A study led by Professor Shir Atzil and doctoral student Monia Masalha of Hebrew University, together with Dr. Shai Fuchs of Sheba Medical Center, found that blood glucose spikes after a meal were reduced when people ate with a loved one. The effect suggests that social closeness can influence basic metabolic processes.
The researchers say the results help explain why being near someone we love makes us feel good: it helps the body work better. While the exact mechanism is not fully detailed in the report, the measured improvement in glucose response points to a direct physiological benefit.
This is a single study, and the source does not mention any conflicting findings. Still, the results support a broader line of research showing that emotional and social bonds can shape physical health outcomes.