Eating fried foods increases the risk of suffering from anxiety or depression.
- According to a new study, fried foods increase the risk of suffering from anxiety or depression.
- The researchers suggest that this increased risk is linked to acrylamide. It is a substance that forms during very high cooking of foods rich in asparagine and starch.
- However, some experts and nutritionists note that the observed link could also indicate that depressed people tend to turn to fatty foods.
Hot and golden brown fries… This dish titillates many palates, and is eaten almost without hunger for many. But be careful not to abuse it. A study from the University of Hangzhou (China) shows the existence of a link between the consumption of fried foods and a higher risk of anxiety and depression.
Frying and depression: a link brought to light
To assess the impact of frying on mental health, the scientists took the records of people who took part in the large UK Biobank cohort. This represents 140,728 people over 11.3 years.
After analyzing the data collected on the eating habits and psychological state of the volunteers, it was determined that the consumption of fried products, and more particularly potatoes, increases the risk of suffering from anxiety by 12%. That of being affected by depression climbs by 7%.
“The associations were more pronounced in men and younger consumers”add the authors in their article published in the journal PNASApril 24, 2023.
Asked about this part of the experience by CNNDr. David Katz notes that the causal pathway presented here by the researchers could “Might as well go the other way: People with anxiety or depression are turning to comfort foods with increasing frequency for some semblance of relief.”
Fried foods: acrylamide at the origin of depression?
The Chinese team, for its part, argues that acrylamide (a substance that forms during the high-temperature cooking of foods rich in asparagine and starch, editor’s note) is responsible for the link it discovered between frying and depression. To test this hypothesis, she organized an experiment. She brought zebrafish into contact with the offending compound.
“Multiomics analysis showed that chronic acrylamide exposure induces disruption of brain lipid metabolism and neuroinflammation”, say the experts. Additionally, fish given acrylamide settled in dark areas of the aquarium, a common sign of high levels of anxiety in this species. In addition, they had lower exploration and socialization skills, other elements associated with depression – compared to those who had not been subjected to the substance.
For the researchers, the results obtained during the two parts of their work “provide strong evidence for understanding the mechanisms of acrylamide-triggered anxiety and depression, and underscore the importance of reducing fried food intake for mental health.”
