French Cries: Scientists warn that eating too many fried snacks can lead to DEPRESSION

Eating too many french fries and fries can make you anxious or depressed, according to a study.

The researchers studied more than 140,000 people in the UK who filled out four questionnaires about what they had eaten in the past 24 hours.

These individuals were followed for an average of 11 years to see if they showed symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Those who reported eating at least one serving of fried food, indicating that it was a typical part of their diet, were 12 percent more likely to experience anxiety than those who did not eat fried food.

They were seven percent more likely to show signs of depression.

Experts suspect that acrylamide—the chemical produced when starchy foods like potatoes are baked and baked at high temperatures—may be linked to inflammation in the brain.

Fried potatoes, including french fries, and fried white meat, such as chicken, were significantly associated with anxiety.

The study, led by Zhejiang University in China, concludes that the results “underline the importance of reducing fried food consumption for mental health.”

The authors note: “Diet has recently been associated with the risk of developing depression and anxiety.

A Western diet of fried or processed foods, refined grains, sugary items and beer has been linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety.

“Prepared food is typically an important part of the Western diet and the consumption of fried foods is increasing around the world, especially during the Covid outbreak.”

Men and young people are more likely to eat fried foods, the study found.

The link between diet and depression and anxiety was found to be strongest in men and those under the age of 60.

Researchers studied middle-aged people from the UK Biobank Study, who were asked to fill in questionnaires about their dietary habits and mental status.

The results distinguish both grilled white meat, such as chicken, and baked potatoes, which include French fries and French fries.

People who reported eating at least one serving of fried potatoes or baked white meat on the dietary questionnaire had a four percent higher risk of experiencing anxiety symptoms.

Fried potatoes, such as potato chips, have been linked to a two percent higher risk of depression.

The study exposed zebrafish to acrylamide to try to understand what effect this chemical might have on people who eat fried food.

The fish showed behavior similar to anxiety and depression, e.g. B. that they avoid others more often and are less curious.

Acrylamide, also found in burnt toast, has previously been linked to obesity and cardiovascular disease.

The animal studies show that the chemical can affect the regulation of cholesterol levels in the body, which can be linked to anxiety and depression.

It can also cause inflammation in the brain, which can affect a person’s mental state.

Fried foods in general, including breaded and crumbled fish, donuts and fries, were significantly associated with a seven percent higher risk of anxiety symptoms in men – a greater association than in women.

In 2022/23, an average of 37 per cent of women and almost 30 per cent of men reported high levels of anxiety, while up to 10 per cent of people in England will experience depression at some point in their lives.

Dr. Duane Mellor, a registered dietitian at Aston University, said: “It is possible that people who consume more fried foods may have other risk factors that increase their risk of mental health problems.”

WHAT SHOULD A BALANCED DIET LOOK LIKE?

Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally whole grains, according to the NHS

• Eat at least 5 portions of different fruits and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruits and vegetables count

• Alkaline meals based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably whole grains

• 30 grams of fiber per day: This is equivalent to eating all of the following: 5 servings of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole grain granola crackers, 2 thick slices of whole grain bread, and 1 large baked potato with skin on

• Offer dairy products or milk alternatives (eg soy drinks) and choose lower-fat, lower-sugar options

• Eat beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish per week, one of which is fatty)

• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consume them in small amounts

• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water daily

• Adults should consume less than 6g of salt and 20g of saturated fat for women or 30g for men per day

Source: NHS Eatwell Guide