A person's attraction to comfort food is linked to positive social connections, according to a recent study.

Researchers at the University of Buffalo found that, regardless of what people identify as comfort food, it's likely the attraction to that dish is based on having a good relationship with the person they remember first preparing it.

Comfort food is defined as food that helps people find comfort.

"Comfort foods are often the foods that our caregivers gave us when we were children. As long we have positive association with the person who made that food then there's a good chance that you will be drawn to that food during times of rejection or isolation," said researcher Shira Gabriel. "It can be understood as straight-up classical conditioning."

Previous studies have shown that comfort food can reduce feelings of rejection and isolation.

"Because comfort food has a social function, it is especially appealing to us when we are feeling lonely or rejected," Gabriel explained. "The current study helps us understand why we might be eating comfort foods even when we're dieting or not particularly hungry."

This research gives insight into a unique method by which people can feel socially connected and safe --through eating comfort foods. Because a threatened sense of belonging is related to mental and physical health risks, the researchers say it's important to learn how that vulnerability can be managed.

However, this method of filling social needs is not without risks.

"Although comfort food will never break your heart, it might destroy your diet," Gabriel added.

The findings are detailed in the journal Appetite.