Regular consumption of fried potatoes associated with increased mental health risks in large-scale analysis.
You may want to think twice before reaching for another serving of French fries. While fried foods have long been associated with obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other physical health problems, new research suggests they could also negatively affect mental well-being.
A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found that people who regularly consume fried foods — particularly fried potatoes — appear to face a greater risk of developing anxiety and depression. The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking dietary habits to mental health outcomes.
Researchers from Hangzhou, China, analyzed health and dietary data from more than 140,000 participants enrolled in the UK Biobank, a large biomedical database that tracks the health of approximately half a million people in the United Kingdom. Participants were followed for an average of more than 11 years, allowing scientists to examine long-term associations between fried food consumption and mental health.
The analysis revealed that individuals who frequently consumed fried potatoes had a 12% higher risk of anxiety and a 7% higher risk of depression compared with those who consumed such foods less often. The association was particularly pronounced among younger men, who appeared to be more vulnerable to the potential psychological effects of a diet high in fried foods.
Researchers believe one possible explanation may lie in acrylamide, a chemical compound that forms naturally when starchy foods such as potatoes are cooked at high temperatures, including frying, roasting, or baking. Acrylamide has previously been linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and potential damage to the nervous system, all factors that have been associated with mental health disorders.
To investigate the biological mechanisms involved, the researchers conducted experiments on zebrafish, a species commonly used in neurological and behavioral research. Fish exposed to acrylamide displayed behaviors often interpreted as signs of anxiety and depression. They spent more time in dark areas, were less willing to explore unfamiliar environments, and showed reduced social interaction compared with unexposed fish.
The study also found evidence that acrylamide exposure may disrupt lipid metabolism and increase neuroinflammation, potentially affecting brain function and emotional regulation. However, researchers caution that animal experiments cannot fully replicate the complexity of human mental health conditions.
Despite the findings, experts emphasize that the study demonstrates an association rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship. People who consume larger amounts of fried food may also have other lifestyle factors — such as lower physical activity levels, poorer overall diets, higher stress levels, or socioeconomic differences — that contribute to mental health outcomes.
The authors acknowledge these limitations and stress that further research is needed to confirm the results and better understand the underlying biological mechanisms. Independent studies in different populations will be necessary before firm conclusions can be drawn about the role of fried foods in anxiety and depression.
Still, the research highlights the increasingly recognized connection between nutrition and mental health. Previous studies have shown that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and healthy fats are associated with better psychological well-being, while highly processed foods have been linked to poorer mental health outcomes.
While the findings are not a reason to eliminate French fries from your diet entirely, they provide another reminder that moderation matters. Maintaining a balanced diet with limited consumption of heavily fried and processed foods may benefit not only physical health but mental well-being as well.
Eat healthy foods, stay well!