French fries have hardly ever been considered good for our physical wellbeing.
A new study suggests that the greasy, starchy snack may also have a negative impact on mental health.
Chinese research suggests that consuming fried foods is linked to a 12 per cent increased risk of anxiety and a seven per cent increased risk of depression.
Acrylamide, a chemical produced when starchy foods are fried or baked at high temperatures, is believed to be the cause of this.
Researchers found out that long-term exposure to acrylamide could induce anxiety and depressive-like behaviours.
The study advises people to reduce their consumption of fried foods for better mental health and well-being.
Not all food and behavioural experts agree with the study and its findings.
Some critics said it’s unclear whether eating fried foods was increasing the risk of mental health problems.
The study linking fried foods to depression and anxiety comes at a time when the world is seeing a drastic rise of such cases.
According to WHO data published in 2017, 284 million people suffered from anxiety and 264 million complained of depression.
Anxiety and depression rates surged globally by 25 per cent during the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic.
Past studies have also shown that what you eat, affects your mental health.
It’s because our gut is very closely connected to the brain.
Another study reveals that late-night snacking also increases levels of depression and anxiety-related moods.