Why pasta may be the secret ingredient to a happier life

Abstract: Researchers involved in a new study that was published recently in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, “used an observational design to examine the unique emotional and psychological effect of pasta. Unlike other foods, the study, with a focus on the Italian market, revealed that pasta seems to boost happiness and reduce stress, particularly when enjoyed in social settings like family dinners or gatherings with friends.” 

If you are a pasta lover, here is some news that will be good for the soul: New research conducted in Italy by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, with support from Barilla Group, the world’s largest producer of this staple, has explored the psychological and emotional effects of pasta consumption.

According to a release, a team led by Prof. Francesco Pagnini, a clinical psychologist with previous academic affiliations at Harvard University, investigated the relationship between pasta consumption and emotional well-being. The findings, which were published recently in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, indicate that “pasta consumption is associated with increased happiness, reduced stress, and improved quality of life.”

For anyone in their 50s that is great news, but be aware, you should consider going easy on the servings. An article published last year in Health Digest entitled The healthiest way to eat pasta if you are 50 or older, noted that “unlimited pasta can lead to unwanted weight gain. As you check the box of a new age bracket, your metabolism begins to slow due to hormonal changes and gradual muscle loss. That might mean cutting 200 calories a day just to stay the same weight.”

That said, there are definite benefits for all ages to this food staple. Prof. Pagnini and his team of researchers, the release states “used an observational design to examine the unique emotional and psychological effect of pasta. Unlike other foods, the study, with a focus on the Italian market, revealed that pasta seems to boost happiness and reduce stress, particularly when enjoyed in social settings like family dinners or gatherings with friends.”

The first part of the research involved a sample of 1,532 Italian participants. Data was collected through surveys and reveal that 41 per cent of respondents associate pasta with family, while 21 per cent link it to positive emotions,10 per cent to the pleasure of eating pasta, and seven per cent to comfort and relaxation.

“Our research indicates that the simple act of sharing a pasta meal can create lasting emotional connections and provide comfort like no other,” comments Professor Pagnini -“According to this study, no other carbohydrate-based food such as rice, bread, pizza, or other nutritional options is able to trigger such an increase in happiness as pasta when consumed with others. The data suggest that the combination of pasta and social interaction significantly boosts happiness levels.”

Valeria Rapetti, R&D Global Nutrition and Wellbeing Director of Barilla Group, a family-owned multinational organization that has been in existence since 1877, said the study “captures how pasta brings people together, creating moments of happiness.”

Study findings revealed that:

Pasta is a regular choice for 44 per cent of participants, who enjoy it two-three times a week, and 23.9 per cent of those surveyed make it a daily habit.
Pasta is linked to feelings of satiety (34 per cent), satisfaction (29 per cent), happiness (10 per cent).
Emotional associations include family (41 per cent), positive emotions (21 per cent), and comfort (seven per cent.)