A teaspoon of peanut butter releases the same hormone as spooning a loved one

If you’re anything like us, you don’t need an excuse to eat peanut butter out of the jar.

But just in case anybody did want a nudge, we now have proof that a teaspoon of the stuff makes you feel the same as when you spoon a loved one.

Who even needs a partner, ey?

A spoonful of peanut butter feels just like spooning (Credit: Alamy)

The news was announced by psychologist, Emma Kenny, who stated that a teaspoon (15g) of peanut butter contains tryptophan, which is an amino acid responsible for the production of serotonin, and provide an instant mood lift.

It comes as Meridian released a study in response to the struggles that many people are facing at the moment, such as the change in the season and cost of living crisis affecting mental health.

The study asked people several other activities that made them happy and released the same chemical, and these included watching TV, spending time with loved ones and reading a book.

But interestingly, 43 percent of people said that spooning the spread out of the jar made them feel the same as cuddling a partner.

Who needs a partner when you’ve got peanut butter? (Credit: Pexels)

“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 the psychologist.

“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 peanut butter provides that serotonin boost that we all need.

“Of course, a double whammy of both will be even better.”

The research comes as part of Meridian’s permission to spoon campaign, which has been launched in collaboration with TV personality Josie Gibson. You can learn more about that, here.