According to a story in the New
York Times magazine, there might be a connection between a healthy diet and a propensity for violence. Studies have
been done in countries including Finland and England, and are underway in Holland and Norway, that showed a
decrease in the levels of violent behaviors exhibited by convicts who were given omega-3 fatty acids and other
nutritional supplements. The decrease was compared to prisoners who received placebo supplements, or none at all.
Apparently, in addition to other health benefits, "Omega-3's foster the growth of neurons in the brain's frontal
cortex, the bit of gray matter that controls impulsive behavior." In other words, for people who impulsively
committed violent acts, having an increased amount of omega-3-generated neurons blocked those impulses and eliminated
many violent behaviors.
The article does, of course, remind readers that there is no miraculous way to eliminate violent behavior - no matter how much fresh fish and spinach people are given. Just like diet alone is not a substitute for exercise on the quest to lose weight, diet alone cannot stop all violent behaviors. But it could help.
[Image NYT]
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