There are the so-called ‘good’ monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in olive oil, flax, nuts and cold water fish. You also have the ‘bad’ unsaturated fats lurking in red meat. Trans fats are typically present at high levels in margarine, shortening and prepared foods. These are the fats a study published in the journal PLoS ONE blames for contributing to irritability and aggression.

Analyzing the dietary habits and behavioral assessments of 945 men and women, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine researchers determined that consumption of trans fatty acids was significantly associated with aggression and irritability. This was true regardless of gender.

True Strength Moment: Trans fats already have a bad rap for potentially contributing to adverse health issues involving insulin resistance, oxidation and inflammation. But don’t let this ‘bad’ fat steer you clear of all fats. Your body uses a certain amount of fat for a wide range of metabolic functions. Focus on the good fats in sensible amounts.