il benessere psico fisico generato dal consumo di pizza

How Pizza Affects Our Well-Being

Pizza — a symbol of Italian cuisine and a dish loved worldwide — is often celebrated for its unique flavour and its ability to bring people together.

But beyond being a treat for the palate, pizza can also have interesting implications for our health and overall well-being.

Numerous scientific studies have explored the positive effects of pizza’s ingredients and the role it can play in supporting good mood and psycho-physical well-being.

The Happiness Base: The Chemistry of Pizza

Eating pizza triggers a series of chemical mechanisms in our body.

This isn’t surprising, considering that many of its core ingredients contain compounds that influence neurotransmitters and the production of “feel-good” hormones.

Carbohydrates and Serotonin

Pizza dough, usually made with wheat flour, is a rich source of complex carbohydrates. These carbohydrates stimulate insulin production, which helps the body absorb tryptophan — an essential amino acid used to produce serotonin. Serotonin is often called the “happiness hormone” and is associated with positive mood and relaxation.

Lycopene and Antioxidants

Tomato, a key ingredient in the sauce, is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene not only helps fight oxidative stress, but has also been linked to better cardiovascular health and reduced systemic inflammation.

The Healthy Fats in Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is an essential element in traditional pizza. Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, it supports heart health, lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol, and helps raise “good” HDL cholesterol.

Protein and Calcium from Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a source of high-quality protein and calcium. Protein is essential for tissue repair, while calcium is crucial for bone health and proper nervous system function.

Effects on the Brain and Mood

Pizza isn’t just a mix of ingredients — it’s a multisensory experience that involves taste, smell, and even sight.

These elements contribute to a powerful sense of satisfaction and pleasure.

Aromas and flavours: The aromas released during baking stimulate our olfactory receptors and activate the limbic system — the part of the brain responsible for emotions. That’s why the smell of freshly baked pizza can spark instant joy and craving.

Dopamine and reward: Eating pizza stimulates the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to the brain’s reward system. This response is even stronger when the pizza is made with high-quality ingredients and careful attention to detail.

Nutrition and Physical Well-Being from Pizza

When prepared in a balanced way, pizza can provide a meaningful amount of essential nutrients.

Nutritional balance

A well-designed pizza offers a balance of key macronutrients: carbohydrates from the dough, proteins from cheese and protein toppings (such as chicken, tuna, or ham), and fats (from dairy and high-quality oils like extra virgin olive oil). This balance provides steady energy, helps keep blood sugar levels more stable, and supports daily nutritional needs.

Dietary fibre

Choosing wholegrain or semi-wholegrain flours significantly increases fibre content. Fibre supports gut health, encourages regular digestion, and can help reduce cholesterol and stabilise blood glucose. A wholegrain pizza can be healthier and also deliver a richer, more complex flavour.

Vegetables and micronutrients

Adding fresh, colourful vegetables such as peppers, courgettes, aubergines, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms makes pizza more appetising and boosts the intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These micronutrients play a key role in chronic disease prevention, immune function, and skin and eye health.

Lean protein and sustainability

Adding lean proteins such as grilled chicken, prawns, or tofu helps meet daily protein needs without loading the dish with saturated fats. For an even more sustainable option, plant-based proteins (like legumes or soy-based alternatives) can also work well.

High-quality fats

Using extra virgin olive oil — both during baking and as a finishing drizzle — adds heart-friendly monounsaturated fats and a valuable source of vitamin E. In moderation, ingredients like avocado or chopped nuts can further enrich pizza’s nutritional profile.

Tailored to specific needs

Thanks to its versatility, pizza can be adapted to many dietary needs: gluten-free for intolerances, lower-lactose options for sensitivities, or enriched with “superfoods” like chia seeds, flaxseed, or spirulina for an extra nutritional boost.

In short, pizza isn’t just comfort food — it can also be part of a healthy, balanced diet, as long as it’s made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and in line with the principles of a varied, balanced approach to eating.

Of course, it should be prepared with excellent ingredients and properly fermented dough — come and try one of the best pizzas in Milan at our Neapolitan pizzeria.

Pizza and the Culture of Sharing

Beyond its chemical and nutritional benefits, pizza has a meaningful impact on social well-being.

Sharing a pizza with friends or family isn’t just a pleasurable meal — it’s also a chance to strengthen social bonds.

The convivial atmosphere that forms around pizza is unique: its simplicity and versatility make it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual evening or a special celebration.

When we share a pizza, we take part in a ritual that goes beyond simply eating.

It has a strong symbolic meaning tied to sharing and togetherness.

Eating together promotes a sense of belonging, which is essential for mental well-being.

Positive interpersonal relationships are closely linked to better physical and mental health.

Studies show that people with strong social networks tend to be happier, less stressed, and live longer.

Pizza is also often connected to happy memories and joyful moments.

Think of family dinners, nights out with friends, or movie evenings at home.

Each slice can carry positive emotions that strengthen our connection with others — and with ourselves.

From a psychological perspective, sharing a meal can encourage the release of oxytocin, the hormone linked to affection and trust.

That helps explain why shared meals — especially with beloved foods like pizza — can improve mood and reduce stress.

Finally, pizza has a remarkable ability to break down cultural and language barriers.

In an increasingly globalised world, it’s a universal language that brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles.

This power to connect people — physically and emotionally — helps create a sense of community and solidarity.

So pizza is not just food: it’s a vehicle for social connection and mental well-being.

Every time we share a pizza, we invest in our social and emotional “capital”, nourishing not only the body, but also the soul.

Responsible Consumption and Health

Despite its many benefits, it’s important to enjoy pizza in moderation and pay attention to the ingredients used:

Portion control: Balanced portions help avoid excess calories.
Lower sodium: Some toppings, such as cured meats, can be high in salt. Choosing lower-salt options can support healthier blood pressure.
Sustainable choices: Using organic and local ingredients not only improves nutritional quality, but also reduces environmental impact.

Pizza, when prepared and enjoyed in a balanced way, is not only delicious — it can also support psycho-physical well-being.

Its ingredients can have positive effects on our body, both through biochemical mechanisms and through the joy it brings to everyday life.

By combining flavour, nutrition, and togetherness, pizza confirms itself as a true treasure of global food culture — able to nourish not only the body, but also the soul.