• The danger of ultra-processed foods Two new studies confirm their relationship with the development of tumors and cardiovascular diseases
  • Risks A worse memory, thus affects the daily intake of ultra-processed foods to brain functions

A group of scientists has investigated the effects that habitual consumption of fried foods has on long-term mental health. Specifically, the research, published in 'Pnas', delves into the effects of this food on the chances of suffering from anxiety and depression.

To carry out the research, the scientists analyzed data from almost 141,000 people, extracted from the UK biobank, a repository of genetic data and information on the lifestyle of citizens.

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Epidemic of ultra-processed foods.

What they are, how they affect you, and why you should stop eating them

  • Writing: CRISTINA G. LUCIO Madrid
  • Writing: ILLUSTRATION: ULISES CULEBRO

What they are, how they affect you, and why you should stop eating them

Sweets, pastries and frozen desserts.

The ultra-processed that open the door to unhealthy eating in adolescents

  • Writing: PERE ÍÑIGO Madrid

The ultra-processed that open the door to unhealthy eating in adolescents

They found that people who frequently eat fried foods, especially chips, are 12% more likely to suffer from anxiety and 7% more likely to suffer from depression. This link is usually greater in the case of men and younger people. According to the researchers, the high consumption of fried foods and prolonged exposure to acrylamide could affect anxiety and depressive symptoms through a process of neuroinflammation and modification of the lipid structure of brain membranes.

Acrylamide is a chemical substance that, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on its website, "is formed naturally in starchy foods during cooking at high temperatures (frying, baking and roasting) and also during industrial processing at temperatures above 120 degrees with low humidity." It is, in other words, the chemical process with which food is achieved to have that 'toasted' appearance and flavor that makes them tastier. "It is formed mainly from sugars and amino acids naturally present in many foods," they add.

What does frequent consumption mean?

"In the aforementioned study we talk about frequent consumption, that is, daily," explains Stefano Erzegovesi, nutritionist and psychiatrist, expert in preventive nutrition and eating disorders.

The development of depression and anxiety is influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors. These two mental disorders are the most frequent, their prevalence in the world has increased in recent years by 27.6% and 25.6% respectively. However, the exact cause remains unknown. The hypothesis that there is a relationship between diet and the risk of developing them has been brewing for some time: "Normally, when we eat, food is broken down into nutrients that are then absorbed into the bloodstream. In some cases, however, after a meal the physiological response that occurs in the body leads to a state of inflammation and postprandial stress. This can occur even in healthy individuals who follow a diet rich in refined carbohydrates, saturated fats and processed foods," says Carol Coricelli, a researcher at the Department of Neuroscience and Nutrition at the German Institute of Human Nutrition in Potsdam-Rebrüke.

"When the body experiences postprandial stress and inflammation it triggers a cascade of events that can lead to the production of pro-inflammatory substances called cytokines. To mitigate it, we recommend following a balanced diet that includes whole foods and avoids those rich in refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, as well as practicing sports, "he adds.

Why we like fried foods

A group of researchers at the University of South Carolina has developed the Dietary Inflammation Index (IID), which "is calculated from 45 nutrients and food components to assess the potential impact of a diet on the state of inflammation," explains Coricelli. A high score indicates a pro-inflammatory potential of the diet and a low score, on the contrary, its anti-inflammatory potential. "Several studies have investigated the relationship between DII and people's mental health and some suggest a relationship between a highly inflammatory diet and the risk of developing depressive symptoms."

But fried foods are tasty and crunchy, their texture, taste and sound in the mouth create a "multisensory explosion of pleasure," she adds. Therefore, our brain already produces a response of pleasure in advance only at the mere idea of being able to taste one of these dishes. "This triggers a vicious cycle whereby one will always want more, despite being aware that it is not healthy," he reveals.

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