An expert claims eating just one teaspoon of peanut butter provides the same serotonin boost as spooning your partner in bed for 30 seconds – as new research reveals 50% of Brits are feeling "weighed down" as of late. The spread contains tryptophan, an amino acid responsible for producing the body's natural chemical, meaning a 15g portion could provide an instant mood lift.
The study revealing happiness habits across the country was carried out by top psychologist Emma Kenny in conjunction with Meridian, a palm oil-free nut butter brand. “The human body is absolutely incredible, and there are small actions that we can all take every day to get the best from it," said Emma Kenny.
“We instinctively know that spooning with someone makes us feel better. But what is interesting from the research is finding out the quantity and quality of spooning required in order to feel good.
“As we encounter quite a depressing time of year, it’s something we could definitely do with right now. Either half a minute of spooning with someone or a 15g spoonful of Meridian peanut butter provides that serotonin boost that we all need.
"Of course, a double whammy of both will be even better.”
The study also revealed that spooning spread out of a jar made Brits feel just as good as cuddling a partner (43%). While munching on peanut butter or spooning could give some much-needed joy during gloomy times, Meridian's study has also revealed what makes Brits the happiest.
Unsurprisingly, at the top of the list is the simple act of spending time with family and friends (73%). Other favourite pastimes for a serotonin hit include watching TV/ films (59%) and raiding the kitchen cupboards for snack foods (54%), reading a good book (37%) and connecting with old friends (32%).
Most of these personal activities significantly beat monetary experiences such as shopping and going to the cinema (44%) and getting monthly subscription boxes (9%). Digging deeper into what makes Brits tick, the study also found that even the way people eat their food can impact how happy they feel.
Meridian hopes that the findings, especially the spooning vs peanut butter effect, will inspire people to cuddle up even more. After years of perhaps feeling a bit guilty about spooning straight from the jar, the recent evidence of how just one spoonful of our peanut butter can significantly improve mood and bring happiness now gives Brits all the permission to spoon they need," said Lydia Freeman, head of marketing at Meridian.
“Meridian is completely natural and so is spooning, this simple food hack has a surprisingly positive effect on mood, so we want to get everyone spooning.”
