Frequent consumption of fried foods, including french fries, could increase the risk of depression and anxiety, according to a study by a Chinese research team published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The study found that those who ate fried food had a 7% higher risk of depression and a 12% higher risk of anxiety compared to those who did not. The study also found that the risk of depression was 2% higher for those who consumed french fries compared to those who ate fried meat.
The chemical acrylamide, produced during the frying process, has been linked to anxiety and depression in previous studies. However, some critics say the link between fried food and mental health issues is not clear-cut.