New research: French fries found to be linked to depression

Fried foods, especially fried potatoes, may be linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression, according to a study conducted by researchers at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China, CNN reports. The study, published in the journal PNAS, found that those who frequently consume fried foods have a 12% higher risk of anxiety and a 7% higher risk of depression than those who do not eat fried foods. 

The link was more pronounced among young men and younger consumers. Experts caution that the results are preliminary, and it's not clear whether the fried foods were driving mental health issues or whether people experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety turned to fried foods.

Fried foods are already known risk factors for obesity, high blood pressure, and other health effects. This new study highlights the importance of reducing fried food consumption for mental health. Unhealthy food and poor nutrition can lower one’s mood and progress a mental health condition, as found in a prior study cited within this new one.

The study evaluated 140,728 people over 11.3 years, with 8,294 cases of anxiety and 12,735 cases of depression found in those that consumed fried food. The researchers suggest that acrylamide, a chemical formed during the frying process, especially in fried potatoes, is to blame for the higher risk of anxiety and depression. In a separate paper referenced in the study, the researchers exposed zebrafish to the chemical, finding that long-term exposure had caused the fish to dwell in dark zones within the tank, a common sign of a higher anxiety level in the fish.

The researchers caution that more study is needed to understand the causal pathway and the relationship between fried foods and mental health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing consumption of fried foods may be helpful for mental health in addition to overall health. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 5% of adults suffer from depression globally, making it a significant public health concern.

“Did a potato write this?” questioned on Twitter user suspiciously, as the news started making the rounds on social media. 

— nabil (@nvbillll) April 25, 2023