Why you shouldn't overindulge in potato chips
Potato chips should be eliminated from your daily diet as soon as possible. We'll tell you why they're harmful to your health.
Statistically, potato chips are the preferred snack of the majority of the population. And for good reason. Their extremely low price and a wide variety of combinations allow consumers to satisfy their hunger between meals. However, the WHO and several nutrition websites warn that perhaps we should opt for another alternative.
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| Potato chips can be a mortal enemy. We'll tell you why. |
Potato chips are by no means the healthiest option we can consume. Starting with their high calorie content. Just 45 grams, approximately one potato, already contains almost 250 kcal, the equivalent of two normal-sized steaks. Of course, this calorie intake comes with an equally worrying percentage of fat.
The presence of fat is explained by the enormous amount of oil that potato chips are capable of absorbing. This is where most consumers make a very common mistake: thinner chips absorb more oil.
Most experts recommend opting for thicker chips, as they contain less oil. Furthermore, for every 100 grams of potato chips, around 35 grams are pure fat. Any other low-fat snack can serve as an energy source and perform its function much more effectively than potato chips.
The same goes for protein. Although they contain some protein, it is of such poor quality that they could be harmful to the body if consumed in excess. To achieve an adequate protein level, you should opt for healthier options such as red meat and oily fish.
The danger of salt
Salt is another of the most harmful components for the body, found in potato chips. The WHO recommends not exceeding three grams of salt per day, and this snack far exceeds that amount. 100 grams of potato chips are equivalent to about 1.5 grams of salt, and some brands reach around 3 grams.
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| The WHO recommends not exceeding three grams of salt per day. |
Therefore, it is preferable to turn to other snacks such as nuts or other plant-based oils like sunflower, corn, or olive oil, and avoid bagged potato chips as much as possible.