Feeling stressed out? You’re not alone, whether it’s from finances or final exams, a lot of us would welcome a break from anxiety and stress and science seems to have just discovered a surprising way to get it. It turns out, pizza could be the secret to lifting our spirits and calming those frazzled nerves.
A new study from the University of East Anglia in England finds that the smell of freshly baked pizza can “significantly” ease stress and boost mood. That’s right, the comfort food can actually help us calm down, without even eating a bite.
- According to the research, 42% of participants reported that the aroma made them feel comforted. More than a quarter (28%) felt a noticeable mood boost.
- And 17% had an ‘excited sense of anticipation” just from smelling the pizza.
Researchers explain that the reaction is the result of the limbic system - the part of the brain that deals with emotions and memories - being activated. And the fact that it releases feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine doesn’t hurt either. So, when you need to de-stress, the fix could be as easy as a trip to your favorite pizzeria.
Source: FoodBeast