They do exist! Nutritionist names 5 healthy types of chips
Nutritionist names healthy types of chips (photo: Freepik)
Not all chips are unhealthy, and there are healthy options that can be found in the supermarket. In particular, they do not contain a large amount of salt and other harmful substances, states Real simple.
What makes chips more or less harmful
Nutritionist Brannon Blount said that whole grain products, such as root vegetables, legumes, or whole grains, contain more fiber, protein, and nutrients than regular potatoes.
These additional nutrients can contribute not only to overall health but also to a feeling of fullness after enjoyment, unlike regular potato chips.
However, traditional chips are no longer made from just potatoes, with many brands adding additives, preservatives, and other unhealthy ingredients.
Crisps with fewer artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives are generally a better choice.
Minimal processing, such as baked or air-fried chips, is often healthier than deep-fried versions. This is because deep-fried chips inevitably absorb some of the oil they were fried in.
When chips are fried, it's also important to consider the type of oil used to make them. Blount recommends options made with healthier oils, such as avocado, olive, or sunflower oil.
When you check the ingredients, be sure to keep an eye on the sodium content. Less than 250 mg of sodium is ideal if you're going for a healthier brand.
Healthier types of chips
Root vegetable chips
Vegetarian chips, often made from sweet potatoes or beets, are a good choice because they contain more nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
These added nutrients can help support metabolism, gut health, heart health, and the immune system. This is a major advantage over traditional potato chips.
Chickpea chips
These chips are similar to the classic version and contain more protein and fiber. When looking for chickpea chips, you should choose brands that contain at least 2 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein per serving.
This fiber and protein will keep you fuller and support healthy muscles, tissues, intestines, heart, and metabolism.
Lentil chips
Like other legume-based chips, lentil chips contain vegetable protein and fiber. Because of this, they have a lower glycemic index, which provides more stable blood sugar control.
Lentils also contain iron, which strengthens the immune system and prevents anemia.
Fruit chips
Chips made from dried fruits such as apples, coconut, pear, or strawberries are another great option. You'll get a healthy dose of antioxidants in these chips, which help reduce inflammation in the body by strengthening the immune response.
They tend to be sweeter, so you should look at the ingredients to make sure there is no added sugar.
Quinoa chips
Quinoa chips are naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and provide all essential amino acids.
Thanks to the high-quality protein, you will be full for a long time.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
