Foods for Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails

 

Some vitamins, minerals, and diet types can help enhance hair, skin, and nail health. These include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and high-protein, low-glycemic diets. 

Hair

Research shows that women who ate low-glycemic diets rich in complex carbohydrates, vitamins A, B and C, and minerals like zinc and magnesium might have less hair loss during menopause.

A 2019 review indicated micronutrient deficiencies such as diets lacking biotin, vitamins A and C, and zinc could affect hair health. 

In addition, protein is an essential part of a hair-healthy diet. 

“Our hair is made of a protein called keratin, so a diet insufficient in protein may make hair brittle,” Paula Doebrich, MPH, RDN of Happea Nutrition says.

People with vitamin A deficiency may note detrimental effects on their hair and skin.

Skin

People with micronutrient deficiencies, such as biotin, vitamins A and C, and zinc, are more likely to have less healthy skin and nails. Eating a plant-based diet could benefit skin barrier health and function.

Nails

Nails are keratin-rich, and nutrition may impact their health. Any nutritional deficiency, such as calcium or iron, could affect nail growth.

Thus we should eat foods like salmon, nuts, avocados, and fruits and vegetables. 

Fatty fish

 “Omega-3 fatty acids could help reduce inflammation and redness in the body and skin,” says Katie Tomaschko, a private practitioner in Buffalo, N.Y. 

“They’re also a rich source of protein, the powerful antioxidant vitamin E, and biotin, a nutrient that supports keratin production and can benefit the hair and skin.” 

Fish she recommends are salmon, herring and mackerel.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in the carotenoid beta-carotene, which is a precursor for vitamin A.

“Vitamin A promotes keratin production and is essential for skin and nail health,” Tomaschko says. 

Anthocyanins in purple sweet potatoes have anti-oxidant properties that may improve skin inflammation. Antioxidants can also help protect against free radicals, which can trigger premature aging. 

Nuts and seeds

Nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, also boast the antioxidant vitamin E, which helps combat oxidative damage and has anti-inflammatory properties that may help absorb energy from UV light and protect against skin damage and visible aging signs, like fine lines and sun spots. 

Some seeds, particularly sunflower seeds, are good sources of biotin, protein and vitamin E.

Fruits and vegetables

Eating fruits and vegetables was linked to skin health and vitamin C could help with collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Dark, leafy greens

Loading up on leafy greens provides the body with plenty of nutrients that can benefit the hair, skin, and nails. Examples of dark, leafy greens include spinach, kale, swiss chard, bok choy and collard greens.

Avocados

Avocados are rich in healthy fats and nutrients that promote skin and nail health, including vitamins C, A and E.

One cup of mashed or pureed avocado contains 23 milligrams of vitamin C, 16.1 micrograms of vitamin A and about 5 milligrams of vitamin E. 

Oysters

 “Oysters are an excellent source of zinc,” Doebrich says. “Zinc is needed for hair growth and tissue repair.”

One cup of oysters contains 97.5 milligrams of zinc and also loaded with protein — 14.2 grams per cup. 

On the other hand, some foods are better enjoyed occasionally, including ultra-processed and fried foods, sugary treats and beverages, and alcohol. These foods have been linked to issues like hair loss, skin aging, skin dehydration and atopic dermatitis.

Alcohol

 “Alcohol dehydrates you and preoccupies our bodies with filtering it out, thus preventing our bodies from doing their normal day-to-day maintenance, which includes working to sustain our skin and nail health,” Tomaschko says. 

Heavy drinking, defined as more than eight beverages per week, was associated with facial aging signs. These included: 

• ·         under-eye puffiness
• ·         midface volume loss
• ·         increased blood vessel visibility
• ·         upper facial lines

Processed foods

Steering clear of ultra-processed foods may decrease your risk of skin issues. 

“These foods can run the risk of causing inflammation in the body, which would be harmful for our skin and nail health,” Tomaschko says.

A 2021 study of more than 15,000 Chinese adults indicated that processed food intake may increase risk of atopic dermatitis while some studies linked food processing methods like frying and high-fat diets to skin aging.

Ultra-sweetened foods and drinks

Sugary diets can increase skin aging. 

Thus it is best to avoid ultra-processed, sweetened foods. You do not have to nix them all together, but limiting intake can decrease inflammation and skin dehydration, bettering hair, skin and nail health.

Diabetes Myths

 

Globally, diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent, as are the myths and misconceptions that surround it:

1. Eating sugar causes diabetes

Eating sugar does not directly cause diabetes. However, consuming a sugary diet can lead to overweight and obesity, which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

This is a common myth, perhaps understandably — blood sugar levels play an essential role in diabetes. Sugar itself, though, is not a causal factor.

2. Diabetes is not serious

Perhaps because diabetes is so common, some people believe that it is not a serious disease. This is incorrect. There is no cure for diabetes, and there are a host of complications that can occur if a person does not manage the condition well. 

Complications include cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, blindness, skin conditions and hearing impairment. 

In 2018, diabetes was the underlying cause of 84,946 deaths in the U.S. The World Health Organization estimate that diabetes caused the death of 1.6 million people in 2016.

3. Diabetes only affects people with obesity

Overweight and obesity are risk factors for type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, but the condition can occur in people of any weight. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Diabetes Statistic Report 2020, 11% of people with type 2 diabetes in the U.S. are neither overweight nor obese. 

Type 1 diabetes has no associations with body weight. 

4. Obesity always leads to diabetes

Although obesity increases the risk of diabetes, it does not inevitably lead to the disease. According to the CDC, an estimated 39.8% of adults in the U.S. have obesity, but 13% have diabetes. 

5. People with diabetes cannot eat sugar

People with diabetes certainly do need to manage their diets carefully: monitoring carbohydrate intake is important. However, they can still incorporate treats. 

The American Diabetes Association explain: 

“The key to sweets is to have a very small portion and save them for special occasions.” 

Individuals with diabetes need to carefully plan what and when they will eat to ensure that their blood sugar levels remain balanced. 

A related myth is that people with diabetes need to eat special “diabetes-friendly” foods. However, these products are often more expensive, and some can still raise glucose levels.

6. Diabetes always leads to blindness and amputation

While it is true that diabetes can lead to blindness and amputations in some cases, it is not inevitable. And for individuals who manage their condition carefully, these outcomes are rare. 

The CDC estimate that 11.7% of adults with diabetes have some level of vision impairment. Lower-extremity amputation occurs in around 0.56% of people with diabetes in the U.S. 

Experts have identified several risk factors that increase the likelihood of experiencing diabetes-related complications. These include obesity and overweight, smoking, physical inactivity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. 

7. People with diabetes should not drive

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation: 

“People with diabetes are able to drive unless they are limited by certain complications of diabetes. These include severely low blood glucose levels or vision problems.” 

8. Prediabetes always leads to diabetes

Lifestyle changes can turn the tide. Regular physical activity and a more healthful diet can stop diabetes in its tracks. 

9. People with diabetes cannot be active

Once again, this is untrue. In fact, exercise is an important component in the management of diabetes. Among other things, exercise helps drive weight loss and reduces blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for complications. It can also help the body use insulin better. 

However, exercise can impact blood sugar levels in various ways, sometimes increasing it and, at other times, decreasing it. 

10. You can ‘catch’ diabetes

This is a myth. Pathogens do not cause diabetes, so a person cannot pass it to someone else. Doctors classify it as a noncommunicable disease

Can diet and exercise reverse prediabetes?

 

Diabetes — specifically type 2 diabetes— is becoming one of the most challenging health problems of the 21st century. By 2025, 380 million people worldwide are expected to be diagnosed with diabetes. 

As diabetes is a risk factor for many other diseases and chronic health conditions — cardiovascular disease, renal disease, stroke and blindness to name a few — its management and treatment is ever more crucial. 

Before people go on to develop type 2 diabetes, many people are considered in a precursor stage called prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not quite high enough to classify as diabetes. If left unchecked, prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes. Thus it is a warning sign that an individual is at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If it goes unmanaged, prediabetes can lead to long-term damage, including to the heart and blood vessels.

Prediabetes usually does not present with symptoms. However, in some cases, people may experience frequent thirst, get up at night to pee, experience sugar spikes, or crashes in energy levels. 

Being overweight or having a high BMI, or having obesity are some of the most well-known risk factors for developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. 

“Also age — the older we get, the more at risk we become. And the reason for this is that, as we age, insulin becomes slightly less effective, and its receptors and the beta cells cannot function quite as well. So, the risk of developing prediabetes and diabetes increases as we get older,” said Dr. Thomas Barber, associate clinical professor at Warwick Medical School and consultant endocrinologist at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire.

Dr. Barber also said that stress and having a diet high in high glycemic foods and sugary drinks can also increase risk. While on the other hand, having a diet rich in fiber and low in simple carbohydrates can prevent the onset of dysglycemia. 

“[If] you’re sedentary and you sit or lie most of the day, and particularly watching TV—which is, I think, the worst activity in terms of sedentariness— that can impact on risk. [B]eing sedentary can worsen the risk of insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.”

Other factors to take into account are ethnic origin and genetics.

When there is a strong family history, patients will not necessarily fit the classic phenotype of type 2 diabetes — having obesity, being middle-aged, male and having a large abdomen.

Lifestyle changes to reverse prediabetes

 “We know that intensive lifestyle treatments [w]ith focus on diet, physical activity, weight loss, and so on, can really help in preventing, or at least delaying the onset of type two diabetes,” said Dr. Barber.

Increasing muscle mass via strength training can help with insulin resistance and improve insulin sensitivity. 

Dr. Barber said that the act of exercising and the release of myokines from muscles could mediate cardiometabolic benefits. 

Studies have shown that regular physical activity—and not only the high intensity kind—can help stabilize blood sugar and improve its management. 

“[W]hen we talk about exercise, most people think about going on a treadmill and doing a 5k run, [g]etting in a sweat, which you know, is good exercise, but actually the message should be avoidance of sedentariness,” said Dr. Barber. 

“[W]e know that when you’re standing, you burn more calories; it’s better for health. If you’re walking around, that’s even better,” he said. 

Vegan Diets Aren’t Automatically Healthy

 

With all the buzz about the benefits of eating more plants, it is easy to assume that going vegan automatically means eating well for health. But a new study reveals that sticking to only plant-based foods does not guarantee a reduced risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease or cancer—or even a lower risk of death overall.

Though the researchers did find that a certain type of vegan diet (one low in “unhealthful” foods like sugary drinks, refined grains, potatoes, desserts and fruit juices) was associated with reduced risk of chronic disease and overall mortality, diets with higher levels of these foods appeared to have the opposite effect. The higher the “unhealthful” score of a vegan diet, the more likely its adherents were to experience cardiovascular disease, cancer and death. 

In fact, those with the highest level of unhealthful vegan diets had a 23% higher risk of death from any health-related cause. 

Therefore, just because a food’s ingredients are derived from plants does not mean it is good for you. Oreos and high-voltage energy drinks are famously vegan, for example.

“Consuming ultra-processed foods can contribute to an unhealthy vegan diet,” vegan nutrition expert Haley Bishoff said. 

“Prepackaged foods such as cookies, chips, and even some vegan meat alternatives can be considered ultra-processed foods.” 

“It’s the overconsumption of these highly processed foods, vegan or not, that can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. As cliché as it sounds, balance and moderation are key.” 

“Prioritize eating fiber from fruits, vegetables and unrefined grains. Pay attention to sodium, saturated fat, and the number of ingredients and additives on the nutrition label,” Bonnie Newlin of Crave Nourishment recommended. “Be mindful of adding different colors of fruits and vegetables to your plate. Each color in these plant foods is associated with a slightly different nutritional benefit.” 

Besides containing high amounts of concerning nutrients like saturated fat and sodium, Newlin emphasized that many processed plant-based foods also come with a host of harmful additives. “Many consumers look at the nutrient information and forget to consider the harm that additives may be contributing to their overall health and waistline.”  

According to Newlin, one place to start is by looking for artificial sweeteners, often added to vegan yogurts, fruit desserts and even vegetable blends. “These sweeteners are harmful to the microbiome because they disrupt the balance of good gut bacteria when they are consumed often. They’re commonly listed under names like sucralose, aspartame, saccharin and neotame,” she explained. 

Other popular additives to be cautious of include potassium bromate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), frequently found in plant-based foods like bread, noodles, cereals and grain snacks. 

These additives are linked to changes in immunity and a higher risk of cancer. By sticking as much as possible to whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, you can avoid these additives. 

A healthy vegan diet includes plenty of whole, minimally processed plant foods. Foods like refined grains and sugar-sweetened beverages, though plant-based, could ultimately contribute to chronic disease.

The best way to identify a vegan food’s healthy status is to read the labels of the foods you are purchasing. “Highly processed plant-based foods are typically very high in sodium, saturated fat, added sugar, additives, and can have an ingredient list a mile long. It’s best to stick with foods that are minimally processed and have ingredients you can pronounce,” Newlin suggested. 

The 10 Top Superfoods of 2023

 

Top 10 Superfoods of 2023 as recommended by nutritionists:

Fermented foods

Fermented foods can boost good gut bacteria, which has been linked to help combat depression and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and inflammation. Look for fermented foods with live and active cultures with labels that include specific strains such as those found on yogurt, kefir, aged cheeses, sauerkraut and other non-heated fermented veggies, kombucha and tempeh.

Cruciferous vegetables

The cruciferous vegetable family includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and arugula. They are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, which may be an asset in the fight against cancer. They are a rich source of folate and vitamins A, C and K, and they are full of antioxidants and phytonutrients.

While all cruciferous vegetables contain the antioxidant sulforaphane, broccoli and broccoli sprouts are most often associated with this phytochemical because they contain the highest amounts. Sulforaphane has been shown to possess anti-cancer properties that may slow tumor growth in multiple types of cancers. A recent study showed that mustard seed may boost the bioavailability of sulforaphane four times more than if eaten alone.

Ginger and Turmeric

Ginger and turmeric are both in the Zingiberaceae family and both are loaded with anti-inflammatory benefits. They are often found together as ingredients in herbal teas. Ginger and turmeric are both among the spices that The US Arthritis Foundation recommends as part of an anti-inflammatory diet for those with arthritis.

Ginger contains the polyphenols gingerol and shogaols, which provide the pungent flavor. These polyphenols can help to improve digestion by stimulating saliva, which can be beneficial for people suffering from dry mouth related to diabetes and other health-related issues. Ginger can improve gut motility, which can reduce nausea and vomiting and may be helpful with side effects related to chemotherapy and pregnancy.

Turmeric contains the polyphenol curcumin, which contributes multiple anti-inflammatory benefits. In fact, curcumin may have a similar effect as NSAIDS (i.e., aspirin and ibuprofen), to treat pain and aches from knee osteoarthritis. Turmeric is often paired with black pepper, which helps to boost its superpower benefits, and black pepper actually helps absorb turmeric — it can increase turmeric’s bioavailability by up to 2,000% — so you can reap the benefits of turmeric’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Berries

Berries have long been associated with skin health since they're a rich source of antioxidants. They are packed with polyphenols that contain anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties. They also contain the flavonoid anthocyanin. Anthocyanins found in berries reduce the risk of heart attack in women as well as help protect against several other diseases including cancer and diabetes. 

In particular, raspberries have a higher fiber count than any of their berry counterparts. They are also low in sugar given their sweet taste — one cup contains only five grams of sugar. Raspberries are also one of the richest sources of ellagic acid, a polyphenol that contains many health benefits, including having neuroprotective properties.

Legumes

Beans are one of the richest sources of fiber. High-fiber diets are associated with better digestion related to improved gut bacteria, better metabolic health due to improved insulin sensitivity and a decreased risk of colorectal cancer. The fiber found in beans, soluble fiber, also works to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) by binding to available cholesterol in the small intestines and carrying it out of the body through elimination rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream. Beans are also versatile that they can be used in sweet and savory dishes. 

Lentils, specifically, have about 120 calories per half cup and 8 grams of fiber. They are low in sodium and saturated fat, making them a heart-healthy choice.

Hemp Seeds

Hemp is one of the few sources of complete plant-based protein, containing all nine essential amino acids that cannot be made by the body. These nutrient-dense seeds do not naturally contain CBD (cannabidiol) or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and make a great addition to a healthy diet. The seeds are rich in fiber, vitamin E and minerals including potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese and copper. Hemp seeds also contain omega-3 and gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid that can help to decrease inflammation. Three tablespoons of hemp seeds provide nearly 10 grams of protein, which is equivalent to a traditional scoop of collagen or plant-based protein powder.

Coffee

According to recent studies, drinking between 1.5 to 3.5 cups of coffee a day is associated with a reduced risk of death compared to people that did not drink coffee. Coffee contains powerful antioxidants, known as polyphenols, that are linked to health benefits. Coffee consumption has been associated with a lowered risk of Parkinson’s disease, type II diabetes and certain types of cancers. In addition, it may enhance exercise performance if consumed 60 minutes before working out.

Coffee is one of the richest dietary sources of chlorogenic acids, which can help your eyes. These nutrients can help prevent vision loss, blindness and glaucoma, as chlorogenic acid stems retinal damage as you age. 

But if you suffer from acid reflux, insomnia or caffeine sensitivity, then it is best to limit or avoid it.

Pomegranate

This bright and festive fruit may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. The nutrients lie in the seeds of the pomegranate, also known as arils, and the juice.  Pomegranate arils are packed with polyphenol antioxidants that can help combat free-radical damage and fight inflammation and also contain anthocyanin, which has a variety of potential benefits including lowering blood pressure and slowing cancer growth. Recent studies have indicated that the fruit is useful in alleviating symptoms such as inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Pomegranate seeds are a good source of fiber, containing four grams per serving. They are rich in potassium and vitamin C and packed with antioxidants.

Dark Chocolate

Cocoa is a rich source of flavanols that may play a role in protecting the heart and combating inflammation. Darker chocolate contains more flavanols than other types of chocolate. Flavanols are associated with a lowered risk of heart disease and that they can improve the cell function inside all blood and lymph vessels including the heart. Studies have also indicated that dark chocolate may contain mood-boosting benefits due to its ability to improve gut bacteria. Most benefit was seen with consumption of chocolate that was 85% dark chocolate. 

Chocolate contains fat, including saturated fat, so while it does have many benefits from the antioxidants, if you eat too much of it, the saturated fat can turn a healthy snack into an unhealthy one. In addition, cocoa is often treated or overly processed, which can result in a substantial loss of flavonols, so look for raw and natural options.

Artichoke

Artichokes are delicious, filling and packed with fiber, protein and phytochemicals that contain many health benefits. Studies show that artichoke leaf extract may lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides and may improve liver function in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Artichokes also contain protein and gut-health-boosting prebiotic inulin. Additionally, they offer other nutrients such as vitamin C, magnesium and potassium.

Loneliness Epidemic

 

The US health authorities are calling for social isolation to be treated as seriously as obesity or drug abuse. 

Now, men have fewer friends than ever. Half of Americans say they experience loneliness. Less than 40 percent said in a 2022 study that they felt very connected to others.

In fact, the trends were already underway well before the Covid-19 pandemic, though living through three years of a public health crisis has likely accelerated them by reducing the size of their social circles.  

A report from the US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says that social isolation’s effects on mortality are equivalent to smoking up to 15 cigarettes every day. Social isolation (an objective measure of lacking connection to families, friends and community) and loneliness (a subjective measure of feeling disconnected) contribute to a person having a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, anxiety, hypertension, diabetes, depression and dementia, and make people more susceptible to infectious diseases. 

People with stronger social connections are correspondingly less likely to be readmitted to a hospital after being treated for heart failure and they are generally better at managing chronic conditions like diabetes than people who are more isolated. And loneliness is reported to increase the risk of premature death by almost 30% - through health conditions including diabetes, heart attacks, insomnia and dementia. People with a low amount of social connection were more than twice as likely to die. A high level of social connection led people to be 50 percent more likely to survive over a long follow-up period, which averaged 7.5 years across the nearly 150 studies. In addition, people who live alone are twice as likely to die by suicide. 

Indeed, the effects of social connection, isolation, and loneliness on mortality are comparable, and in some cases greater, than those of many other risk factors including lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity), traditional clinical risks factors (e.g., high blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol levels), environmental factors (e.g., air pollution), and clinical interventions (e.g., flu vaccine, high blood pressure medication, rehabilitation).

Isolation can also lead to a person experiencing a higher amount of stress, which affects mental well-being as well as causing the body to release stress hormones. These hormones can contribute to higher levels of inflammation, which is associated with a wide spectrum of health problems. People with stronger social connections are also more likely to behave in ways that lead to better health: more physical activity, better nutrition and even better management of chronic diseases.

Lack of social connection is also linked to lower academic achievement and worse performance at work. 

Additionally, the individual health effects ripple out into the broader community. Communities with higher social capital — which can be linked to family structure and involvement, trust in community institutions, popularity of volunteerism, levels of participation in political discussions and voting efforts, and cohesion among community members — experience better health, have less disease and lower all-cause mortality than those with less so-called social capital. They are better prepared for natural disasters and experience less violence.

One study found that a 10 percent increase in the number of people in an area who say they feel connected to others was associated with an 8 percent drop in all-cause mortality. A county-level analysis of deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic found that lower levels of social capital were associated with a higher number of cases and deaths from COVID-19 infection.

Loneliness is subjective, and the report notes that a certain amount of solitude, even undesired solitude, can help people become more resilient. But more objective measures also reveal a country in which people are increasingly isolated from one another. 

In the 1970s, almost half of Americans (45 percent) said they could generally trust other people. Today, less than a third say the same. The amount of time that Americans say they spend alone every day had risen by nearly 30 minutes from 2003 to 2019 and increased another 20-plus minutes in 2020, the first year of the pandemic, which amounted to almost an additional full day of solitude over the course of a month. The amount of time that young people (ages 15-24) spend with their friends in person dropped by nearly 70 percent from 2003 to 2020, as long-running trends got worse when the pandemic set in. Half of the country says they have three or fewer close friends, double the number from 1990. Just 16 percent of Americans say they feel very attached to their local community.

The causes for this increasing isolation are complex. People are less likely to get married and are having fewer children. Americans are much less likely to belong to religious organizations, a historical source of community connection. These are legitimate lifestyle choices.

Other risk factors for loneliness include being a racial or ethnic minority or experiencing discrimination, having a lower income, and living alone. Being in poor physical or mental health is also associated with more isolation, suggesting a feedback loop in which loneliness not only contributes to poor health but perpetuates it. The percentage of households that comprise a single person living by themselves has doubled from 1960 to 2022. 

The role of technology in fostering loneliness has been scrutinized lately. Social media can create opportunities for people to connect with others, but it can also exacerbate loneliness. People who spend more than two hours a day on social media or who are the targets of online harassment report feeling more isolated from other people. 

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said that there "are steps we can take as individuals", such as spending 15 minutes with loved ones, avoiding distractions such as devices while speaking to people, "and looking for ways to help one another". 

"Service is a powerful antidote to loneliness," he said. "These can all help".

Eating Fried Food Linked to Depression/Anxiety?

 

People who frequently eat fried food like french fries, have a higher risk of anxiety or depression, according to a new study. 

Specifically, the results showed that frequent fried food consumption was linked to a 12% higher risk of anxiety and 7% higher risk of depression. Males and young people were impacted the most. 

One cause could be that fried foods contain a chemical called acrylamide, which arises when some foods are cooked at very high temperatures. The researchers noted that acrylamide is linked to “anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors” related to brain inflammation. 

However, the causal pathway could just as readily go the other way: people with anxiety/depression turn to ‘comfort food’ like french fries with increasing frequency for some semblance of relief.  Thus the study might not prove causation. 

Actually, both anxiety and depression are clinical mental illnesses. Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental disorders, affecting as many as 30% of adults at some point in their lives, according to the American Psychiatric Association. 

Depression, also called major depressive disorder, affects how someone feels, thinks and acts, causing feelings of sadness or a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Depression can lead to emotional and physical problems, and it affects an estimated 1 in 15 adults annually, while 1 in 6 adults will have depression during their lifetime, the association said.