Artificial meat may increase likelihood of depression, study finds

A new study published in the journal Food Frontiers suggests that consuming artificial meat may increase the likelihood of depression.

Researchers from the University of Surrey analyzed the data of 3,342 people, two-thirds of whom were women, reports Bild. It was found that vegetarians who consumed meat substitutes faced a 42% higher risk of depression compared to vegetarians who avoided these products.

Researchers say the findings are alarming. They found that people who consume meat substitutes are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and inflammation.

Researchers have suggested that the link between plant-based meat substitutes and mental health problems may be due to inflammation in the body, which affects the way chemicals work in the brain.

These inflammations can negatively affect chemical processes in the brain, which contributes to the development of mental illnesses, according to the study.

Despite this, the study found no significant differences in the total dietary composition of vegetarians who ate meat substitutes and those who did not. But those who ate artificial meat were 40% less likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome.

"Ultra-processed plant-based meat alternatives can be a useful way for people to transition to a vegetarian diet effectively, and that helps with sustainable agricultural practices. Further research, including longitudinal studies and trials with more diverse populations, is necessary to confirm these findings and the relationship between vegetarian foods and mood," said Professor Anthony Whetton, co-author of the study from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey.