Fettucini alfredo, penne alla vodka, and of course the classic spaghetti and meatballs — is your mouth watering yet? Pasta is a popular choice for comfort food among many. It’s not only budget-friendly and easy to whip up, but it also feels immensely satisfying to indulge in a hearty bowl of carb-rich delight. Interestingly, there are scientific explanations for this craving.
A study in the journal Obesity discovered that carbohydrate-rich foods trigger the release of a brain chemical called serotonin. Serotonin is known to elevate your mood by reducing anxiety and depression, which explains why you might find yourself longing for a pasta treat (via Healthline).
How sensitive your taste buds are to carbohydrates might also play a role in your cravings. Russell Keast, a researcher from Deakin University in Australia, mentioned to The Healthy, “Individuals who are more sensitive to the ‘taste’ of carbohydrate also have some form of subconscious accelerator that increases carbohydrate or starchy food consumption.”
Other reasons behind your cravings
Your body aims to maintain balance. An excess or deficiency in a specific vitamin or mineral can be the difference between feeling optimal and struggling to get out of bed (as noted by Everyday Health). It’s believed that if your nutrient balance is off, your body might crave certain foods, though this is still debated (via Healthline).
A major reason you might be yearning for a big bowl of spaghetti is if you’ve just embarked on a diet and have been cutting down on pasta or avoiding it altogether. According to a 2020 study in Current Nutrition Reports, participants who were temporarily restricted from certain foods reported heightened cravings for them. This was supported by registered dietitian Gabbi Berkow, who told Livestrong, “Prohibiting a food creates a stress response in your brain regarding that food because you’re constantly telling yourself not to consume it. The brain eases that stress by succumbing to the craving.”
