How Fried Foods May Be Fueling Depression, Anxiety

Nutritionists have raised alarm over the frequent consumption of fried foods, warning that it may contribute significantly to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Citing emerging scientific studies and clinical evidence, they say the impact of diet on emotional and psychological well-being is more critical than many realise.

At the centre of the concern is acrylamide — a chemical compound formed when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures — which experts say may damage brain health, increase inflammation, and worsen mood disorders.

In a conversation with PUNCH Healthwise, Similoluwa Olorunleke, a registered nutritionist, emphasized that diets rich in saturated fats, especially from fried foods, can disrupt the body’s homeostasis, impair brain function, and increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke, which are known to have secondary effects on mental health.

“Consistently eating fried foods can reduce satiety and promote overeating, which may lead to psychological issues such as depression and anxiety,” she explained. “We also see that feeding patterns often change with mental states — when people are sad or stressed, they tend to eat more fried, fatty, and sugary foods, which worsen their mental health in a vicious cycle.”

She recommended opting for nutrient-preserving cooking methods and incorporating omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds — which are known to support brain health.

Supporting this view, Deborah Onoja, a clinical dietitian and Nutripreneur, highlighted that excessive intake of fried foods also increases the risk of prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers. She advised the public to consider healthier preparation techniques such as grilling, sautéing, broiling, or baking, and when frying is necessary, to use healthier oils like olive or avocado oil.

“Fried foods are usually high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium,” Onoja said. “These are major contributors to obesity, hypertension, and heart disease — all of which are frequently linked to poor mental health outcomes.”

She urged Nigerians to maintain a balanced lifestyle by moderating their fried food intake, staying physically active, hydrating adequately, sleeping well, and eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods. She also encouraged individuals with special health conditions to seek guidance from qualified dietitians.

Reinforcing these concerns, a recent study by researchers at Zhejiang University in China, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, tracked over 140,000 participants over an 11-year period and found that those who frequently consumed fried foods, especially fried potatoes, had a 12% higher risk of developing anxiety and a 7% higher risk of depression.

The researchers identified acrylamide as a likely culprit, pointing to its potential to induce neuroinflammation and interfere with lipid metabolism — two mechanisms believed to affect mental health.

In light of these findings, experts are urging the public to treat food not just as fuel for the body but also as a foundational tool for emotional and psychological resilience.