Ask a Nutritionist: Is Eating Chips Everyday Unhealthy? (2024)

FAQs

Ask a Nutritionist: Is Eating Chips Everyday Unhealthy? ›

But that doesn't mean chips can't be part of your diet, Zumpano says. "Anything in moderation can be included safely," she says, "especially if you're mindful of the ingredients and controlling the portion." So, potato chips aren't exactly a health food, and they don't really need to be!

Similarly, eating chips everyday will increase your risk of experiencing negative health effects (not as much as smoking mind you), but doesn't guarantee you will experience any negative consequences. Another problem – yes, there are more problems – with nutrition is we don't eat in isolation.

They're High in Fat

A standard serving of potato chips has 12 percent of your daily recommended amount of fat, and 5 percent of this comes from saturated fat. Certain fats, like those found in fatty fish, are healthy, but the fats in potato chips are not.

Chips are fine to eat when consumed in moderation, but watch out for high sodium content and trans fats. Note serving sizes before digging into a bag of chips. Kale chips and popcorn are great alternatives to make at home. Crunchy fruit, vegetables, and nuts are other chip alternatives.

Potato chips from brands known for excessive salt, saturated fats, and artificial additives tend to be less healthy. Examples include Lay's, Pringles, and Ruffles.

Nutritional Comparison

When you place the nutritional information of pretzels and potato chips side-by-side, you'll notice why pretzels are the healthier choice. Pretzels have less calories than potato chips and less saturated fat. As we all know, excessive calories and saturated fat can ruin a diet.

Because of popcorn's high fiber content, its low calorie count and its low energy density, popcorn is considered to be a food that can aid in weight loss. For example, popcorn has been shown to make people feel fuller than a similar calorie amount of potato chips.

Both oven-baking and air-frying your chips limit the amount of oil you're using, so these are healthier ways to cook chips. '' Deep-fried chips are generally considered tastier because they contain more fat (more on that below), but if you're going to deep-fry food, it's worth being wary of the oil you're using.

What are the benefits of eating chips? ›

A good source of carbohydrates: Natural potato chips contain a high percentage of carbohydrates, which are the body's main fuel. Carbohydrates provide the energy needed for daily activities and enhance the function of the nervous system and muscles.

Some people crave salty foods like crisps, chips, and savoury snacks. This is linked to low levels of electrolytes, dehydration, and stress, which may be shown in symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and an inability to concentrate. Eat more Vitamin B foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables.

A good source of carbohydrates: Natural potato chips contain a high percentage of carbohydrates, which are the body's main fuel. Carbohydrates provide the energy needed for daily activities and enhance the function of the nervous system and muscles.

Effects on digestive health

Takis, along with other spicy snacks like Hot Cheetos or Spicy Nacho Doritos, can irritate the lining of your stomach if you consume large amounts of them ( 11 , 12 ). This can sometimes contribute to gastritis, a condition characterized by stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting ( 13 ).