If you have a habit of cramming snacks down, there is a fair bit of possibility that you have heard about—or even tried Cheez-Its at least once. And if you have, you already know the crunchy sound of the crackers paired with the cheesy flavor of each bite. 

And to top it off, the overwhelming saltiness is a signature, and it stays on your tongue for as long as it stays in your mind. But just like most other processed food, there remains a question needed to be answered: Is Cheez-Its healthy? Today we will answer this question.

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Is Cheez-Its Healthy?

The shorter answer would be a no. Cheez-Its are not the best snacks for you if you are concerned about health factors. And it is not unlike most other snacks you will find yourself looking at while walking through the aisles of the big super shops. 

But what makes Cheez-Its specifically so unhealthy?

Lacking in Nutritional Values:

To consider any food healthy, you have to consider the nutritional facts. And if you do that with Cheez-Its, it is clear that it is not the most wholesome ingestible you can get for your money.

Cheez-Its contain an insignificant amount of essential minerals, like Potassium, just 30 milligrams. It also packs a minimal quantity of dietary fibers, just 0.5 grams. The crackers also accommodate a minuscule protein of just 3 grams per serving. 

But only lack of good minerals does not contribute to it being this unhealthy. It also is filled with harmful amounts of sodium and fat. There are 8 grams of total fat in one serving—of which 1.5 grams are saturated. 

Further, there is a copious amount of sodium in these crackers, making up to 10% of the daily sodium requirement from just one serving. 

Now, these numbers might seem to be small and insignificant. But you cannot ignore the sheer addictiveness of the crackers. For most people, it is practically impossible to practice self-restraint when it comes to these. 

And if you are one of them, you will end up mindlessly devouring one after another pack of these crackers—the cumulative effect of which is pretty harmful.

While nutritional facts on the packaging body say 0 cholesterol, there is a catch. The excessive amount of saturated fat will increase bad cholesterol in your blood vessels, which will inevitably lead to a heart attack or even a stroke in the long run.

And the excessive quantity of sodium can too lead to heart issues, stroke, or even stomach cancer. Sodium can also contribute to fluid retention in your body, causing kidney problems and uncontrolled blood pressure.

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Number of Calories in these:

Each serving of Cheez-Its contains approximately 150 calories. And it is to be kept in mind that each serving is only 30 grams. Even though a serving of 27 crackers sounds like a big number, as the weight of a serving suggests, they are pretty small. You can fit around 10 of these in your palm with ease.

If the math is done, each small cracker contains 5.56 calories. Considering the size of the crackers, that is a significant number. And as mentioned earlier, they are incredibly addictive, leading to most people munching on them without keeping any count. So, it is pretty easy to over-eat these if you are not wary.

It will take you around 40 minutes of moderate pace walking to burn off just 150 calories to put things into perspective. And if you have consumed more than the suggested serving, it may take you more!

The total calories taken in a single session might be way over 150. In that case, it becomes nearly impossible to spend all the calories consumed, leading to weight and fat gain.

Harmful Preservatives:

If you have been wandering around the snacks aisle in super shops, you might have noticed that the shelf life of Cheez-Its is pretty long. And the reason behind it is the preservative that is used in them.

The preservative goes by the name of tert-butylhydroquinone; TBHQ in short. It is a synthetic food antioxidant made from butane. TBHQ is used to prevent foods from being oxidized and getting inedible. It elongates the lifespan of the food, but it does come with a cost.

As per the tests done on lab animals, it can cause enlargement of the liver, paralysis, and disruption of the nervous system. In some cases, it can even cause an imbalance in eyesight. 

Even though these tests were done on animals, they say a lot about what they can do to the human body—if consumed over the limit.

So, at this point, it’s safe to say that Cheez-Its is not very secure—but it is also to be remembered that it is not different from any other processed snack out there today. Most of the snacks contain little to no healthy ingredients and tend to be filled with harmful preservatives.

But after all, these are not meant to be consumed regularly or in a large quantity. Even though they are taken beyond the limit, they should not be. And neither are they supposed to be. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Cheez-It make you fat?

Chees-It can make you fat due to the high calorie count. 

Are Cheez-Its better than chips?

Compared to chips, they have smaller amount of saturated fat. However, they’ve similar  amount of sodium and other additives which are unhealthy.

Why are Cheez-Its addictive?

It can be addictive as its diary proteins often work as mild opiates.

Final Words

Cheez-Its is nothing but comfort food. And if you enjoy them, it is your responsibility to do so in moderation. Nothing can be wrong within reasonable limits—and Cheez-Its is no exception. 

To find a tasty, processed snack that is healthy is like catching lightning in a bottle, and Cheez-Its is not that. So, to answer the question: Is Cheez-Its Healthy? The answer is a no in every world. But through moderation and being responsible, we can lower the harm it can do to us—while still enjoying this tasty snack now and then.

Whether fried or rolled in sushi, rice is a carb you must have had many times in your life. The soft, shiny, and white grains of goodness is something we all recognize instantly. But many of us are not familiar with brown rice and its properties.

You may have seen people raving about it on social media, but is brown rice healthy? While carbs are still the lesser of the beneficial food groups for your health, the attributes of brown rice are somewhat unusual in this case. 

Fitness gurus like to include this in their diet, but let’s find out how beneficial this type of grain is for your health. 

The Rice Supremacy: Brown or White?

To find out the nutritional benefits of brown rice, let’s compare it with its lighter-shaded and more prominent counterpart.   

Movement by Fiber:

In general, rice is rich in nutrients that aid in developing your cells. Even though its primary building blocks are carbohydrates, rice has significantly high fiber.

The grain in brown rice is whole, meaning the bran, endosperm, and germ have not been removed. On the other hand, white rice is refined and does not have these components, and it keeps all the grain parts intact, resulting in a higher amount of fiber.

In a serving size of 100 grams of cooked rice, brown rice has 1.6 grams of dietary fiber, whereas the white equivalent has 0.4 grams. It may seem like a tiny amount, but the difference is enormous!

Fiber is a great contributor to smooth bowel movement. It absorbs water better and makes the stool bulky, making it easier to pass through as waste. This greatly helps relieve constipation and keep a clean-running digestive system overall. 

All the Good Nutrients:

Despite being a food item rich in carbohydrates, rice contains many nutrients that are useful for bodily functions. Brown rice and the white type both contain different nutrients in varying amounts.

Compared to white rice, brown rice has higher percentages of niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. All of these vitamins and minerals are incredibly beneficial for the body.

Niacin aids in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood and enhances the function of the brain. Phosphorus and magnesium are significant contributors to strong bones, teeth, muscle, and heart function. So, with brown rice, you are getting these essential nutrients in a tremendous amount all at once. 

The Heart is Happy:

Studies have shown that brown rice has a lower glycemic index than its white equivalent. Glycemic index or GI is measured from 0 to 100 of how fast a carbohydrate can increase blood sugar levels when it breaks down. Brown rice has a GI of around 50-55, whereas white rice has 70-89.

This shows that brown rice works its way into your bloodstream slower, making you stay fuller for a longer time. A lower glycemic index also means that it results in decreased cholesterol levels. In the end, your heart will thank you for choosing brown rice.  

Sometimes Loss is Good:

If you’re looking to lose weight with reduced effort, what you’re about to read is good news. Brown rice has qualities that allow it to reduce cholesterol significantly. There is a smaller chance of excess fat buildup under the skin and around the internal organs with low cholesterol levels.

Given the smaller glycemic index of brown rice, it keeps your stomach full and leaves you feeling less hungry throughout the day. This way, you won’t be reaching for snacks as often as you usually.

Many researchers have proven that consumption of brown rice is directly linked to loss of belly fat and a slimmer waistline. Contrarily, white rice doesn’t quash your hunger as quickly and can leave you feeling bloated. You can guess which the better option is in this case.

Is Brown Rice Healthy All the Time?

It’s surprising how a grain so concentrated in carbs can still sound like food sent from heaven. Sounds too good to be true. Unfortunately, when not controlled, it is.  

A Cupful of Calories:

Even though most dieticians and nutritionists recommend brown rice, it contains many calories. One cup of cooked brown rice has 219 calories, whereas white rice has around 200. The difference is slight, but when you’re counting calories in your diet, it makes a huge deal. 

So, if you’ve already had your fill of brown rice for one meal, you better make sure that’s your last one for the rest of the day. It is still a carb, and too much of it is terrible for your health. 

Literal Grains of Poison:

Yes, you should be alarmed – because brown rice has arsenic, a toxic element! Due to its unrefined nature, brown rice has 80% more arsenic compared to white rice. If you eat this grain type regularly, it is no doubt potentially dangerous for your health. 

All types of rice have some traces of arsenic. But it has been found that brown rice holds the highest amount of it. So, you should be careful about how much of this you eat in a day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much is brown rice okay to eat in a day?

It is safe to eat around 3-6 ounces of brown rice daily. You can try and divide this measurement among different meals.

Will washing the brown rice get rid of the arsenic?

Only a tiny amount of arsenic will go away if you wash the brown rice well enough. But since the grain is intact, most of its initial elements will remain unless it is refined.

Does brown rice have any side effects?

Brown rice, in general, is good for your health. But some people find it hard to digest the whole grain, so you might sometimes feel gassy or bloated.

Is fried rice okay to eat if made with brown rice?

Fried rice has a lot of calories itself, regardless of the type of grain you use. There will only be a slight shortage of calories compared to fried white rice.

Final Words

You discovered many good things about brown rice and its rich nutrients and fiber content. But then you also found out rather scary news about it having plenty of calories and even toxic constituents. This now leaves you wondering, is brown rice healthy? 

All the good things you have found out are still there, and no one will ever say that brown rice is as bad as junk food. In the end, it depends on the quantity you choose to consume daily. A standard service size once a day is excellent, but more than that would be highly questionable. 

With the recent rise in veganism, there has been a demand for meat substitutes. One of these substitutes is plant-based meats from makers such as Beyond Meat. While due to making use of plant-based meats, you would think the answer to the question, is Beyond Meat healthy, would be a resounding yes. However, there’s a bit more to it.

So, in this article, we’ll look at what plant-based meats are and what they contain. We’ll also be looking at how healthy this particular type of meat is.

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What is Beyond Meat?

Beyond Meat is a plant-based meat producer that initially started in Los Angeles. They now serve around 80 countries with various animal meat substitutes for vegans worldwide. Their products include sausages, meatballs, and burgers with their aim to emulate the texture and taste of chicken or beef products while providing health benefits.

Some fast-food chains have even ended up adopting Beyond Meat’s products into their menu. So now you might wonder how they make these? Let’s look at the details now.

What Ingredients Does Beyond Meat Use?

As we’ve said before, Beyond Meat uses various plant ingredients to substitute for meat. The most important part of their ingredients is ensuring the same protein and mineral content level as other meat-based products. Their ingredients include:

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Peas and Beans:

Probably the best source of protein; Beyond meat incorporates peas and fava beans to ensure the protein content of their sausages and burger patties are comparable to their meaty counterparts. This is a core ingredient in many of the Beyond Meat burger patties.

Some of their products also use brown rice for additional protein content. Brown rice is a whole grain and relatively healthy. It is a decent source of fiber.

Canola Or Coconut Oil:

To ensure that the meat is healthier, it is cooked in either canola or coconut oil. Canola oil is one of the most nourishing oils as it contains minimal saturated fats and healthy cholesterol. Coconut oil, in contrast, is less healthy than Canola oil but is often used to add a better taste to the food. 

Refine coconut oil is often used with a lower melting temperature and contains less harmful fats. However, when cooking it, it is easy to burn it and lose the good fats, so keep that in mind.

Cocoa Butter:

A significant source of calories comes from this one ingredient since it has high-calorie content. Cocoa butter is also another source of fat in Beyond Meat products. It is less healthy than canola and coconut oil and is usually used in tiny amounts to add a bit of flavor.

Potato Starch:

Potato starch gives the burger patties a better texture and the appropriate thickness. It is also a source of carbohydrates and gives you a decent amount of energy to burn throughout the day. Without potato starch, burger patties and sausages won’t have the same feeling as their meat counterparts when you bite into them.

Apple and Pomegranate Extract:

Some of Beyond Meat’s products have added a tinge of apple extract. It helps with flavoring and acts as an anti-oxidant, so you’ll remain safe from cancer. Alternatively, pomegranate can also be used since it does a similar job to apple extract, only differing in slight taste.

Methylcellulose:

It is an essential ingredient, not for its health benefits but because it holds everything together. This chemical compound ensures your sausage or burger patty does not crumble or break down. It also helps in conjunction with potato starch to give the right texture to your food.

However, there is a point of contention with this particular ingredient. Methylcellulose acts as a laxative, and while it can help people with existing bowel problems, it can be detrimental for other people. It can lead to flatulence problems and feeling bloated after eating.

One thing to note about Beyond Meat is that they do not use any artificial coloring or flavors. To give the meat a distinct color, they use beet juice to give the dark reddish tint. 

Beet juice also helps lower your blood pressure and helps strengthen your muscles. It is a helpful addition for people struggling with heart issues or hypertension. 

How Healthy is Beyond Meat?

Since we’ve covered some of the essential ingredients of Beyond Meat products, we’ll now look at how healthy they are in terms of protein, mineral, fat content, etc. Then we’ll come to a verdict.

Protein:

You won’t notice much change in your protein intake if you switch to Beyond Meat food. As mentioned before, the presence of peas, brown rice, and beans does mean that Beyond Meat products have a high degree of protein content. They are generally the exact animal meat counterparts, only slightly behind beef.

Fat:

Since they are usually cooked in Canola oil, the saturated fat levels of their plant-based meat are relatively low. Due to possessing less harmful fats, people consuming Beyond Meat food tend to have a lower risk of heart attacks and high blood pressure. 

As a result, they are much safer to consume than their regular animal meat versions, which often have saturated fat at higher levels.

Sodium:

Plant-based meat has lower sodium content than animal meat ones. While sodium is essential for the human body, higher sodium content in beef patties and sausages can have adverse and harmful effects. 

Mineral Content:

While it may seem that plant-based meat might lack minerals, they do not. The mineral content tends to be the same as the animal meat counterparts. They have a decent amount of calcium, iron, and potassium chloride. A proper serving can often contribute to a decent amount of your daily recommended intake of minerals.

Carbohydrates:

Beyond Meat burger patties tend to contain about 7g of carbohydrates which is a decent amount. This is generally equal to if not slightly higher than beef patties.

Verdict: Should You Eat Beyond Meat?

Overall, we can see that Beyond meat products have similar protein, mineral, and carbohydrate content to animal-based products of similar nature. The main differing factor to consider is that you’re gaining the same amount of protein, mineral, and carbohydrate but less sodium and minimal harmful fats. 

The lack of artificial flavoring and color of any kind is a huge plus. This does make it seem like Beyond Meat is very much a healthier option, especially for people who suffer from hypertension. In addition, beet juice and apple extract help your muscles regulate blood pressure and work as anti-oxidants.

If you don’t mind or don’t face issues from it, there are very few problems you’ll face when switching to Beyond Meat. However, one thing to note is the presence of Methylcellulose. When you consume it, it can create discomfort for you, so keep that in mind. So overall, Beyond Meat is a healthy option.

Any More Questions?

Can you eat Beyond Meat every day?

Ultimately, it’s processed food and shouldn’t be consumed regularly. 

Can you lose weight eating Beyond Meat?

Not only Beyond Meat, but any processed food is unlikely to help you much in losing weight. 

Does Beyond Meat have carrageenan?

Yes, it does. 

Conclusion

Is Beyond Meat healthy? Although it may take some getting used to the different tastes of plant-based meat, it is generally the healthier option. We hope this article has provided a satisfactory answer to the question.

If you follow the craze of food trends these days, you’ll see bacon at the top. Be it pizza or burger or even a flavored packet of crisps, bacon seems to be everywhere. As much as it has its reputation for its rich and classy taste, Is bacon healthy?

Let’s dig into some pros and cons to see whether bacon is as bad as the nutritionists suggest or are bacon healthy.

What Is Bacon Made of?

Let’s start with what bacon is made of. Usually, we know it’s made of pork slices, but what else does it include? Bacon is not made of any part of the pork meat. Chefs or professionals usually take the pork belly meat, which has less fat in it, and cut it into very thin slices. 

Then the meat is soaked in brine with dry salt, and it is left to dry for weeks or months. They even smoke it for better flavor.

Sometimes nitrates are added to the bacon slices to speed up the drying or curing process and stabilize the meat color. After the curing or drying process is done, the bacon is ready to serve or get cooked. Bacon tastes salty and rich in flavor. Its smoky texture adds up to the flavor. People love bacon for its smoky and rich flavor.

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What Are the Nutrients of Bacon?

Although nutritionists often tell us to avoid bacon due to a large number of unsaturated fats, it is packed with a lot of nutrients. Let us talk about the other healthy nutrients present in bacon. 

Firstly, let’s talk about protein. Bacon is a source of a huge amount of protein. For three regular slices of bacon, you get to have 12g of protein. The protein that comes from bacon provides energy to all of your cells and strengthens your muscles. 

As a whole, the protein which comes from bacon would help you build your body.

Then comes another must-have nutrient that bacon provides us – B-vitamins. B vitamins help your body resist any kind of heart and kidney disease. Many B vitamins help to break the fats inside your body. It also helps in the digestion process of your body.

Positive Aspects of Bacon

Here are the positive impacts of bacon on your body –

Healthy Fats:

Bacon contains unsaturated fats and oleic acid as well. These two nutrients are known to cure heart diseases. Although it contains saturated fats, which are bad for your health, unsaturated fats are beneficial for health if you eat bacon in a balanced way and not too much. 

Usually, weight loss diets contain a bit of bacon to balance the amount of fat and protein along with other nutrients. 

Another beneficial fatty acid inside bacon is Omega 3. Omega 3 is usually known as fish oils, but it is also found in a large amount inside bacon. This fatty acid also helps in reducing the risks of heart-related diseases like heart attack, stroke, etc.

Low Carb:

Bacon has comparatively low carbs than other processed meats. Bacon contains almost no carbs in it or a small amount of it. You would take in approximately 1.4g carbs in 100 grams of bacon. So, it is well suited for weight loss and low carb diets but in a small amount of course.

High Metabolism:

The combination of a high amount of protein and low carb inside bacon gives a good boost to the metabolism inside your body. The protein inside your body burns calories because of a lot of thermic effects and other factors, which create a high metabolism inside your body. 

That is why bacon is a great source of increasing the metabolism inside your body.

Is Bacon Healthy and Should It Be Included in Healthy Diets?

Although bacon has some good nutrients, it is still a lump of red meat and processed food. These kinds of foods are best to not include in your diet. But you can also include it for a little change in the protein intake in your diet.

You can eat bacon and still try to lose weight. But the amount you intake must be very little. Bacon might cause an increase in your weight if you keep eating it, and it would be difficult for you to regain your fitness that easily.

What Are the Downsides of Bacon?

Now that we are done defending the useful sides of bacon being a healthy food let us discuss some of its negative sides as well. Red meats and processed meats are always suggested to be taken in a small amount to avoid any type of casualties related to our health. 

So, let’s find out what type of health risk factors are associated with people’s most wanted and craved food, bacon.

Causes Different Diseases:

Bacon is prone to many diseases, which can also be deadly. Firstly let us talk about skin diseases. There are kinds of nitrates found in bacon that causes carcinogen in the human body. 

These carcinogens produce deadly skin diseases like colon cancer. It is also responsible for many heart diseases and also diabetes. The high level of unsaturated fats inside the bacon leads to bad cholesterol inside your body, which is very harmful to your health.

Allergic Reaction:

Anything containing protein can trigger allergic reactions to your body, pork being one of the most common ones as an example.

Bacon contains sodium and nitrates, and many people are allergic to these minerals. The allergy caused by bacon is usually called ‘Pork Allergy.’ A runny nose, itching around your eyes, headache, hives, etc., are the symptoms of this allergy. 

Sodium and nitrates are mostly used while curing pork meat to bacon. That is why many doctors would ask you not to take in processed foods like bacon to avoid allergies of such kinds.

Speeds Up Weight Gain:

Bacon contains a lot of calories. 100 grams of bacon would contain approximately 540 calories in it. That is why bacon lets your body absorb all the fats to increase the rate of weight gain. 

Usually, an adult body needs 1600-2000 calories each day to function. If you intake more than this amount of calories each day, the excess fat would accumulate and increase your weight. The excess weight in your body would make you suffer from obesity and overweight problems.

Being obese or overweight doesn’t stop your worries right there. These two come with severe diseases. Health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, etc., life-threatening diseases might attack you if you are obese or overweight. 

That’s the reason doctors and nutritionists always warn you to avoid eating more calories than your body needs. 

Threat to Reproductive Health:

Many of you might not know about this but intaking a large amount of bacon leads to male infertility. Any processed food, including bacon, might lead to a low sperm count. This was found in a research conducted by The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and they found that intake of red meat and processed meat would lead you to poor quality sperm. 

This causes a lot of problems while conceiving a child.

Studies also found that men who eat bacon regularly have 30% lesser sperm counts than any normal or regular man’s sperm count. 

Intake of processed meats is lowered when men face problems with fertility as prevention is always better than cure; it’s best for you to avoid the situation by being a bit cautious about eating any kind of processed meat, especially bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it OK to eat bacon every day?

No, it isn’t. You’re gonna gain weight rapidly, and it would have an adverse effect on your health. 

Are bacon and eggs healthy?

Though each one has its own nutritional benefits, both of them together can pose a problem for digestion. 

Is uncured bacon healthy?

It’s certainly better than cured bacon, but it still contains a high amount of saturated fat and sodium.

Final Words

So, is bacon healthy? The answer to this would be both yes and no. 

Yes, when you take in a balanced amount of it regularly, and no when you just keep eating it in a large amount without thinking about its bad effects on your health. 

As we listed a few of bacon’s good sides, we can’t say bacon is inherently a bad food to consume. All we can do is be cautious about the amount we take in.

Have a baconlicious day!

One of the most extensive and delicious fruits you can enjoy in the summer is peaches. While they are naturally grown in the summer, you can find peaches in your local grocery store all year long.

Peaches are delicious and beneficial to our bodies, but what about their skin? Can you eat peach skin? Are there any benefits or drawbacks of eating the skin?

We have got you covered if these are the questions roaming around in your mind. In this article, we will go through all the details so that you can find the answer about whether or not you can eat peach skin.

So, without further ado, let’s examine whether you should eat peach skin or ignore them, shall we?

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Is Peach Skin Edible?

Yes, you can eat peach skins, and they are entirely edible to get straight to the point. Actually, they offer much-needed fibers, minerals, and antioxidants.

If you want to lead a healthy lifestyle, you cannot, but having these critical components in your diet and peach skins can be a great option to obtain them quickly.

But that being said, there are certain advantages and disadvantages of eating peach skin, and how you plan to eat them also plays a role in this matter.

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Advantages of Eating Peach Skin

There are quite a few advantages that you will enjoy if you start eating peach skins. Their list of health benefits is quite long, and we recommend that you try them out at least once. The benefits of eating peach skins are:

A Great Source of Fiber:

One of the most significant advantages of eating peach skins is getting a lot of much-needed fiber for your body. You can expect at least three grams of fiber on a large peach.

For this reason, eating peach skin allows you to have a better bowel movement as fibers allow your bowel transition to be better. Having rich fiber also will enable you to have a reduced chance of facing heart diseases. And all of this can be gained by just eating peach skin.

Provides Antioxidants for the Body:

Peach skin provides antioxidants for your body, which later helps you prevent free radicals from doing oxidative damage, leading to many diseases. This is because free radicals target nearby molecules like lipids or proteins and take their electron.

This stolen electron becomes another free radical and does the process to another nearby molecule, thus creating a chain reaction. This damages our DNA, triggering premature aging and leading to heart diseases.

Moreover, free radicals are created naturally, so we can’t just grow. But antioxidants can fight them off. And that’s where peach skins with loads of antioxidants come into play.

Research also shows that having a good number of antioxidants in your body helps the human brain relieve stress and anxiety. This also ensures that you can fight off eye diseases that we start to face as we grow old.

Antioxidants also reduce oxidative stress, especially in vital body parts like the brain, liver, and kidneys. This will make your body healthier and allow you to lead a more comfortable life.

Have More Polyphenols Than the Flesh:

Another advantage of eating peach skins is that it has more polyphenols than the flesh of the peach. Polyphenols offer a variety of benefits, and the most common ones are reducing blood sugar levels, preventing blood clots, improving blood flow, and guaranteeing a lower rate of heart attacks.

And you get double the amount if you eat peach skin than the flesh. So, a combo of them means you will gain many polyphenols in your diet.

Another advantage of having polyphenols in your diet is that they are great for your skin. Plant-based polyphenols have anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent various skin disorders, especially those caused by overexposure to UV sun rays.

They are Delicious:

Unlike other fruit skins, peach skins are pretty tasty and can be used to make various delicious dishes like jams or pies. You can also eat them raw but clean them before you start to eat.

And there you have it; these are the advantages of eating peach skin. As we can see, the benefits of eating peach skin are pretty vital if you want to lead a healthy life.

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Is Peach Skin Toxic?

Many have this false idea that peach skins are toxic to the body, and that’s not true. Instead, peach skins are rich in fiber and contain essential antioxidant ingredients that can help the human body.

When peaches are grown in batches, pesticides are used to improve the overall growth and prevent potential damage from insects. But yes, there are some cases where the peach skin can be regarded as toxic. And this is due to the presence of pesticides on the peach skin.

Most of the time, the skins of the peach have a more intense form of pesticides compared to the flesh. This is why some think that the skin of a peach isn’t edible because consumption of high concentration pesticides can lead to diseases like Parkinson’s and cancers.

A simple solution is to clean the peach skins properly before eating them. If you plan to cook them, then blanching them beforehand will cover the pesticides issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you need to remove peach skin?

If you’re gonna eat the fruit, there’s no need to remove the skin. But if you want to make a pie or use them in a recipe, it’s recommended that you remove the skin first.

How do you take the skin off of peaches?

First, boil the peaches in hot water, and afterward, immerse them in cold water. Next, use a paring knife to remove the skin.

How can you tell if peaches are ripe?

When the peach is ripe, it’ll turn into a dark yellow color. 

Try Out Peach Skins

Peach skins are incredibly beneficial to your body and delicious to eat. If you haven’t tried, we suggest that you give it a go. There aren’t any downsides to eating peach skins, but to be sure, clean them properly and check if they have any chemicals.

Hopefully, this answers all your concerns regarding whether you can eat peach skin. So, try out peach skins the next time you get peach.

Joining the ranks of teas and coffees, Boba drinks have recently taken the world by storm. Only one sip of this iced milk tea beverage with chewy tapioca pearls is enough to get people addicted. 

Although, long gone are the days of Boba drinks, aka bubble teas, being just milk teas. With different vendors introducing different flavors, avid bubble tea drinks are now at war with one another about picking the best boba drink flavors. 

If you’ve yet to try this beverage (it’s okay, I don’t judge. Okay, maybe a little), I have some of the best recommendations. Trust me, this list has been curated after countless drinks and will not disappoint. 

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How to Find the Best Boba Drink Flavor? 

As the name suggests, Boba drinks, also known as bubble tea, is a tea-based drink. And did you know that it originated in Taiwan? But we are not going to talk about the history of it, rather the more important topic which is finding the best boba drink flavors there are. 

From over 250 different varieties, we decided to pick the most popular flavors. And, of course, our favorites! But before we start, here are a few tips on choosing your next bubble tea. 

Tip 1: Start with What You Like

Don’t go on and order every flavor you see. Start with the most basic one, something like your favorite flavors. If you love chocolate, find the boba drinks in chocolate flavors and try them out. 

In this way, you can’t be disappointed. Because you already love chocolate and a boba drink on top of that is just a match made in heaven. The same goes for your other favorite flavors.

Tip 2: Keep it Light

Try to find a boba drink with fewer toppings and light ingredients. Choosing too many toppings can undermine the taste of the actual tea. It may also alter the flavor of your beverage. 

Tip 3: Customize

This may be contradictory to tip 2, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Mix and match different combinations and toppings. If the bestsellers fail to impress you, you can even add or change an ingredient to see if you like it. 

Top 10 Best Boba Drink Flavors

Among the hundred different flavors of boba drink, finding the best one can be a little challenging. And that’s why to make it easy for you, here is a list:

1. (Black) Milk Tea: This is the most original form of bubble tea. Black milk tea is a classic with just tea, milk sugar, and tapioca. And, also the best.
2. Mango Milk tea: If you are also a mango lover like me, this drink is just for you!
3. Green Milk Tea
4. Matcha Milk
5. Taro Milk Tea: If you have a sweet tooth and love cookies and cream, this drink is a blessing.
6. Thai Milk Tea
7. Strawberry Milk Tea
8. Honeydew Milk Tea: The best of the best and the most refreshing drink you can ever find.
9. Coffee Milk Tea: Coffee itself is the best. And coffee with chewy toppings and cream is like the cherry on the cake.
10. And last but not least, Almond Milk tea

You can go and order these ten flavors any day, any time. And you won’t be disappointed at all! 

Is Boba Drink Healthy?

Boba drink is undoubtedly the tastiest drink. But, if you ask me if it is healthy or not, I would say no. Not all boba drinks are healthy enough to drink daily. 

Bubble teas have a high sugar content which overshadows every health benefit that the beverage could have offered, such as the reduced risk of heart diseases and cancer due to antioxidants. 

From 75% to 50%, most vendors offer reduced sugar options to even zero sugar. However, a single cup of milk tea with boba can be nearly 400 calories even without sugar! 

Your Homemade Boba Drink

Sometimes buying a boba drink can be a little costly. And, you don’t know about all the ingredients that go into your drink. If you’re craving that hydrating milk tea and are willing to add a little effort, you can even make it at home!

Here’s everything you might need to make a mango boba tea (my favorite!):

1. 4 sliced mangoes
2. Crushed Ice
3. 1/5 cup of whole milk
4. Your choices of toppings.
5. And vanilla syrup to serve!

Blend all the ingredients and serve it in a tall glass. Just like that, you can enjoy your very own homemade boba drink.

Can Children Drink Boba Drinks?

Any child under 13 shouldn’t drink boba with chewy toppings or tapioca pearls because it can get stuck in their throat and cause them to choke. 

As I said before, boba drinks are not that healthy and not for everyone. Too much sugar and milk can cause health problems from an early age. Boba drinks can also cause problems for their digestion. That’s why boba drinks and children are always not a good match.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many types of Boba are there?

You can find around 250 kinds of Boba flavors on the market. 

Do you chew on Boba?

Yes, we chew on Boba so that we can easily swallow it. 

Why is my Boba sour?

If you undercook or overcook the Tapioca pearls, then the Boba can taste sour. 

Conclusion

There you go – welcome to the boba tea lover family! You know just what to order the next time you see a cute little bubble tea shop by the road. Save this list of the best boba drink flavors on your phone so that you can tick them off one by one. 

If you’re up for some fun, try mixing and matching two different flavors. Who knows, you might find the next best thing! Remember, boba drink lover members look out for each other. And if you do, don’t be selfish and keep it to yourself. 

Tacos are undeniably one of the most delicious Mexican foods to exist. They are a filling and tasty dish that, throughout the years, has become an all-time favorite of many. A single bite of a taco is enough for you to experience the taste of several different flavors that work together as one.

The colorful fillings sandwiched between the taco shell make the dish look deceivingly healthy. Yet, no healthy dishes are found in fast-food chains, while many still claim that tacos can even be eaten during diets. 

This leads some people to wonder, are tacos healthy? The answer to this question varies upon several factors. Want to know what they are? Scroll down below!

You may also like: Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos

How are Tacos Prepared?

There are many ways to make a taco. Restaurants and food trucks have gotten creative and have added their twist and touch to this simple yet flavorsome dish. No matter the change, three components in a taco always remain the same. And this consists of the shell, the fillings, and the garnish.

The Shell:

A taco is always prepared by first making its shell. Corn tortillas are fried for a crispy exterior or toasted to make a soft-shelled taco. This entire dish depends heavily on the quality of the shell. A tortilla too hard or too soft will not make the taco taste good, no matter how flavorsome the fillings are.

The Fillings:

The assortment of fillings in a taco varies from one to another, depending on each individual’s taste. They can include anything ranging from ground beef to grilled veggies. Nowadays, all-veggie and meat tacos are also available as vegetarian or vegan alternatives.

The Garnish:

A taco can either be light or rich, depending on the garnish. Sour cream and shredded cheese are the usual toppings. If you drench yours with queso, your taco will be considered unhealthy no matter how healthy the toppings are. 

Healthier garnishes include the choice of Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream and such.

Why do people love Tacos?

Tacos make for a delicious meal. They can either be prepared in a filling manner for a meal or put together as a light snack.

Moreover, they are a quick meal that you can grab while also being hassle-free to make at home. They are packed with intense flavors that vary from one taco to another, as the filling and toppings can be versatile. 

Tacos are one of the many foods that can be customized according to your personalized taste. This is why tacos have gained popularity from the many Mexican dishes.

Are Tacos Healthy – Factors Affecting its Nutritional Value

A dish is deemed unhealthy when low in nutrients but high in calories. The nutritional value of a taco is dependent on the preparation of its assembling components. Based on these, a taco can be either healthy or unhealthy.

Preparation of the Shell:

The tortilla of a taco shell is usually made from corn flour. Corn flour is healthier than regular wheat flour as it is lower in calories. But frying the shell makes corn flour lose its nutritious value, making the taco comparatively unhealthier. Therefore, toasting or baking the shell is a better option.

Your Choice of Protein:

Chicken is a leaner source of protein than beef. Thus, chicken tacos are considered healthier than beef tacos, which can be a bit greasy. The meat in the taco can also be substituted with beans packed with protein, fish or shrimp, and nutrient-rich veggies. Another source of plant proteins, such as tofu, also adds to the nutritional value.

The Toppings:

Last but not least, the toppings/garnish can make or break a seemingly healthy taco. A soft-shelled fish taco can be made unhealthier by simply adding a few dollops of sour cream and sweetened salsa. 

Thus, try to use fresh ingredients that help elevate the tastiness of the taco. Avocados, an eminent source of good fat, make a great taco topping. Other healthy toppings include Pico de Gallo, diced pineapple, etc.

Can Tacos be Eaten During a Diet?

Yes, they certainly can! You have to choose healthier alternatives while assembling the taco, modifying it to contain a high nutritional value with minimal calories. 

Note down your favorite toppings and look for similar substitutes. As shocking as it may seem, you can lose weight by formulating the right kind of taco. 

Are you interested in losing weight while eating your favorite Mexican dish? Read further to find out how.

How to Make a Healthy Taco?

Many tacos can be very unhealthy and cause several health complications if eaten too often. To make a healthy taco, reduce using ingredients rich in calories and avoid using anything fried. 

If you want a crispy shell, try baking it in the oven instead of deep-frying it. Craving fried toppings? Make use of an air-fryer. 

Cooked ingredients tend to lose their nutritional value. Therefore, try using healthy toppings such as diced raw onions instead of caramelized ones. 

Reduce the number of toppings being used to lower the overall taco in calories. Minute inclusions of healthy ingredients, such as a lime dash, can also pleasantly add to the taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is taco a junk food?

Dietitians say that it’s junk food but can be made healthy as well. But to make it healthy, you’ll need to prepare it the right way. 

Which country eats the most tacos?

Mexico is the biggest consumer of tacos, whole Norway comes in second.

Which tacos are the healthiest?

I believe non-fried corn tortilla is the healthiest option as it has fewer calories and makes you feel full as well.

Final Words

Many might consider tacos to be junk food, but as stated previously, it depends on how you prepare it. Switch to healthier alternatives of the fillings you like.

Look for taco recipes that use fresh and healthy produce. Season on your own instead of using packaged seasoning mixes, which can contain empty calories. Thus, if you ever wonder are tacos healthy, the answer is simple; it can be if you want it to!

A nostalgia for American kids, Franco-American’s SpaghettiOs have been a kid-and-mom favorite since it first launched in the ’60s. 

But 21st-century parents know better than just to let their kids dig into a can of O-shaped carbs bathing in tomato sauce without first knowing if it’s even healthy.

So, are SpaghettiOs healthy enough to become your child’s staple? Or- to become your staple? Let’s find out here!

What Are the O’s Really?

The main characters in a can of SpaghettiOs are water, tomato puree, and pasta ingredients (wheat and flour). The small O-shaped pasta pieces were a tactic to lure parents into buying them for their kids, who’d otherwise make a huge mess while eating regular pasta.

“The world’s first spoonable pasta” comes in various flavors, including the Originals, the one with Calcium, the one with meatballs, the A-Z – which includes alphabets other than O’s, and of course, the character-themed ones.

You may also like: Are Ritz Crackers Healthy?

What’s with the Texture?

SpaghettiOs has a mushy-gummy texture which can feel a little weird to your mouth. This texture is the canning process in which the dry pasta pieces are cooked in a hefty amount of water. 

Are SpaghettiOs’ Healthy – Why Shouldn’t They be a Regular at Home?

Canned goods already don’t have the best reputation, especially among health freaks. A single ingredient canned food such as canned tuna, salmon, chicken could still be cut some slack. On the other hand, a can of SpaghettiOs already has too much going on. 

Read below to learn why and when you should avoid this canned goodness.

High Fructose Corn Syrup:

A one-cup serving of SpaghettiOs Originals contains 12 grams of sugar, half of which is just added sugar! 

High fructose corn syrup is used in this food product to obtain a smooth texture compared to what other types of sugars provide. It is affordable, so costs are kept low as well. 

In addition to pushing, you towards obesity and imposing risks of diabetes, large amounts of high fructose corn syrup are linked to inflammation, high triglycerides, fatty liver disease, heart diseases, and even reduced life expectancy.

Soy Protein Concentrate:

Much of the protein in a can of SpaghettiOs with meatballs is sourced from soy protein concentrate. Soy protein may have small amounts of carcinogenic pesticides used in the production of genetically modified soy. 

These pesticide residues are toxic for human health- causing cancer, lowering immunity, damaging reproduction, and/or nervous systems.

Not an Ideal Meal for Pregnant Women:

Pregnancy cravings may take you back to childhood and yearn for a can of mushy tomatoey pasta rings. But the sodium content can make you dehydrated. 

Avoid if You Have Intolerance to Gluten, Lactose, Tomatoes

SpaghettiOs contain wheat and dairy, so it’s a no-no if you are intolerant to gluten and/ or lactose. 

Tomato-based dishes are a major trigger for heartburn. So, if you are prone to frequent cases of acid reflux, the tomato-rich canned pasta isn’t for you.

But…They are Not that Bad!

The healthiness of SpaghettiOs largely depends on the health of the consumer. It wouldn’t be wise to munch on a can of salty-fructosey-gluteny pasta with complicated health diseases.

Good Nutrients:

SpaghettiOs are basically pasta, so they are carb-rich. Before you scrunch your nose at the mention of carbs, know that carbohydrates give you and your kid high levels of energy- which you need to function normally.

In SpaghettiOs with Meatballs, the meatballs are made with chicken, pork, and beef. They are a good, quick, and easy protein source- a single container of SpaghettiOs has 19 grams of protein. 

SpaghettiOs also contain healthy amounts of vitamins and minerals that aid in your hormonal balance, make your body resistant to diseases, and increase bone density.

Vegetables enrich the already present vitamins and minerals in your pasta. On the other hand, Grains are sources of nutrients such as fiber, vitamin B, and antioxidants that reduce your risk of several diseases. In 2010, Campbell announced that each serving of SpaghettiOs held a whole serving of vegetables and a full serving of grains.

A single serving (1 cup) of SpaghettiOs has only 170 calories, along with1 gram of fat, .5 gram of saturated fat, and zero trans-fat. 

The Chickens for the Meatballs are Antibiotic Free:

Factory farmed chickens are usually subject to antibiotic treatments. You risk suffering from antibiotic resistance and child development issues when you eat that chicken. 

Canned chicken products are suspected of using chickens raised in industrialized conditions and pose a huge health threat. However, in 2017, Campbell took an oath to source 100% “No Antibiotic Ever (NAE)” chicken for their canned chicken products in America. 

So, you can be assured that, unlike most canned products, the meatballs in SpaghettiOs are not made of antibiotic-treated chicken meat.

Non-BPA Lining:

Bisphenol-A or BPA is a chemical used to line cans to create a barrier between the lining of the can and the food in it so that the metal doesn’t corrode. BPA is linked to diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, infertility, etc. 

Campbell has switched to BPA-free lining in their steel and aluminum cans manufactured in the U.S. and Canada. So, if you’re buying your SpaghettiOs cans from these regions, you’re safe from the BPA fatalities.

Reduced Levels of Sodium:

One major complaint surrounding canned foods is their high sodium content. Initially, SpaghettiOs were no different. But the company that produces this canned delicacy reduced the sodium content in the SpaghettiOs line back in 2009 by 35%.

That’s a lot of reduction. A one-cup serving of SpaghettiOs contains 600 milligrams of sodium, which may still seem high but is considered healthy by the FDA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do adults eat SpaghettiOs?

Sure, you can eat SpaghettiOs as an adult. But you may want to pair it with a cold drink. 

Are SpaghettiOs high in carbs?

Yes, it’s quite high in the carbs department. You’ll get 11.11g carb in every 100g of SpaghettiOs. 

What do you season SpaghettiOs with?

You can use garlic powder, pepper, hot sauce, and salt to season SpaghettiOs.

Bottom Line

Are SpaghettiOs healthy? They are, and they aren’t. Further, they sure are packed with many essential nutrients, but the food inside is still processed, and the high sugar content overpowers all the “healthiness” of this food. But you can always consume it in moderation and make sure your kid does too.

Furthermore, Campbell Soup Company has made multiple health provisions to its products, making them healthier than canned pasta of competitor brands. Maybe one day Campbell will come up with something to offset all the negatives of the delicious, canned pasta-rings.