Trans Fats Linked to Depression and Aggressive Behavior

We have talked about dietary fats before. Some are good, and some are bad. Some are so bad that they have been linked to causing depression (trans fats). It’s easy to remember how to tell the difference. The fats that come from nature and the foods we eat (olives, avocado, walnuts, etc.) contain the good fats. Those that are man-made like industrial seed oils (vegetable oils, hydrogenated fats, etc.) are on the bad list. However, man-made oils are used extensively in fried foods, processed foods, and fast food.

While man-made fats are less expensive initially, the true cost shows up in damage to our health. According to many studies, people who eat fast foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and baked goods are more likely to develop depression.

One 2012 study published in the journal Public Health Nutrition found that those who regularly consume fast foods were 51% more likely to develop depression.

Hydrogenated fats are liquid vegetable oils that are made solid by converting fats through hydrogenation, the process of adding hydrogen to liquid fat. Full hydrogenation has many risks. But, partially hydrogenated oils, also known as trans fats, have even greater risks. You should eliminate them completely from your diet. Hydrogenated oils/trans fats have been causally linked to increased depression and anxiety.

While most trans fats have already been removed from products, you may still find them in vegetable shortening, some microwave popcorns, certain vegetable oils, fried fast foods, bakery products, non-dairy coffee creamers, chips, canned frostings, pizza, and some crackers.