The smell of freshly baked bread makes people kinder

People do not have such a keen sense of smell as, for example, dogs, but for us it is also of great importance in the perception of the world around us, if only because it is the most ancient of the five senses. Smells can have strange effects.

French researchers claim that the smell of freshly baked bread can influence our subconscious and, unbeknownst to us, makes us feel sympathy for others.

Moreover, the aroma of fresh buns increases the willingness to help a complete stranger.

Scientists from the University of Southern Brittany in France invited 8 boys and girls to participate in the experiment. The experiment took place in two stages.

In the first stage, study participants stood near the entrance to a bakery, from which there was a noticeable smell of freshly baked bread, and during the second stage of the experiment, they were located near the entrance to a clothing boutique.

The participants were instructed by the authors of the study to diligently pretend to search for some object in their bags and briefcases so that some object (keys, wallet, glasses case, etc.) supposedly fell to the ground without the participants themselves noticing. For the purity of the experiment and to obtain the most reliable data, this action was carried out 400 times near each of the stores.

The scientists stood at a distance of 15-20 meters and monitored the results.

When participants "dropped" their keys or wallets near the bakery door, strangers stopped, leaned over, picked up the "lost" and returned it to the study participants in 77% of cases.

And only 52% of passers-by showed altruism near the doors of a clothing boutique, where the smell of exhaust fumes from passing cars dominated.

Thus, according to French scientists, the smell of fresh bread can really make people more responsive and friendly.