UN Pasta dish is not only a choice of taste, but a real engine of happiness and connection. This is what emerges from the first scientific study of Behavior & Brain Lab of the IULM University of Milan, which investigated the impact of the consumption of spaghetti & co. on sociality and emotions.
Science, emotions and … food
Thanks to brain tracking neuroscientific techniques, that is, to techniques that allow you to analyze brain activity, both at a structural and functional level, the researchers have observed that eating pasta in company stimulates positive emotions. In addition, share a dish of pens or fusilli strengthens interpersonal ties much more than other convivial activities. «Science has put itself at the service of emotions to certify that the pasta rhymes with conviviality. The results allow us to affirm that pasta is a real catalyst for relationships and that a plate of spaghetti in the center table can create a social network “explains the Professor Vincenzo RussoFounding of consumption psychology and neuromarketing at IULM.
The first experiment that measures the conviviality of the pasta
The study was conducted on 40 participants Divided into couples, aged between 25 and 55, without allergies or food intolerances. Participants said they consume pasta often. The volunteers were monitored while sharing different experiences: Eating pasta, watching a movie, playing together or chatting freely. During each activity, neuroscientific (through EEG, i.e. electroencephalogram), physiological (such as cardiac beat and skin conductance have been detected, that is, as the skin reacts to the stimuli) and behavioral.
The study was carried out in two phases
The first step checked how the various activities acted acted sharing on the mind, the second step which activity has generated a better interaction and connection between the participants, who did not know each other. Based on the scientific parameters adopted (Emotional Index, Engagement Index, Memorization Index, analysis of the rational experience, inclusion of other in self -stairs, questionnaire, hyperscanning) Eating a plate of pasta in company was gesture that “activated” more the emotional sphere, compared to the other pleasant proposals. “It is the real act of tasteing and savoring the dish that stimulate the most positive memories and emotions” explains Professor Vincenzo Russo.
Eating a plate of spaghetti gives more emotions
The results highlighted that the pasta produces a Emotional Index 110% higher than other tested activities. A fact that confirms its unique ability to generate positive emotions. In addition, the experience of shared consumption of pasta has activated Memory processes plus Forti (+87%). And he created a greater neurophysiological connection between the participants. According to the investigation, the pasta was also the activity that stimulated More memories related to the familyto one’s origins and happy moments, becoming a true “memory food”.
Between comfort food and tradition
It is not surprising that over half of the sample (53%) consider pasta a comfort food. For 43% of the interviewees, in fact, the pasta seasoned with the thousand sauces of our regional cuisine evokes traditional images. Another 13%, however, associates it with terms such as “Cuddle”, “Gratification” and “Good humor”. «We have always known that pasta is a convivial food, now scientific confirmation arrives. Where the pasta is, the company lights up and bonds are created »underlines Margherita Mastromauro, President of the Italian Pastai of Italian Union Food. It is no coincidence that during the experiment, 60% of the spontaneous conversations born around our national dish focused on emotional and relational issues. It is a fact that confirms the special role of this food in promoting well -being, sharing and good mood.
The effects of pasta on our mind
Thanks to this study, for the first time the socializing power of pasta was measured with objective tools. In fact, he measured himself medical parameters such as heartbeat or brain synchronization. The search showed that enjoying a plate of pasta together is able to:
- reduce negative emotions of 24%, more than other shared activities;
- increase the perception of closeness with the other up to 92% more;
- stimulate cognitive and emotional synchrony 25% higher than activities such as the game or view of a film.
In other words, the pasta is confirmed as a cultural, sensory and emotional experience that goes beyond the simple Mediterranean diet. But this Italians already knew … if it is true that 53% of our compatriots consider a nice dish of penne and friends as their favorite comfort food!
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