Potato chips are a popular snack that traces its roots to Britain. Originally, it was a chef-cooked restaurant serving. In the 20th century, things took a new direction when companies begun to mass produce potato chips for home consumption. Mikesell’s potato chip company based in Dayton, Ohio and founded in 1910 prides itself as the oldest potato chip company in the United States. In the years since, companies have produced different flavors and adopted colorful packaging leading to an unprecedented popularity of potato chips. They are widely considered one of the bestselling edibles in the history of humanity.
In recent years, potato chips have come under scrutiny. They contain high levels of salt, thus sodium. Consumption of too much sodium has been demonstrated to cause hypertension. A common cause of disease and death. In addition, burnt chips have high levels of acrylamide, a chemical that studies showed can cancer in animals. Potato chip companies have tried to address these concerns by offering unsalted chips and reducing the use of salt in production lines. When it comes to acrylamide, they now scan for burnt chips before packaging the chips. The effectiveness of these measures is still questionable.
Potato chips are high in fat and refined carbohydrates. It is not surprising that they have been associated with obesity and diabetes. Even if potato chip companies try to come up with campaigns encouraging responsible consumption, at the core of the issue is the fact that potato chips are undisputedly unhealthy foods. There is an increased awareness about the negative effect of potato chips on health and wellbeing. You might be wondering the alternatives you can start stocking up in place of crisps. There are a number of options available and you can have your pick from the ones discussed in this article.
Mixed Nuts
Nuts are high in mono- and poly-unsaturated fats. These are the fats that boost HDL cholesterol, commonly referred to as good cholesterol. These reduce the risk of stroke and coronary artery disease. In addition, they make you feel full. On the other hand, potato chips are rich in saturated and trans fats, both of which are known to cause great harm to your body in the long run. Besides, nuts also allow you to add the flavoring that you prefer.
Carrot Slices
Raw carrots are actually quite palatable. With minimal cooking or flavoring added, carrots can produce a healthy delicious snack. Carrot slices are easy to prepare. They are a sweet snack that has additional benefits such as loads of Vitamin A to help improve your night vision. They practically have zero fat unless you use some in preparation. Other vegetables you can try are red and green bell peppers and cucumbers. All these are healthy, nutritious and delicious options that are readily available and easy to prepare.
Air-popped Popcorn
It is common for popcorn to be listed with other unhealthy foods like potato chips. However, popcorn has less calories and no acrylamide. If air-popped, and not the usual drenching in butter, they also have less fats per gram when compared to potato chips. Air-popped popcorn has a neutral taste which allows you to add a variety of flavoring. Air-popped popcorn ha the same crunchy bite as crisps without the hazardous effect on your health and wellbeing.
Kale Chips
This might come us a surprise to you but kale chips are quite tasty and way more nutritious than potato chips. Most people have an inclination to hate kale. However, when prepared appropriately and we allow ourselves to see past the stereotyping, kale is quite delicious. It is rich in antioxidants, iron, and calcium, essential nutrients that are barely present in potato chips. Kale chips are a delight, especially when served with hummus. Try it today and you will never look back.
Explore
It would be wrong if you limited yourself to this list. Be adventurous with food. Try preparing different healthier snacks at home. Legumes, zucchini, beetroots, apples, nothing is off the table. If you can fry it, then it can definitely make a crispy snack. Those listed are just meant to get you started as your creative spirit takes over. Potato chips are unhealthy. Replace them today to lead a long disease-free life.
