In a recent study published in the PNAS scientific journal, researchers from Zhejiang University in China found a connection between frequent consumption of fried foods, especially fried potatoes, and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
The study, which spanned over 11 years and involved more than 140,000 participants, revealed that those who regularly ate fried foods had a 12% higher risk of anxiety and a 7% higher risk of depression, with the link being more pronounced in males and younger individuals.
The researchers attributed this association to acrylamide, a substance that can form in foods like potatoes during high-temperature cooking processes, such as frying. While acrylamide has been shown to cause cancer in animals at high doses, its impact on humans remains uncertain.
Dr. Mike Bohl, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, suggests that the study’s findings should be approached with caution, as there is no convincing evidence to suggest that acrylamide in fried food directly causes anxiety or depression. He points out that the link between acrylamide and mental health, based on zebrafish research, is not easily applicable to humans.
Bohl also highlights the possibility that individuals with anxiety or depression might be drawn to fried foods as a form of coping, rather than the other way around. Nonetheless, excessive consumption of fried foods, which are typically high in calories and saturated fats, can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, potentially impacting mental health indirectly.
To maintain overall health, Bohl recommends limiting the intake of fried foods and, when indulging, making healthier choices such as using cornstarch or almond flour for breading and opting for healthier oils like olive oil when cooking fried foods at home.