in favour of a whole grain flatbread to trigger ‘satisfaction’ neuro-signals. Add lots of fresh veggies and lean proteins to add a smile to your pizza pig-out.
Active de-stressing
While the emphasis on stress relief is usually placed on physical and mental relaxation, the researchers noted that there’s also an ‘active’ dimension to the phenomenon. A significant 17 percent of study participants felt ‘a sense of anticipation’ when smelling pizza. And noted that such reactions can also trigger the release of ‘happy’ hormones.
My take
I have taken tine to reflect soberly and objectively on the study findings. And I agree entirely with the researchers’ conclusions.
And if I might, I’ll dare to offer that the unconscious mechanism behind pizza pacification may be causally connected with the basics of pizza’s nutritional profile. After all… America’s favourite dish is based on comforting carbs and fatty favourites: Cheese. Fatty proteins such as sausage, bacon, ground meats. All appeal to the human addiction to the Naughty Trinity: Fat Sweet and Salt…
At the same time… If a fresh slice is the ultimate prescription for a day-saving de-stress, I would also suggest that we don’t really need a team of university researchers to tell us so!
~ Maggie J.