“….if we really wanted to reduce recidivism [re-offending] rates, we need to change food access in prisons. Violent prison crime can be dramatically reduced by providing a healthy diet to prisoners. One study of 3,000 incarcerated youth replaced snack foods with healthier options and dramatically reduced refined and sugary foods. Over the twelve-month follow-up there was a 21 percent reduction in antisocial behavior, a 25 percent reduction in assaults, and a 75 percent reduction in the use of restraints.” Dr Mark Hyman.
Spot-on, I’d say. I recall reading about this study yonks ago and not being at all surprised. And that’s just changing their diet.
If you’re interested in the link between diet and violent behaviour – not just in prisons – then this article in Psychology Today a few years ago now is also interesting – it also references studies where they gave supplements to improve inmates’ nutrient levels:
Diet and Violence
Does diet affect our criminal behavior?
For me, if anyone is displaying violent or aggressive behaviour – children or adults, I would always look to their diet, nutrient and neurotransmitter levels as a starting point. I have seen changes in diet and a wellbeing type supplement protocol work wonders. Not in all cases, of course, it is far more complex than that, but some change has to be good, doesn’t it?
SO agree…. Research carried out prison environments has been around for 25 years showing that prisoner o prisoner violence can be reduced by up to 40% by a change in diet? WHY does no one listen?…..
I know, Michelle – it’s enough to make US angry!