After we recently unveiled bad news to those that love to start their morning off with a BEC, it’s only right that we now share some good news, and boy are we delivering! Apparently, pizza is good for much more than just satisfying us in the wee hours of the morning after a wild night out–it can actually ease stress and anxiety and boost our mood! All things that we already could’ve told you ourselves, of course, but definitely cool to now have some science backing us up!
Researchers over at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England conducted a biometric analysis and found that smelling a freshly baked pizza led to alleviated stress, anxiety, and nerves. The study was conducted by Professor Oli Buckley in collaboration with Chicago Town, who, in preparation for Euros 2024, were curious if the aroma of a baking pizza could lessen anxiety before and during watching a football match.
Pitchside podcaster Theo Baker was hooked up to a machine while the professor monitored his blood pressure, heart rate, and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). Readings were taken both before the game as well as during some of football’s most notoriously nerve-wracking moments as Baker breathed in the delicious smell of Chicago Town’s Takeaway Weekender Stuffed Crust Salt and Pepper Chicken pizza.
And the numbers don’t lie–research showed that when in close proximity to the baking pizza, Theo exhibited fewer signs of nervousness prior to the game. Data indicated that the pizza even had a soothing impact on him. According to Nottingham Post, Professor Buckley stated:
Assessing Theo’s reactions in the two conditions, one without the pizza and one with pizza, showed that with the combined data that cooking and eating frozen pizza has a notable calming effect.
OnePoll then carried out a survey to get other’s reactions to smelling pizza being baked. The results were as follows:
- 42% said the smell brings feelings of comfort
- 28% said it boosts their mood
- 17% said it fills them with an excited sense of anticipation
Now we don’t know about you but we can certainly relate to all three of those findings. But as it turns out the results aren’t just due to our love of pizza!
Cookist writes that one of the biggest factors behind pizza’s ability to boost our mood is serotonin, the “happiness hormone” which regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is found in many pizza toppings, including cheese, meats, and tomato sauce. And when tryptophan hits the brain it’s converted into serotonin, helping to increase feelings of relaxation and well-being!
Even more, carbohydrates (i.e. pizza crust) help the body absorb tryptophan more effectively, further increasing serotonin levels. Pair that all with dopamine, the brain’s “reward chemical” released when we eat something enjoyable, and you’ve got yourself some solid science that positively backs this delicious combo of carbs, cheese, and protein!
Our takeaway? Next time you’re feeling a bit stressed–NYC was named one of the world’s most anxiety-inducing cities after all–maybe consider just popping a pizza pie into your oven! How about some pickle pizza?!