A spoonful of sugar might be just the thing to cool a hot temper, according to Ohio State University researchers, reports Science Daily. While not a long-term solution to aggression and anger, researchers believe it might be helpful in explaining why some people seem to “snap.”
Researchers studied 62 college students who fasted for three hours before half consumed lemonade sweetened with sugar, while the other half drank lemonade sweetened with glucose-free sweetener.
Scientists then used a reaction test common in measuring aggression, in which participants set noise levels to be used against their competitors.
The study concluded that participants who drank sugar-sweetened lemonade behaved less aggressively than those who drank lemonade with a sugar substitute.
The key lies not in the juice, but in the glucose added. Once in the blood, it is sent to the brain as an energy source, which is necessary to control temperament and emotions.
Other studies showed that those who scored higher levels of diabetic symptoms were less likely to forgive others, compared to those who scored lower on diabetic symptoms.
"It’s not an excuse – diabetes does not mean people have to act aggressively, but it may shed some light on why these behaviours occur," said study co-author Brad Bushman.
“The healthy metabolism of glucose may contribute to a more peaceful society by providing people with a higher level of energy for self-control."