A study conducted in Hangzhou, China, revealed a potential link between frequent consumption of fried foods, particularly fried potatoes, and a higher risk of anxiety and depression. The research involving 140,728 participants over 11.3 years found that those who consumed fried foods had a 12% higher risk of anxiety and a 7% higher risk of depression compared to those who didn’t consume fried foods. The connection was more pronounced in young men and younger individuals.
While fried foods are already recognized as risk factors for various health issues like obesity and high blood pressure, this study highlights a potential connection between fried food consumption and mental health. However, experts caution that the results are preliminary. It’s not entirely clear whether consuming fried foods directly leads to mental health problems or if individuals experiencing anxiety or depression symptoms turn to comfort foods like fried foods.
The study also brought up the potential role of acrylamide, a chemical produced during the frying process, especially in fried potatoes, in contributing to the increased risk of anxiety and depression. The researchers referenced a study involving zebrafish, suggesting that exposure to acrylamide led to behavioral changes resembling higher anxiety levels in the fish.
Critics of the study emphasize that the results are not definitive. Factors like the specific type of fried food and the type of fat used for frying play a role in determining the health effects. The study also didn’t account for the possibility of reverse causation, where individuals might change their diets due to existing depression or anxiety. In conclusion, while the study implies a potential connection between frequent fried food consumption and mental health risks, experts stress that more research is needed to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship and to account for various confounding factors. Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet remains important for both physical and mental well-being.