Scientists pinpoint a specific type of ultra-processed that's linked to depression Eating fake meat products like burgers made with lab-engineered ingredients could make you more likely to develop depression, new research has suggested.
The authors, who described this findings as 'concerning', also noted that fake meat eaters had higher blood pressure and more inflammation, according to blood test results.
Plant-based meats — used to make 'fake' burgers and sausages — are considered to be an ultra processed food (UPF) due to the high number of additives used, such as preservatives and flavourings.
They suggest the link between the convenience foods and the mental health problem may be due to inflammation in the body, which is thought to interfere with feel good brain chemicals.
However the researchers say more study is needed to identify why the plant based meat eaters were more likely to be depressed.
