Have you ever noticed that on days when your heart is broken, your boss scolds you, or something frustrates you to the point of anger, your body never craves a salad or boiled chicken breast but instead longs for crispy fried chicken, hot French fries, or large pieces of crispy pork?
This reaction is not about gluttony or lack of discipline. From a scientific and psychological perspective, there is a mechanism explaining why "fried foods" become comfort food that heals emotional wounds and quells anger most effectively.
When we face sadness or anger, the body releases large amounts of the stress hormone called "cortisol." This hormone signals the brain that we are in danger and losing energy rapidly. The brain then directs us to seek out foods that provide high energy and are absorbed quickly, primarily carbohydrates and high-fat foods like "fried foods." Eating fried foods acts like an emergency fuel refill, making the body feel safe and energized to cope.
The appeal of fried foods is not only their crispiness but also their intensely seasoned flavors—salty, rich, and aromatic, which stimulate appetite. When fried foods reach the stomach and enter the bloodstream, the brain releases neurotransmitters called "dopamine," the pleasure hormone, and "serotonin," which regulates calming emotions. These chemicals temporarily suppress feelings of sadness or emotional pain, making us feel delighted and uplifted almost immediately after the first bite of fried chicken.
Another key reason fried foods help manage anger is the physical sensation. When people are extremely angry or stressed, the jaw muscles tense up unconsciously. Chewing crunchy, tough fried foods that require biting effort helps release tension in the facial and jaw muscles. The crunching sound of biting into crispy fried food gives a sense of crushing or destroying something, providing a safe and socially acceptable outlet to vent hidden aggression and anger.
Although relying on fried foods to heal emotional wounds and release anger has scientific backing and can temporarily support feelings on harsh days, caution is needed to avoid developing a long-term dependence on food for emotional management.
Treating yourself to your favorite fried dish on tiring days is an easy and effective form of self-care. However, once your emotions stabilize, remember to also care for your physical health by eating nutritious foods and finding other ways to manage stress, ensuring both body and mind stay strong together.