Keep it Sweet and Stay Cool - a little bit of sugar stops aggression

Hello Everyone

There is so much information on diet, health and general well-being around at the moment that sometimes it is hard to get a balance. 

For example there is a great movement afoot in the western world to have people be more accountable for the amount of sugar they eat and the impact it has on health – especially type 2 diabetes.                                               

Consider some of the latest research to come from the University of New South Wales in Australia suggests that aggressive people given to outbursts can gain control of themselves in situations where they normally lose it by eating a little sugar.  They also suggested using the non-dominant hand.

Professor Denson from the University of NSW stated that “self-control is like a muscle so it requires an energy source”.  Sugar is the energy source and practice at being calm or in control is also required hence people are asked to use their non-dominant hand.  Denson found that prisoners given a sweet drink were considerably less aggressive.

The research is really important for those people who want to take more control of their lives and limit aggression. 

It seems that the old adage of everything in moderation is important when it comes to sugar.  Similarly if people tend towards aggressive behaviour they would be wise to attend to any low blood sugar issues before they act.

Roz Townsend  www.roztownsend.com

Source:            The Sydney Morning Herald 3/11/2013 page 5

                        Nicky Phillips Science Editor