Pizza has the unquestionable power of providing people with joy. Parties, meetings, hangouts, and rainy nights all benefit from the positive energy pizza brings to the dinner table. You might think it’s just the element of excitement from getting to eat this cheesy treat, but there’s real science behind why eating pizza makes people happy.

How Eating Pizza Correlates With Happiness

1. Your Brain Pursues Pleasure

You might notice that foods containing salt, fat, and sugar often seem like the most appealing options. As it turns out, human brains are wired to desire energy-rich foods that will keep you full longer as a survival tactic. Your brain releases dopamine, a reward-driven neurotransmitter, at merely the thought of eating food like pizza. This is why it physically feels great to think about, see, and eat pizza.

2. It’s a Feel-Good Gold Mine

Some avoid carbohydrates like the plague, but according to research, carbs are essential to good physical and mental health. When you eat carb-rich foods like pizza, your brain gives you a boost of serotonin. In a well-rounded diet, this increases your energy, satisfies your appetite, and actually improves your mood. Serotonin plays an important part in your emotional well-being and happiness.

3. Even Drawing it Improves Moods

In a surprising study, researchers found that drawing pizza makes subjects happier. Between sketching pizza, cupcakes, strawberries, and peppers, those who drew a piping pie felt a 28% mood boost. This result was higher than any other food group. So the next time you’re impatiently waiting for your pizza delivery, consider using the wait to hone your art skills and give your mood a bit of a boost.

4. Sharing Deepens Bonds

Eating out with friends or family generally means deciding on your own dish. But when the group gets pizza, eating becomes a shared experience. The idea that eating the same food with someone creates a bond may seem far-fetched, but it has scientific basis that stems from establishing trust. You’re partaking in the same meal and enjoying identical benefits, so the feeling of camaraderie is stronger than if everyone orders individually.

5. It’s Simply Delicious

Beyond the science and chemistry behind how good pizza makes you feel, it doesn’t hurt to admit that it just tastes great. It’s a widely loved comfort food that can be shared among family, friends, and even invoke happiness all around.

What better way to end the night than with pizza and a smile? Ozark Mountain Pizza provides both with the best pizza and pasta options in the Branson, MO, area. Their friendly staff members create a welcoming environment, so you can feel right at home while you eat. If you’d prefer delivery or carry-out, call (417) 386-4210 to place your order. Visit them online to view their full menu.