Vegetarian Meat was a much-praised rock band out of Ohio in the 1990s. And since the 2010s, some people have been singing the praises of vegetarian meat that's showing up on menus and in grocery stores.

But are these forms of ultra-processed meat substitutes out of tune with healthy nutrition? It seems so.

A new study in the journal Food Frontiers reveals that vegetarians who eat these plant-based meat alternatives are 42% more likely to contend with depression than vegetarians who refrain from eating the fake stuff.

What's the link?

It appears to be that highly processed fake meats increase your body's level of inflammatory C-reactive protein (CRP), which can cause negative changes in your brain's mood-altering neurotransmitters.

That boost in CRP can also increase heart woes, which may contribute to depression in both emotional and physical ways.

But it's not all bad news about veggie "meats." The researchers found that vegetarians who eat them had a 40% lower risk of irritable bowel syndrome.

We suggest that whether you're a vegetarian or not, you can gain the same benefit (and many more) by opting for unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And for meat eaters, we suggest ditching red and processed meats.

Of course, adopting a healthier diet is an often difficult process of giving up highly processed foods. So grab a fake burger if you're craving a beef burger — but don't make it a habit.

And explore the fabulous flavors and amazing health benefits of healthy foods in Dr. Mike's "What to Eat When Cookbook." You'll live longer, younger, and happier.