Modern
science has recently confirmed what ancient spiritual wisdom
taught for millennia: food affects your mood, emotions, thoughts
and behavior.
Dr. Stephen Schoenthaler, associate professor of sociology and
coordinator of the Criminal Justice Studies Program at California
State University, Stanislau conducted studies over eight years
which involved thousands of juvenile and adult prisoners. Those
studies provided scientific evidence that linked food and criminal
behavior. Dr. Schoenthaler found that improved nutrition reduces
tension, depression, anxiety, confusion and fatigue, and increases
vigor.
In various studies Dr. Schoenthaler showed positive behavioral
results by making food changes reducing refined carbohydrates,
sugary desserts, and foods with chemical additives, and increasing
whole grains, complex carbohydrates and fresh fruit and vegetables.
The data from his study showed a dramatic 61% drop in violence
and antisocial behaviour after the dietary changes were implemented.
A previous 1986 study indicated that the worst-behaved prison
inmates ate self-selected diets containing significantly less
vitamins and minerals than the diets of the better-behaved inmates.The
worst offenders consumed large amounts of milk, meat, fat and
sugar, and little fruit, vegetables and complex carbohydates.
The worst offenders consumed half as much iron daily as the better-behaved
population did.
Dr. Schoenthaler next sought to find out what would happen if
the worst offenders who were eating nutrient-poor diets, were
given vitamin and mineral supplements.The results were amazing.Twenty
out of 40 previously problematic inmates’ moods and behaviour
improved markedly. Dr. Schoenthaler said, “These were essentially
malnourished individuals until we got rid of the junk food and
replaced it with more wholesome food”. “We have now
confirmed the nutrient-mood connection. However, a supplement
should properly be seen as an insurance policy not as a replacement
for good food.” |
Sugar displaces other foods which
would furnish a normal amount of vitamins and minerals, says Dr.
Schoenthaler. “A diet high in sugar or fat can generate a
relative deficiency of needed nutrients, and a marginal malnutrition
that could then effect behavior.”
Dr. Schoenthaler says that comprehensive
programs he has developed for penal institutions have resulted
in a 72 percent decrease in antisocial behavior among offenders.
The program includes nutritional education for both inmates and
jailors. Several states are presently considering adopting these
programs.
Unfortunately, the usual prison menu consists primarily of carbohydrates
and fats which give prisoners the appearance of good health but
which are actually detrimental to their health. But studies are
now confirming that such diets not only effect physical health,
they hinder the efforts of prison treatment personnel to engender
improved behavior.” Since
most prisoners’ diets were equally detrimental prior to their
incarceration, prisoners who get released should assure that they
consume foods which facilitate the kinds of law-abiding behavior
which will keep them from recidivating.
A well-known maxim is “You are what you eat.” Now
we know that you also “think according to what you eat.” A
holistic psychological, spiritual, educational and physical improvement
system would include not only mental development but dietary refinement
also.The ancient Egyptians knew this. They regarded proper diet,
nutrition and physical health practices as the proper worship of
the god Geb.
Amir is a student of many ancient spiritual traditions including
Egyptian, Sumerian, Yogic and Taoist systems. He is a novelist
and social commentator. http://amirfatir.tripod.com. He can
be reached at amirfatir@go.com |
