After a stressful day, most of us reach for a cookie believing it will make us feel better.

But new research shows eating biscuits and cakes might actually mess with our emotions.

US researchers found trans fatty acids – commonly found in baked goods and processed foods - can alter how we regulate our feelings.

A study of 5,000 people found those who ate more of these fatty acids had less awareness and control over their emotions.

They were less aware of their feelings, less able to read emotions clearly, and less able to regulate their mood, Yahoo Health reports.

When they consumed less trans fatty acids, researchers found people were better able to regulate their mood.

The study's author, Megan Holt, a dietitian from San Diego State University, said she wanted to know more about the link between trans fatty acids and mental health, because the relationship is poorly understood.

She hopes her research will lead to more awareness on how diet affects our emotions.

She told Yahoo Health: 'We need to consider that poor nutrition also has implications in terms of psychological wellness.

'Striving to avoid or limit dietary sources of trans fatty acids would certainly be a good start.

Trans fats can also be found naturally in some foods at low levels, such as those from animals, including meat and dairy products.

She hopes her research will lead to more awareness on how diet affects our emotions.

She told Yahoo Health: 'We need to consider that poor nutrition also has implications in terms of psychological wellness.

'Striving to avoid or limit dietary sources of trans fatty acids would certainly be a good start.

Trans fats can also be found naturally in some foods at low levels, such as those from animals, including meat and dairy products.