Consuming large amounts of unhealthy trans fats, such as those found in some margarines, confectionery fats and finished products such as sweets, can increase aggression, suggests recent research in the online PLoS ONE magazine.
Trans fats in our diet come mainly from solid plant fats, such as some margarines, shortenings, and processed foods such as sweets, crisps. They are obtained in the process of hardening fats of vegetable origin, naturally occurring in liquid form, by partial hydrogenation.
Excessive consumption of trans fats has been linked in many studies with increases in blood cholesterol and triglycerides, adverse changes in glucose metabolism that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, inflammation, and a higher risk, including heart disease.
There is evidence that trans fat inhibits the body’s production of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, known e.g. with a very positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Research shows that omega-3s can also reduce aggressive behavior.
Inspired by this, researchers from the University of California, San Diego, tested whether excess trans fat in the diet contributed to aggression and irritability. For this purpose, they analyzed data on diet and behavior collected among nearly 1 people. adult men and women. None of the subjects used medications lowering cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood, had no borderline cholesterol levels, no diabetes, was not infected with HIV, and did not suffer from cancer or heart disease.
Using standard scales, the respondents were assessed in terms of their aggressive behavior towards others, manifesting aggression in the past and the manner of conflict resolution. Each participant in the study also gave a subjective assessment of their tendency to be irritable and irritable.
The analysis included, inter alia, factors such as gender, age, education, drinking and smoking, as well as belonging to an ethnic minority.
“It turned out that higher consumption of trans fatty acids was clearly associated with higher levels of aggression and was a better indicator of irritability and aggressiveness than other factors analyzed,” comments Dr. Beatrice Golomb, who led the study.
According to the authors of the study, this is the first study that indicates the existence of such a relationship.
“If it turns out to be cause-and-effect in the future, it will be an additional argument for avoiding the consumption of trans fats or against introducing them into institutions such as prisons or schools – as their harmful effects may be related to not only the consumers themselves, but also other people ”- sums up Dr. Golomb.