The mindbodygreen Podcast The lab accident that rewrote heart health
Jan 7, 2026
Discover a fascinating tale of 1980s scientists who, while trying to induce heart disease in rabbits, stumbled upon a surprising finding: the power of emotional connection. One group of rabbits received extra love and care, resulting in healthier hearts. Explore how the way we eat—who we eat with and our emotional state—can significantly impact our cardiovascular health. The discussion dives into the science of eating in a relaxed environment and the idea that love and presence can protect our hearts, reshaping our approach to nutrition.
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The Rabbit Experiment That Shocked Scientists
- Researchers fed rabbits a cholesterol-rich 'heart attack' diet expecting artery plaque to form predictably.
- One group showed about 60% less arterial disease because a lab assistant handled and lovingly interacted with them.
Emotion Alters Disease Risk
- The rabbits that received affection showed dramatically different physiological outcomes despite identical diets and measures.
- This suggests emotional and social context can alter biological disease processes like atherosclerosis.
How Guilt Changes Metabolism
- Eating with guilt or stress triggers cortisol and impairs digestion, blood sugar, and inflammation.
- The podcast frames emotional state during meals as almost as important as the food itself for physiology.