The word "chips" comes from the English language. Translated, it means “thin slice.” Paper-thin pieces of potato quickly gained popularity. In stores, chips are presented in a huge assortment, they are affordable, and they can quickly satisfy your hunger. But PP adherents are very confused by the composition and calorie content of this product. Especially for people leading a healthy lifestyle, a safe analogue was developed - dietary chips, the use of which does not affect either health or figure.
What is the harm and danger of chips on a diet and when losing weight?
The presence of an image of a potato on the packaging does not guarantee its presence in the chips. Most often, this product is made from corn starch, potato flakes and water. Frying in oil puts an end to the question of the usefulness of industrially produced potato chips.
Once in the body, this combination of fats and carbohydrates is converted into glucose, sharply raising blood sugar levels. This, in turn, provokes the release of insulin. This hormone stimulates the process of lipogenesis, during which fat cells are formed and reserves of adipose tissue are formed.
However, this is far from the only harm caused by the much-loved potato chips. During industrial production, snacks are fried in oil, which contains both carcinogens and trans fats. The latter can increase the shelf life of the product, but can also lead to diabetes mellitus, thinning of the cartilaginous surfaces of joints (especially large ones) and a decrease in the immune response, and impaired blood flow in the vessels.
Salt, present in large quantities in chips, retains water in the body, therefore, can lead to the formation of edema in persons prone to this. Regular consumption of potato snacks is addictive. This is facilitated by monosodium glutamate, which, like trans fats, stimulates the release of insulin into the blood. In addition, excessive salt consumption leads to disruption of the kidneys and heart.
Expert opinion
Evgeniy Kislitsa
Practicing surgeon. Certified massage master. Two-time vice-champion and heavyweight champion of regional kettlebell lifting competitions.
Monosodium glutamate can enhance the taste characteristics of food several dozen times, which is why products with the addition of this additive have such a pleasant taste for humans. Also, eating food with monosodium glutamate forms a mental dependence, which is why a person has a strong desire to consume just such food. At the same time, the supplement can increase the production of insulin and its entry into the blood, which can lead to a rapid change in blood glucose levels. And this can be dangerous for those who suffer from diabetes. For the same reason, the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus is possible, when the body’s cells become insensitive to insulin (get used to it), which is why glucose is not completely broken down during specific reactions for its absorption and is found in the blood. The condition poses a health threat.
The average calorie content of potato chips is 500-600 kcal per 100 g - half the daily calorie requirement for weight loss.
Important! Industrially produced chips contain acrylamide, a toxic compound scientists believe can cause cancer.
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Harm, and that’s all!
The destructive effect of chips on children’s health is difficult to overestimate: it is simply colossal. Read this scary list carefully, and think a hundred times before reaching for a harmful product in the store:
- love for fried potatoes very often leads to deterioration in the functioning of the pancreas, liver and kidneys;
- immunity is significantly reduced;
- the risk of various cardiovascular diseases increases;
- tooth enamel in children is destroyed;
- guaranteed bad breath, so strong that any chewing gum is powerless;
- allergies are often provoked;
- blood pressure increases;
- metabolism is disrupted;
- unhealthy chips always go hand in hand with obesity;
- interfere with the development of the child’s brain;
- Trans fats have been proven to promote the formation of cancer cells;
- increase the risk of diabetes;
- slow down bone growth;
Chips reduce memory and attention in children 3-4 years old and inhibit the development of creative abilities.
The result is an impressive list, after which the question of why chips are harmful becomes closed. We hope that now, when you and your child want chips or crackers, you will categorically refuse harmful foods. We often hear a lot of horror stories about them, but we console ourselves with the fact that the media is always exaggerating, so know: in the case of chips, almost everything is true, and their harm to children and adults is obvious.
Can a snack be low-calorie?
Diet chips are not just another marketing ploy, but a natural product that can be prepared even at home. These snacks are most often made from fruits, vegetables and healthy grains. They can be eaten both on a diet and before working out in the gym. However, nutritionists still recommend eating such chips in the first half of the day. The reason is that even a dietary product contains a significant amount of calories, which is why when consumed in the afternoon, not all of them can be used by the body, which means they contribute to excess weight gain.
Low-calorie snacks are made from carrots, beets, apples, pumpkins, pears, peaches, bananas and even green beans. The main condition is the absence of sugar, salt and harmful additives. You can use any spices or seeds.
Interesting! Diet snacks are easy to prepare at home. To do this, you need to cut the original products into thin slices. If you can’t slice carrots or apples yourself, you can use a food processor with attachments or special slicing devices. Homemade snacks are not fried in oil, but baked in the oven. This guarantees their low calorie content and the absence of harmful carcinogens.
Store chips in closed containers in cool and dry places.
Snacks that contain grains are eaten half an hour before exercise. In this case, all carbohydrates will be used up during training.
Top 5 Diet Chips Recipes
Chips prepared at home will not only keep your figure, but also guarantee the absence of substances harmful to the body.
From apples
One of the most popular diet snack recipes. You can buy them in almost any store, along with pear or banana chips. The most aromatic and delicious are obtained from the Pink Lady, Gala and Duchess varieties:
- Apples – 200 gr.
- Lemon juice – 10 ml.
Preparation step by step:
- Grate the apples into thin slices.
- Rinse them in clean water.
- Dry with paper towels.
- Place the slices on a plate, sprinkle with lemon juice and microwave for 10-15 minutes at maximum power.
Calorie content – 47 kcal.
At the end of cooking, the apple chips must be taken out immediately, otherwise they will become damp. You can make pear snacks using the same method.
From carrots
Vegetable chips are a great snack while dieting:
- Carrots (large) – 1 pc.
- Olive oil – 20 ml.
- Pepper, dry basil and rosemary - 1 pinch each.
Preparation step by step:
- Cut the root vegetable into thin slices and place in a bowl.
- Add oil and dry herbs.
- Mix well and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Place carrot slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the oven for 1.5-2 hours at 100°C.
Calorie content – 66 kcal.
Beet lovers can make snacks from this root vegetable. They need to be baked for 40-45 minutes at 120°C. The chips will be slightly sweet, but very healthy due to batalin, a natural detoxifier contained in beets.
From banana
Banana chips can replace your usual dessert and reduce your cravings for sweets. However, their calorie content is higher than that of vegetable snacks:
- Bananas – 300 gr.
- Lemon juice – 100 ml.
Preparation step by step:
- Cut the bananas into “washers” 3-5 mm thick.
- Sprinkle everything with lemon juice and bake in the oven for 1 hour at 180°C.
Calorie content – 75 kcal.
Banana snacks can be eaten alone or added to yoghurts, cottage cheese casseroles and porridges.
From kiwi
Fragrant green kiwi chips have an unusual tart taste:
- Kiwi – 4 pcs.
- Lemon juice – 50 ml.
Preparation step by step:
- Peel the kiwi and cut into thin slices.
- Sprinkle with lemon juice.
- Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment and place in the oven for 5-6 hours at 40°C.
Calorie content – 43 kcal.
From zucchini
This type of zucchini is rich in thiamine and niacin, vitamins that regulate metabolism:
- Zucchini – 2 pcs.
- Vegetable oil – 20 ml.
Preparation step by step:
- Wash the zucchini and cut them into thin round slices.
- Grease with oil and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes at 100°C.
Calorie content – 69 kcal.
From green beans
This snack can be served as an appetizer along with spicy tomato sauce. The recipe is simple and quick to prepare:
- Fresh green beans – 400 gr.
- Olive oil – 20 ml.
- Spices.
Preparation step by step:
- Wash the beans and dry with a paper towel.
- Add oil, favorite spices and mix everything well.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes at 220°C.
Calorie content – 66 kcal.
Lavash chips are often called a healthy alternative to potato snacks. However, during the diet you should refrain from eating this dish, since its calorie content varies from 220 to 240 kcal.
Worthy replacement
Fortunately, you can make a delicious alternative yourself: children's chips will appeal to adults too.
The enormous harm of this product often makes caring mothers think about what they can replace chips with to make it tasty and healthy. Here are a few simple recipes that your child will definitely appreciate:
- The first method involves cooking chips in a frying pan with a thick bottom and high walls. Pour vegetable oil generously into the pan, and while it is boiling, peel and cut the potatoes into thin slices and cover with cold water. When the oil comes to a boil, reduce the heat and add the potato wedges. When they turn golden, remove them and place on a paper towel to remove excess fat. Already in a plate, place the slices in one layer, add salt and pepper. Remember that unhealthy fatty and fried foods should be limited in your diet, and especially in the children's menu.
- The most delicious chips are made in the oven. Lightly bathe the potato slices in oil and place on a baking sheet covered with parchment or baking paper and greased with oil. At a temperature of 190 degrees, bake the slices in one layer, add salt and seasonings before serving.
- The oven will help you prepare a dish not only from potatoes. Many children and adults adore this lavash delicacy. Cut thin pita bread made from unleavened unleavened dough into small pieces, grease them with oil, sprinkle with finely grated cheese, add salt and spices. In an oven preheated to 180-200 degrees, cook the slices until the cheese melts (maximum 5 minutes).
- To make chips in the microwave, place thin potato slices at a distance from each other on oiled paper in a plate. Place the plate in the microwave for 3 minutes at maximum power. Salt the finished dish and treat the whole family.
Chips video recipes
Having learned about the dangers of chips and how you can prepare a healthy and tasty analogue at home, what will you do now when your heart desires crackers, chips and other harmful things? It is known that 75% of diseases begin in childhood. We think that this fact is a very good reason to protect your child from unwanted products that are highly addictive.
Chips are flavored snacks that have become a very popular delicacy among young people. Despite the fact that many of us have heard about their dangers, not everyone will be able to resist enjoying a tasty, aromatic and crispy slice. Potato snacks are good both on their own and as a snack with beer, although chips are harmful to the human body
not less.
The first time potato slices were prepared in the 19th century was by the American chef J. Crum, when railroad magnate Vanderbilt came to his restaurant and ordered “french fries” for dinner. The cook served the potatoes in the form of thin and even slightly transparent slices, fried in hot oil. To Crum's surprise, Vanderbilt ate the new dish he had prepared and did not express any displeasure, and over time, the tycoon began mass production of crispy potatoes, packaged in portions in bags. Today, chips have acquired universal proportions; every inhabitant of our planet could not help but hear about them, much less try them. They are sold everywhere: in small kiosks and in large grocery supermarkets. They are consumed as a quick snack, snack or instead of a main dish. They are used to prepare salads, canapés, breading for chicken meat, etc. But why is such a popular product also so harmful and unsafe for human health?
Let us briefly consider the features of the production of potato snacks on an industrial scale. Even in the beginning, they were made from potatoes: the tubers were cut into slices and fried in a special way. Therefore, there is an opinion that they cannot cause harm, because potatoes are present in the diet of most people every day and no one has ever died from them. After all, what's the harm from fried potatoes? But this opinion is wrong!
Just recently, in the late 90s of the last century, chips began to be made from a complex culinary-chemical mixture, which consists of ordinary wheat or corn flour and modified soy starch and which is fried in boiling oil. That is why this product contains so many carcinogens and is therefore so harmful.
After potato snacks enter the body, the starch contained in them is converted into glucose and, if they are eaten regularly, excess glucose will accumulate in the liver, which is guaranteed to lead to.
The taste of this delicacy is far from potato. Therefore, manufacturers use various flavorings and additives, chemical dyes, artificial flavors and preservatives that extend the shelf life of such “goodies.”
In addition, the chemical composition of the chips includes:
- Monosodium glutamate, which is not known for its nutritional value for the human body. When regularly introduced into the body, it causes persistent addiction to the product and causes cellular mutations;
- trans isomers of fatty acids are a dangerous additive that is harmful regardless of the amount consumed;
- acrylamide is a toxic substance that causes mutations;
- Glycidamide is a chemical that causes cancer cells to grow and destroys DNA.
How much salt do they contain? It tends to retain water in the body, disrupts metabolic processes, inhibits normal bone growth and causes disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. And this is a direct path to obesity. Therefore, chips do not meet the requirements of the concept of a healthy diet, but their effect on the body and harm should be assessed soberly.
What nutritionists say
Alexey Kovalkov, famous Russian nutritionist, MD. RANS, author of books, presenter of radio and TV programs
A well-known Russian nutritionist explains that the main harm of chips is associated with the repeated use of fats. The problem lies in the main raw material – potatoes, which are often genetically modified varieties.
Expert opinion
Evgeniy Kislitsa
Practicing surgeon. Certified massage master. Two-time vice-champion and heavyweight champion of regional kettlebell lifting competitions.
Although there is an opinion that genetically modified foods can harm the body, there is no reliable evidence for this. The reason is that a vegetable cell is susceptible to genetic engineering processes, which is then capable of transmitting genetic information to other cells - its descendants. However, plant cells are destroyed during digestion processes and therefore cannot transfer their genetic information to other cells. Also, the inability of genetically modified products to influence human genetic material is evidenced by the fact that in the human body there are several mechanisms for protecting DNA and destroying cells with abnormal genes.
Margarita Koroleva, famous nutritionist, author of the books “The Easy Path to Slimness” and “Food Diary”
Celebrity nutritionist Margarita Koroleva equates chips to fast food and strongly recommends excluding them from the diet along with hamburgers. Instead, she advises adding vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, buckwheat and whole grain bread.
Vladimir Dotsenko, MD, Chief Nutritionist of St. Petersburg
It is necessary to understand, explains the St. Petersburg nutritionist, that 100 grams of potato chips are equal in calorie content to a full second course. In combination with soda, for example, cola, this is a real shot at the figure, stomach and duodenum, and pancreas.
Main conclusions
Store-bought potato chips and dieting don't mix. As an alternative, you can try fruit and vegetable snacks that can easily be prepared at home:
- Potato snacks are not only high in calories, but also full of harmful substances.
- Their regular and especially excessive consumption can lead to obesity, atherosclerosis, allergies and even diabetes, and for those who already suffer from these diseases, chips can cause an exacerbation of the disease.
- You can prepare healthy snacks at home.
- Any vegetables and fruits can be used as “raw materials”.
- Snacks can be baked in the oven or cooked in the microwave.
- You should not use salt, as it retains water in the body and dulls the taste of natural products.
Fruit and vegetable snacks are an ideal snack that will help fight hunger without compromising your figure.
Share your weight loss stories, favorite diets and diet chips recipes.
Is it just potatoes?
Of course, there are those among us who naively believe in advertising and think that chips are made only from “Russian potatoes” and are seasoned a little with natural spices for taste. Potatoes may be honestly grown in domestic fields, but modern manufacturers add a huge amount of harmful components to them, which are responsible for the rich taste of the product.
And that's not the most surprising thing. Sometimes potatoes are not used at all. Today it is easily replaced with a mixture of gelatin, starch, corn and wheat flour. So, the kneaded dough comes out through a special die, which ensures the pieces are perfectly round in shape. The rest of the work is done by various flavoring additives, which create the feeling that we are eating potatoes with spices.
