Chapter 1: The Link Between Food and Mood

The connection between food and our emotions is a well-documented phenomenon. However, it delves much deeper than that.

When searching for answers to the question, "Why is everyone so upset?" one can find a plethora of articles analyzing this distressing trend, complete with alarming statistics. Major news outlets like CBS News and the New York Times have reported on this issue, highlighting the growing anger observed in various settings—stores, airplanes, restaurants, and even within our own homes. This anger often manifests as verbal abuse or violence, frequently triggered by minor incidents.

What is causing this increase in hostility, which seems to be escalating in both frequency and intensity? While socioeconomic factors such as poverty and social inequality are often cited, the roots of this complex issue are multifaceted. Yet one crucial aspect that tends to be overlooked is our diet.

The influence of food on our mental state remains a blind spot in society. People are increasingly aware that poor eating habits, particularly those involving ultra-processed foods, are linked to chronic health issues like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The emerging field of "nutritional psychiatry" explores how diet impacts mental well-being. However, discussions about food's role in aggressive or violent behavior are often dismissed.

Remarkably, evidence supporting this connection has existed for decades but has largely been ignored. In the 1950s, actress and designer Gloria Swanson championed the idea that nutrition could influence behavior. After discovering a study by Dr. George Watson, she became an ardent advocate for the role of nutrition in preventing youth crime. Swanson famously stated, "I can't believe juvenile delinquency doesn't come from the lack of proper nutrition. If the body can become sick from this, then why not the mind?"

The research findings of Dr. Watson were groundbreaking. In 1954, he and a colleague published a study showing that a combination of vitamins and minerals could lead to behavioral changes. Swanson helped to bring attention to this work, and thanks to her advocacy, Watson's ideas gained wider recognition, culminating in his 1972 book, Nutrition and Your Mind, being featured in major publications.

Since then, a steady stream of studies has suggested that nutrition might play an underappreciated role in preventing and addressing criminal behavior.

The first video titled Game Theory: Do Video Games Cause Violence? It's Complicated examines the complexities surrounding the relationship between media consumption and aggression. It invites viewers to consider the multifaceted nature of violent behaviors and the various factors at play.

Chapter 2: The Rise of Ultra-Processed Foods

Today, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) dominate diets worldwide, particularly among children. These foods, laden with sugars, refined carbs, oils, and additives, lack the essential nutrients needed for optimal brain function. Alarmingly, nearly a third of baby and preschool foods in the UK fall into this category. By the age of two, most children consume over 60% UPFs. Dr. Chris van Tulleken, author of Ultra-Processed People, warns that we are facing a child health crisis.

As children transition to school, they continue to be exposed to a UPF-centric culture. A 2022 study revealed that British students received 75% of their lunchtime calories from ultra-processed options, with packed lunches often being even less nutritious than school meals.

The implications of a junk food diet on behavior are concerning. Research indicates that dietary choices made in early life are linked to antisocial behaviors later on. Children aged 6–18 who consume high amounts of fast foods and sugary snacks are more likely to exhibit bullying and aggression.

This trend is not isolated to Britain; it reflects a global shift from natural foods to UPFs, as evidenced by sales data and consumption patterns.

The second video, 1. Introduction to Human Behavioral Biology, explores the biological underpinnings of human behavior, emphasizing the importance of understanding the factors that influence our actions, including diet.

Chapter 3: The Consequences of Poor Nutrition

Over two decades ago, a notable trial was conducted on 231 juveniles at Aylesbury Young Offenders' Institution in England, aiming to observe behavioral changes resulting from improved nutrition. Participants received either nutritional supplements rich in essential nutrients or placebos. Those receiving the supplements showed a 26.3% reduction in offenses, with violent conduct decreasing by 37%. In contrast, the placebo group exhibited no significant behavioral changes, and violence levels returned to baseline once the trial ended.

Following the Aylesbury trial, the Department of Health acknowledged in its 2004 report that poor diet could be linked to antisocial behavior, yet no substantial action was taken.

Dr. Stephen Schoenthaler, a criminologist who studied diet and behavior in US juvenile facilities, found that removing processed foods, particularly those high in sugar, led to a dramatic decrease in behavioral infractions—averaging a 47% reduction in incidents among over 8,000 juveniles studied.

Research has also shown that chemical additives in food can adversely affect behavior. Animal studies suggest that various additives, including emulsifiers and synthetic flavors found in UPFs, may influence brain function and behavior.

A critical aspect of this research involves omega-3 fatty acids, essential fats primarily sourced from oily fish. Numerous trials indicate that supplementing with omega-3s can reduce aggressive behaviors in both children and adults. One study found that substance abusers experienced significant decreases in anger and anxiety when given omega-3 supplements.

Despite the wealth of existing research, there has been little movement toward applying these findings in practice. Gloria Swanson, a pioneer in this field, criticized the food industry's influence on policy long before it became a widespread concern. Recent studies have highlighted the significant impact of the ultra-processed food industry on nutritional guidelines and professional organizations.

The Aylesbury trial and others like it should prompt a reevaluation of the role of diet in behavior. It is crucial to expose the food industry's ongoing influence over policy, as prioritizing profit over public health is a serious issue that deserves our attention.