Pizza is an affordable meal containing carbohydrates, protein, salt, sugar, vitamins, and minerals. It’s an ideal solution when you’re on the go or don’t have time to cook.
A recent study by DiGiorno found that people’s happiness peaks when they smell pizza cooking and when they’re eating it. This explains why pizza is the nation’s favorite comfort food.
The Smell
You probably conjure images of gooey cheese and savory pepperoni when you think of pizza. It’s no wonder that it makes us happy. But the happiness doesn’t just come from eating pizza—it comes from the smell, too!
Have you ever wondered why pizza has such an irresistible aroma? Well, scientists now know the answer. The combination of dough, tomato sauce, and toppings creates the unique scent of pizza. When these ingredients are heated, they release oils and chemicals that produce a delicious smell. Interestingly, the scent of pizza can even stimulate our brains to release serotonin, a hormone that makes us feel good. It’s no wonder why pizza is always a choice for best lunch in Breckenridge CO.
A recent study by DiGiorno found that people felt happiest when they could smell the pizza cooking in the oven. The researchers tracked the emotions of their guests using facial recognition technology and found that people experienced the most joy when they could smell pizza. They were 24 percent happier than when they saw the pizza before them.
So, the next time you’re craving pizza, try closing your eyes and imagining the smell of baking in the oven.
The Taste
Pizza is an incredibly delicious food. The taste of zesty cheese and savory toppings on a chewy crust satisfies our senses. It also tastes even better when it’s shared.
Pizza also makes us feel happy by providing our brain with the essential nutrients it needs to produce serotonin, the chemical responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being. Studies have found that eating foods rich in the amino acid tryptophan, like pizza, increases our serotonin levels.
When you’re hungry and craving pizza, the anticipation alone is enough to make you a hundred-watt happy. Think about all the times you’ve driven home from pizza delivery and relished in that heavenly smell wafting through your car or when someone brought it to a party or event, a moment that instantly lifts your mood because it means that pizza will soon be in your stomach.
The first bite of pizza always leaves you feeling satisfied and happy, if only for a moment before your desire for more starts to set in. That’s why you end up eating more and more of the delicious pie, and you never stop experimenting with new combinations of ingredients. Whether a classic Margherita or an avant-garde fusion creation, a perfect slice always leaves you wanting more. It’s food that doesn’t judge you and is there for you through breakups, promotions, or birthday celebrations.
The Shared Experience
Whether dining out with friends, watching a football game, or sharing pizza on a family night – it’s all about the shared experience. The smell of a pizza cooking in the oven, picking out the toppings you like best, and then sitting down to enjoy it with family or friends is something that most people love doing.
A pizza is a fun food that can be eaten with your hands, folded in half for a calzone, or even cut into different shapes to make it unique. Eating pizza with your family or friends brings everyone together and creates a sense of connection and happiness.
Studies have shown that eating regular pizza can help reduce stress. This is because pizza is a socially-shared meal that stimulates pleasure centers in the brain. Pizza is also a great comfort food because it can be enjoyed with family and friends during special occasions or after a hard day at work.
The Feel-Good Hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers that send signals from one cell to another. A group called the happy hormones produces a sense of happiness and euphoria. They also help us feel calm, focused, and satisfied. Our nervous system and the digestive tract regulate hormones. Certain lifestyle choices, including the foods we eat, also control them.
A research study conducted by DiGiorno and the University of Pennsylvania found that pizza can trigger the release of oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. The researchers measured participants’ emotions using facial recognition software and a smartphone app that scans faces to detect smiles, laughter, and other expressions. The results showed that when pizza was prepped in the oven, people’s joy levels increased by 18 percent. When the pizza was served, their happiness levels spiked by 24 percent.
While many people avoid pizza because they believe it’s unhealthy, dietitians say it can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. A pizza made at home with fresh ingredients can be low in calories, sugar, sodium, and fat. However, most pizzas eaten at restaurants and from frozen brands are high in these nutrients. In addition, eating pizza at night can affect your body’s biorhythm and circadian rhythm and contribute to weight gain.