Is the way to someone’s heart really through their stomach?

The best way to a man’s and woman’s heart is really through their stomach, according to a new study.

The research of 3,000 American adults revealed almost three-quarters believe the age-old phrase "the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach" does ring true.

And when asked if this applies to themselves, 70% of women and 75% of men agreed.

More than half admitted their mood could improve with good food and 48% said some of their most treasured memories involve eating.

Two in five people consider themselves a "foodie," while 43% feel they are a "feeder."

Similarly, people like feeding others as it brings them happiness (61%) because they said they have a maternal or paternal instinct (44%) and like to share their culinary creations (43%).

The study, commissioned by brioche experts St Pierre Bakery and conducted by OnePoll, also found cooking from scratch, knowing how to make something without a recipe and not getting stressed in the kitchen are among the things that impress people about others.

Three in 10 people also like when others know the best spots for food in different cities, while many are impressed if a host always has food to offer their guests.

On the other hand, those polled have tried to impress others with their cooking skills (30%) by creating a meal out of leftovers (27%) and discussing food with a passion (23%).

A further 38% believe sharing food brings people together, and two in five said food traditions had been passed down in their families.

For 33%, sharing food is key to their family dynamic, while 35% admitted that food is at the heart of every family occasion. Sharing food is seen to bring people together for 38%, and Americans typically have four conversations a day about food.

While recalling their love for food,  35% said they've previously received a food-themed gift and 39% have given others food as a gift.

A quarter of Americans have even set up a social media page dedicated to their passion for food. Twenty-seven percent have visited another country purely for the cuisine, with Italy, Mexico and France topping the list of respondents' favorites.

“The study shows just how important food is to moods, relationships and memories,” said St Pierre Bakery founder Paul Baker. “Foods often bring back nostalgic experiences such as eating with family or friends, trying new cuisines for the first time, going on a first date or being on vacation or in a different city.  It’s great to see how passionate the nation is about food and that the way to a person’s heart really is through their stomach.”

The poll also asked respondents which fondest memories about food stood out to them. Over half (58%) said the taste, smell (52%), and preparing a dish with their loved ones (43%) were the memories that stood out to them the most.

Food is vital for 78% of people who say it's important that their potential partners love to eat, and 39% agree that preparing food for people demonstrates love.

When meeting with a friend, relative or date, two in three (63%) admitted they're likely to involve eating, and 51% said food is central to gatherings with their families.

A third of people struggle to understand people who don’t get excited by food and say that fussy eaters annoy them. More than half of Americans admitted that they’re always thinking about their next meal (51%).

“Often the best feel-good moment comes from a simple home cooked meal or baked treat – and especially as the holidays approach, we can all relate to that,” added Baker. “We’ve always believed that great food is a joy to be shared – and that’s especially true as the holidays approach. Whenever you ask someone about their favorite food, the reason for their answer is almost always linked to a treasured memory – and that’s a beautiful thing.”