What Are the Negative Effects of Chips? What Are the Health Benefits of Eating Plantain Chips Over Potato? What Types fried plantain calories Fat Should Be Avoided?
Chips are an inexpensive, tasty and easily available snack, but the toll they take on your body may not be worth the pleasure. While enjoying an occasional handful of chips won’t cause irreparable damage to someone consuming an otherwise healthy diet, the real dangers arise when you consume chips on a daily basis or regularly choose them over healthier options. One ounce of plain potato chips, or about 15 to 20 chips, contains about 10 grams of fat and 154 calories. Chips are typically low in vitamins and minerals, and they tend to displace things in the diet that are higher in nutrients. Eating healthy snacks can help make up for any nutritional lack at meal times, so if you opt for chips instead of snacks with a high nutrient density, you won’t get this benefit.
A high intake of sodium can cause an increase in blood pressure, which can lead to stroke, heart failure, coronary heart disease and kidney disease. Potato chips generally have between 120 and 180 milligrams of sodium per ounce, and tortilla chips can have 105 to 160 milligrams of sodium per ounce. Most chips are deep-fried, a process that creates trans fats, the most dangerous type. In addition, the oils used for frying chips are often saturated fats, which also contribute to high cholesterol levels.
Unsalted whole-wheat pretzels and air-popped popcorn are low-fat, low-calorie options that also provide extra fiber, making them better snack choices than chips. Other healthy alternatives include low-sodium, baked vegetable chips or apple chips. Bridget Coila specializes in health, nutrition, pregnancy, pet and parenting topics. Her articles have appeared in Oxygen, American Fitness and on various websites. Coila has a Bachelor of Science in cell and molecular biology from the University of Cincinnati and more than 10 years of medical research experience. Are Whole-Grain Tortilla Chips Good for You? Meet the Cook: Try these as an accompaniment to hamburgers or fried fish, or with steaks on the grill.