Chocolate is high in fat and sugar but also contains antioxidants. So, as far as health and nutrition are concerned, chocolate consumption carries something of a mixed message.  A new study, from researchers at Cardiff University, Wales, now reveals that children who frequently consume chocolate and sweets are more likely to commit violent offences in adult life. 

The study involved nearly 17,500 participants in the 1970 British Cohort Study. The researchers found that ten year old children who ate sweets and chocolate every day had an increased risk of having a conviction for violence by the time they reached the age of 34. Specifically, 69% of those who had such a conviction had eaten sweets and chocolate nearly every day as children, but this was true of only 42% of those who had not been convicted of a violent offence. This is the first time that childhood nutrition has been linked to violence in adult life.

Why the association? It may be psychological, rather than physical, the researchers suggest.  As parents know, kids tend to ‘demand’ sweets and chocolate. The wise parent will keep chocolate as a treat and try to steer their children towards fruit or other more nutritious snacks. The parent who always gives in – for whatever reason – and lets the children have chocolate when they want it gives them the wrong message.  These children do not learn delayed gratification – having to wait for and earn what they want – and they develop an impulsive style of behaviour which can lead to delinquency and violence. Therefore keeping chocolate as a reward for good behaviour might improve a child’s physical and mental health. 

Source:

Moore SC, Carter LM and van Goozen SHM Confectionery consumption in childhood and adult violence, British Journal of Psychiatry, October 2009;195: 366-367