In a few weeks the streets will be full of ghosts, goblins, and witches on the prowl for candy. Is it possible that in a few years these same streets will be full of violent criminals? According to researchers at Cardiff University in Wales, children that consume candy and sweets daily are more likely to commit violent crimes as adults. Here is a link to the article that summarizes the study: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=106192
The researchers say that "there appears to be a link between childhood diet and adult violence". The article goes on to 'defend' candy and sweets saying that children given candy daily may not have learned to delay gratification resulting in more violent behavior. Additionally, the "candy defense" sites that the child's home life might be to blame and that candy may have served as a coping mechanism.
If you're a parent, is feeding your kids candy a chance you're willing to take? And, if you're gearing up for Trick-or-Treaters, think twice before buying supersized bags of Tootsie Rolls and Twizzlers. You may be contributing to the delinquency of a minor...
And since we're talking criminals, here's something to think about... KFC products are the most popularly selected by death row inmates for their last meals. KFC = Killing Felons with Chicken. Was it the lethal "hormone" injected Original Recipe or Extra-Crispy in the "electric chair" variety??
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The second paragraph offering potential explanations was interesting. Of course, it's understood no-one is suggesting sugar _causes_ violent behavior. However, one could begin to ask whether there might be a whole host of self-destructive/dysfunctional behaviors that are correlated. I've never considered how the nutritional decisions of those predisposed to crime/violence might differ. Clearly, diet influences far more than we realize!
ReplyDeleteThe KFC stuff - now that's scary. I think I'm completely cured of ever wanting to eat there again!
The idea of trick-or-treating has serious merit, at least in some neighborhoods... where I grew up, you got to dress up, see all your friends and neighbors and engage with your community. There's no rule that says your kid HAS to eat all that candy, however. My parents let us choose one piece a week... needless to say, our stash lasted FOREVER. There is a balance to be found between a sugar free-for-all and banishing Halloween altogether. Temperance, people. Temperance.
ReplyDeleteGreat point Melissa! There is no avoiding and nothing wrong with a 'little' candy once and a while. As long as your candy, sugar and processed foods aren't making up a majority of your child's diet you are doing well! While grocery shopping this weekend I was watching a family unload their cart and the only fruit that they bought was in "roll-up" form, the major protein sources were Lunchables and Hot Pockets, and potato chips and french fries were the vegetables. But at least they had Diet Coke...
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