French cries: Scientists warn that eating too many fried snacks could make you DEPRESSED

Eating too many French fries and chips can make you anxious or depressed, a study suggests.

Researchers looked at more than 140,000 people in the UK, who completed a questionnaire about what they had eaten in the past 24 hours on four occasions.

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

Those who said they ate at least one serving of fried foods, suggesting it was a typical part of their diet, were 12 percent more likely to experience anxiety than those who didn’t eat fried foods.

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

Experts suspect that acrylamide — the chemical that forms when starchy foods, such as 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 “highlight the importance of reducing consumption of fried foods 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 products and beer has been associated with a higher risk of depression and anxiety.

“Typically, fried foods are an important part of the Western diet, and the consumption of fried foods is increasing worldwide, especially during the Covid outbreak.”

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

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

Researchers looked at middle-aged people from the UK Biobank study, who were asked to complete questionnaires about their dietary habits and mental state.

The results distinguish both fried 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 in the food questionnaire had a four percent higher risk of anxiety symptoms.

Fried potatoes, like potato chips, were associated with a smaller two percent higher risk of depression.

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

The fish showed behaviors similar to anxiety and depression, such as avoiding others more often and being less inquisitive.

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

The animal experiments provide evidence that the chemical may affect how the body regulates cholesterol, which may 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 battered fish, donuts and chips, were significantly linked to a seven percent higher risk of anxiety symptoms in men — a larger 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 in their lifetime.

Dr. Duane Mellor, a graduate dietitian from Aston University, said: ‘It is possible that people who consume more fried foods 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 servings of different fruits and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruit and vegetables count

• Basic 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 fruits and vegetables, 2 whole-wheat muesli biscuits, 2 thick slices of whole-wheat bread, and a large baked potato with skin

• Provide dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soy drinks) and choose lower-fat, lower-sugar options

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

• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consume in small quantities

• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water per day

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

Source: NHS Eatwell Guide