Eating huge amounts of cakes, candies and other junk food could be linked to criminal behavior -- or not -- depending on whom you ask. Arguments have long been waged on both sides of the issue, with one side backing up the theory with case studies and what has become known as the "Twinkie defense." Arguments from the opposing viewpoint say the evidence is faulty, and one analysis of court documents says the "Twinkie defense" is a myth.
The Twinkie Defense
American lore says the "Twinkie defense" was the reason convicted double-murderer and San Francisco ex-supervisor Dan White received a light, eight-year sentence for killing the mayor and a fellow supervisor in 1978. The term refers to the argument that eating junk food, such as Twinkies, was a factor that led the conservative White to kill Mayor George Moscone and gay, progressive supervisor Harvey Milk. The Twinkie defense is a myth, writes Carol Pogash in a 2003 SFGate.com article. The defense's argument was that White suffered from depression and that one of the side effects of his depression was a deterioration of his diet.
The Book
A book titled "Diet, Crime and Delinquency," published in 1980 by Parker House, seems to bolster the "Twinkie defense" theory by arguing a link exists between diet and criminal behavior. The book, written by Alexander Schauss, contains 118 pages of what the abstract calls "mounting evidence" that a diet lacking in or overloaded with certain nutrients or substances has an impact on the criminal behavior of those following such a diet. Although the book contains case studies and even a comparative nutritional intake chart for 22 juvenile offenders, it does not contain scientific studies.
The Theory
The theory supported by the book says food choices can alter the biochemical functioning of the mind which, in turn, leads to criminal behavior. Criminal behavior can also stem from lack of sugar, vitamins, additives and food allergies, the book says, as well as lack of exercise and poor lighting conditions. The book's abstract notes the poor dietary habits of substance abusers and hyperactive children, which include high amounts of sugar, junk food, and processed and refined foodstuff.
Another View
While the arguments linking diet to crime might be compelling, they simply are not true, says the National Council Against Health Fraud in its position paper on the topic published in 1983. The council says case studies and anecdotes are not sufficient proof of such a link. It also points out studies in the field have typically not been in controlled or carefully monitored environments. No evidence links the diet to criminal behavior, the council says, and that those who believe it does are wrong.
References
- SFGate.com; "Myth of the 'Twinkie Defense'; Carol Pogash, November 2003
- U.S. Department of Justice National Criminal Justice Reference Service Abstract; Diet, Crime and Delinquency"; A. Schauss; 1980
- National Council Against Health Fraud; "NCAHF Position Paper on Diet and Criminal Behavior"; April 1983
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