Crackers are one of the essential snacks you can have in your household, and Ritz crackers are one of the best simple crackers you can get. However, as science has made us more aware of what we should be putting in our bodies, you should question – are Ritz crackers healthy?

Ritz Crackers vary in healthiness depending on the flavor. The original version contains processed ingredients like refined flour, palm oil, and high-fructose corn syrup. They lack essential nutrients and fiber, making them a less nutritious choice. Other variants may have slightly different ingredients, but they generally share similar nutritional concerns. Moderation is advised when consuming Ritz Crackers to maintain a balanced diet.

Although Ritz crackers are a small snack, all the calories eventually add up quite quickly. That is why we’re here today to help you understand whether you can sneak in some Ritz crackers into a healthy lifestyle and diet.

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Are Ritz Crackers Healthy? Exploring Ingredients

Since each person has slightly different dietary needs, it is difficult to say whether Ritz crackers are healthy for you or not. However, overall, Ritz crackers aren’t too bad for snacks and generally aren’t something that you need to worry about.

Each serving of this snack contains 5 crackers which is a decent portion, and there are 80 calories in them, which isn’t too high.

However, you shouldn’t base your understanding of how healthy Ritz crackers are based on the number of calories; getting a good look at other nutritional values is also crucial.

When determining if a food item is truly healthy, it all boils down to the ingredients it contains. We understand that taste is only part of the equation when assessing a food’s health benefits. This is where the question arises: “Are Ritz Crackers healthy?”

To answer that, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that go into this irresistibly crunchy snack. But before we dive into that, it’s essential to understand the variety of flavors Ritz Crackers come in:

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Understanding Ritz Crackers Nutrition

Ritz Crackers, like most simple crisp breads, are primarily composed of flour, sugar, salt, oil, and flavorings. A single serving of original Ritz Crackers, which is approximately five crackers, contains 80 calories, with 40 of those calories coming from fat. Let’s delve deeper into their nutritional profile:

• Low in Nutrients: Ritz Crackers provide minimal vitamins and minerals. They are notably devoid of essential nutrients, which raises concerns about their overall nutritional value.
• Trans Fat Controversy: The nutrition labels on Ritz Cracker packaging claim that they contain no trans fats.

However, this can be misleading. Ingredients such as partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil, present in Ritz Crackers, are indeed trans fats.

Manufacturers can label products as containing zero trans fats if each serving contains less than 0.5 grams of trans fats. Trans fats are detrimental to health as they raise LDL cholesterol levels, contributing to heart-related risks.

High-Fructose Corn Syrup Concerns

Ritz Crackers in the American version contain high-fructose corn syrup. This sweetener has been a subject of debate due to its lower cost compared to granulated sugar. While research is ongoing, a diet high in processed sugars is associated with obesity, increased risks of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases.

Carbohydrate Conundrum

Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy. Ritz Crackers, however, contain simple carbohydrates, primarily derived from refined white flour. These carbohydrates digest quickly, leading to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and triggering feelings of hunger shortly after consumption. This continuous cycle of spiking and dropping blood sugar levels can potentially contribute to long-term health issues, including Type 2 diabetes.

The Fiber Factor

Ritz Crackers stand out for their lack of dietary fiber, containing a mere 0g per serving. Fiber is vital for healthy digestion, and it also helps slow down the absorption of sugar in the body. Choosing crackers with added fiber or whole grains can be a more nutritious option for maintaining stable energy levels and satiety.

What You Need to Know About Carbs in Ritz Crackers

Although the company says they use unbleached enriched flour for their crackers, it is still processed and doesn’t have any fiber at all. So, there are 0g of fiber in Ritz crackers, and it won’t keep you full for long. 

Actually, this cracker is considered to be a high glycemic food, which means the carbs from this food can be very quickly digested, thus keeping you full for a short time.

Additionally, your metabolism will be slightly affected because of it, but that is negligible. 

The original Ritz crackers have about 10 g of carbs per serving, which is not a whole lot. However, if you’re trying to put off some weight, then having this snack frequently may not be good for you.

In whole wheat foods, the carbs are complex and are better for you, but these cracks have simple carbohydrates which are easily broken down. Furthermore, too much consumption of such snacks can ultimately lead to type 2 diabetes. 

What Are the Fats in Ritz Crackers?

Most crackers are made by using several oils, including canola oil and palm oil, and so are the Ritz crackers. However, the main issue with Ritz crackers is that they contain partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil. 

This oil adds a bit of trans fat to these crackers, which is a horrible fat for your heart health. In fact, it is the most dangerous fat for people with existing heart conditions and can even put people at risk of having heart problems. Due to these small trans fats in Ritz crackers, they are banned in quite a few European countries.

The overall fat content of this snack isn’t much. There’s about 3.8 g of fat in each serving. Anyone with heart disease or high cholesterol shouldn’t munch on too many of these crackers because they contain some saturated and trans fats. 

Do Ritz Crackers Have Added Sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup?

From reading the nutritional facts table on the box, you’ll see that Ritz crackers don’t have much sugar at all. There’s only 1 g of total sugar in each serving of this snack. However, this is made for advertisement because they do have high fructose corn syrup.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has a 65% fructose level and carries a lot of the side effects that added sugar has. In this case, you don’t have to sweat about it because the amount of HFCS isn’t much in these crackers. 

For people who are very calculative about what they eat, you should know that because of the HFCS, these crackers will have some empty calories. 

Sodium Content of Ritz Crackers

If you look into the nutritional values of popular crackers in the market, you will notice that most of them have a high amount of sodium. 

On the other hand, Ritz crackers have a moderate amount of sodium in them, with around 105 mg in every serving. This is approximately 4 percent of your suggested daily intake, so it’s not bad for a snack.

It is known that sodium causes numerous health issues, both long-term (heart disease) and short-term (bloating). So, people with fluctuating blood pressure may also be able to munch on some of these crackers without causing any harm to their health. 

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Do Ritz Crackers Have Good Nutritional Value?

Besides what we have discussed above, this item has very little nutritional value. You will get 1g of protein per serving, but that is so little you might as well not count it. 

Coming to vitamins and minerals, you won’t be getting any of these from eating Ritz crackers. As we have said before, these crackers are said to be empty calories because of their poor nutritional value. To be frank, most crackers in the same category aren’t very nutritionally rich either.

Comparing Ritz Crackers Variants

Different flavors and versions of Ritz Crackers are available, each with slightly varying nutritional profiles. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Ritz Original: Containing white flour, palm oil, sugar, and high-fructose corn syrup, these crackers offer minimal nutrients and fiber.
• Ritz Low Sodium: While lower in sodium compared to the original version, it still lacks essential nutrients and fiber.
• Ritz Whole Wheat: A better choice among Ritz Crackers due to the inclusion of whole wheat flour and slightly more fiber.
• Ritz Real Cheddar Cheese: This variant offers a slight protein boost due to the cheese content, but it’s essential to monitor your intake, as it still contains the same processed ingredients.

Are These Crackers Better for You Than Chips?

Neither chips nor Ritz crackers are particularly healthy snack options. They have very similar nutrients in them and have nearly the same number of calories. However, we must highlight that Ritz crackers do have much lower sodium than most popular chips. 

One aspect in which some chips might be better than Ritz crackers is that they have a higher amount of fiber compared to 0g of fiber in the latter.

FAQs

Are Ritz Crackers Healthy to Eat?

Ritz Crackers vary in healthiness depending on the flavor. The original version contains processed ingredients like refined flour, palm oil, and high-fructose corn syrup. They lack essential nutrients and fiber, making them a less nutritious choice. Other variants may have slightly different ingredients, but they generally share similar nutritional concerns. Moderation is advised when consuming Ritz Crackers to maintain a balanced diet.

Is It Okay to Eat Ritz Crackers Every Day?

Consuming Ritz Crackers every day may not be the healthiest choice due to their low nutritional value and processed ingredients. They can be included occasionally as a snack, but a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods is recommended for overall health.

Is It OK to Eat Crackers on a Diet?

Including crackers in your diet can be acceptable if done in moderation and as part of a well-balanced diet. However, choosing whole-grain or higher-fiber crackers is a healthier option to help maintain stable blood sugar levels and promote satiety.

Do Ritz Crackers Raise Blood Sugar?

Ritz Crackers, particularly the original version, contain simple carbohydrates that digest quickly and may lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. This can potentially trigger feelings of hunger shortly after consumption. It’s advisable to be mindful of your intake, especially if you have blood sugar concerns, and consider alternatives with more fiber for better blood sugar control.

Conclusion

So, after all this discussion, what have we come down to? Are Ritz crackers healthy? We have concluded that Ritz crackers aren’t particularly healthy snacks. However, they won’t ruin your diet. 

So, as long as you have them in some moderation, you should be fine. The only main concern you should have if you have these crackers is that they’re mostly empty calories, meaning they won’t add any nutritional value to your diet.

Bananas are a great fruit option for a healthy diet. It is very delicious and also comes with a lot of important components that can help us lead a healthy life. But this doesn’t mean you should start eating bananas in an uncontrolled manner.

Consuming too many bananas consequently can lead to a lot of harm instead of good. So, how many bananas should you eat a day to be healthy?

In this article, we will look into just that. We will go through every important detail that you will need to know about bananas and how you should eat them, what is the ideal quantity and much more. Therefore, without further ado, let’s dive into the details, shall we?

How Many Bananas Should You Eat a Day and Why It Matters?

To dive directly into the question, you shouldn’t have more than two or three bananas per day. Even three bananas per day are regarded as an overload by many doctors and nutritionists. But this number can also change depending on your physique, gender, and age. Health conditions also come into play in this case.

Side Effects of Overeating Bananas

There are quite a few adverse effects that you will come across if you start to eat too many bananas in a day. The problems that you will have to face are:

Nutrient Imbalance in Diet:

Our body needs proper nutrients and proteins to work optimally. But while bananas offer their fair share of fiber and minerals like potassium, they lack in the proteins department. So, if bananas dominate your diet, you will lose protein and nutrients, creating a protein deficit in your body.

This can lead to issues from tiredness clumsiness to sicknesses like stomach ache, fevers, and many more. This is why you should add bananas to your diet in a way so that there is plenty of room for other food options to join in. It is because an imbalanced diet is not suitable for your physical and mental health.

Sometimes, this can lead to obesity and permanent body conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and many more. Not to mention, an unbalanced diet is also a top reason behind heath attacks and strokes.

So, if you want to avoid all of these issues, you should control the number of bananas you eat every day. 

Usually, a large banana is enough for a grown man. If we follow the USDA guideline, we can find that they suggest you have only two cups of fruits all the time, and a large banana or two can take up this space quite easily. And then you can go to more protein and nutrients filled food options for your diet. For instance, you can make banana bread pancakes out of one or two bananas only.

Too Much Potassium for Your Body:

One of the well-known benefits of bananas is the fact that they are packed with potassium. Potassium is the component that ensures that our hearts keep on functioning. They create an electrolytic effect on your heat cells which sends signals to your heart to keep on beating.

While the effects of potassium in our body are undeniable, too much potassium is very harmful to the human body. Too much potassium can lead to heart attacks and strokes in extreme cases. Although it is pretty rare to consume that high number of bananas to trigger this sort of reaction, it is better not to try your luck.

A higher rate of potassium can also lead to an upset stomach, intestinal gas, diarrhea, vomiting, and many other health complications. For these reasons, you should avoid consuming too many bananas as they are rich in potassium amount.

Triggers Sleepiness & Headaches:

Bananas come with a considerable amount of tryptophan and magnesium. These two components work to relax the nerves and the body muscles. Most of the time, they act as beneficial. Overeating means their amount will be more than standard, which will lead you to be sleepy and tired most of the time. 

Carbohydrates that are found in bananas works to prevent essential amino acids from entering our brain. This allows a massive amount of tryptophan to roam in your brain, which leads to a higher production rate of serotonin. And as we all know, serotonin is also a triggering factor for sleepiness.

When you are sleep-deprived, you will encounter headaches as well. While the effect of tryptophan and magnesium can make you feel headaches, the main reason behind headaches after having too many bananas is due to the amino acids.

Recent studies have shown that the amino acids found in bananas dilate or expand the blood vessels in our bodies, which leads to headaches. If you are eating overripen bananas, this effect is multiplied by two or three. So, don’t push yourself with ripen bananas.

This can seriously hurt your overall productivity and can lead you down to an unhealthy lifestyle.

Constipation & Digestive Issues:

Too many bananas can lead you to be constipated for the rest of your day. And if you are on a diet where you take more than the required number of bananas in your body, then you won’t be able to escape the clutches of constipation anytime soon. This is a frequent issue for unripe bananas. 

Bananas, especially the unripe ones, come with a huge amount of starch. Starch is very difficult to digest for the body as it takes a long time to break down. This triggers constipation, and as bananas also come with a lot of fiber, the effect of constipation gets higher the more you eat them.

That is, if you take a modest amount of fiber in your food, then it can work to speed up your digestion process and can make you feel more comfortable and satisfied. But too much fiber intake will hamper the digestive process instead of enhancing it.

This can also lead to issues like bloating, abdominal cramps, intestine gas, a low absorption rate of important minerals like iron and calcium. You will also face digestion-related diseases like diarrhea and stomach aches.

In extreme cases, one might end up facing intestinal blockage. But in most cases, this is witnessed among people who have Crohn’s disease. You will also see a decline in blood sugar levels. 

The standard fiber intake for an adult is around 18 to 25 grams. A small banana has 2.6 grams of fiber if it weighs 100 grams, whereas the large ones start from 150 grams and can go all the way to 200 grams. 

So, if you are just on a diet that involves bananas, then eating 4 or 5 bananas will fill the requirement of fiber in your body. But we don’t have only a banana-based diet, now do we? We mix a lot of different fruits and food in your diet, which obviously will have fibers in them. That’s why it is safe to have one or two bananas per day. A banana smoothie can be a better option in this case.

High-Calorie Intake:

One of the biggest reasons why many nutritionists and health professionals suggest bananas is because they are rich in calories. This makes them the perfect candidate for a snack so that you can power up for the rest of the day. But when you start to consume too many bananas, you will face the problems of high-calorie intakes.

And this can lead to many health issues like obesity, dementia, brain shrinkage, resistance to insulin, low HDL cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia, cognitive dysfunction, and many more.

So, it is quite dangerous to have a very calory intensive diet. So, if you don’t want to face the above-mentioned calorie issues, then you should definitely stop consuming too many bananas a day.

Dental Health Issues:

Bananas are sugar-based fruits. Meaning they consist of natural sugars. We all know that eating too much sugar can have a negative impact on your dental health. 

Consuming too many bananas can lead to some of the most popular sugar-related dental problems: tooth decay. This issue is especially troublesome for children and teenagers. 

Contains Almost No Fat:

While this is the reason many choose to add bananas to their diet in the first place, as this makes them lose weight faster. 

But if you don’t have any fat in your diet, then you will seriously injure your brain development. Not only this, but you will have to face a lot of problems if all you eat is bananas and aren’t meeting your body’s fat requirement through your diet.

The first and the most common issue that you will face is having dry or flaky skin. This is because if you don’t have enough fat, then your body’s moisturization will start to decay, and soon your skin will show the effects of that. 

Moreover, the lack of good fat in your diet will also make you much more sensitive towards the sun and increase the chance of getting sunburn easily.

You will witness constant mood swings if your body doesn’t get enough fat. Our brains are made of 60% of fat, and not having the proper amount of this nutrient will have an impact on them. 

Fatty acids like omega four and omega 6 support our mental health. But when you start to decline fat in your body, their effectiveness will start to fade. This will start your mood swing, and you will start to be angry and irritated most of the time. You will also be exposed to an increased amount of stress.

Along with mood swings, you will be facing hormone imbalance as well. Most of the key hormones of the human body are made from fat, and due to this factor, a banana-based diet will directly interfere with your body’s hormone production and functionality. Especially in the field of sex hormones, fats play a huge role.

So, low fat in your diet can lead you to face fertility issues along with irregular menstrual cycles and other matters. 

Another side effect of low-fat consumption is that you will be feeling constant hunger, even when you are full. This can lead you to overeat and can cause obesity over time. 

So, if you are eating too much banana so that you can lose weight quickly, then think again because you are only harming your health instead of improving it. To add a good amount of fats along with bananas in your diet, you should try chocolate chip banana bread or pancakes.

Nerve Damage:

In extreme cases, consuming too many bananas can lead to permanent nerve damage. Bananas are filled with vitamin B6. Taking high doses of vitamin B6 can have severe impacts on the nerve and can take control over your body over time. 

You will have to go to several health supplements and dietary routines once you get affected by this. That’s why it is not the best to overeat bananas.

You will also encounter migraine, and people with asthma should also avoid them.

And there you have it. These are the side effects that you will face if you start to consume large quantities of bananas on a regular basis. So, begin avoiding overeating bananas. 

But this doesn’t mean you should stop eating bananas. No, they are very beneficial to your health and should be added to your regular diet. But the amount should be moderate.

Any More Questions?

Do bananas make you gain belly fat?

On the contrary, they help you lose belly fat. It’s full of healthy fibers and help you control your appetite and burn the fat.

Do bananas make you poop?

Bananas can help you with constipations as they are rich in soluble fiber. 

Do bananas help you sleep?

Yes, they can as bananas are filled with sleep-inducing nutrients like Vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium. 

Don’t Eat Too Many Bananas!

Bananas are delicious and quite healthy if you eat them moderately on a regular basis. If you want to create a healthy diet with bananas, then knowing how many bananas should you eat a day is necessary. Hopefully, if you have come this far from the article, then you already know what amount is the best for you.

Don’t overeat them and if possible, consult your doctor or nutritionist. Because all of our bodies are different and we should plan our diet according to that. But no matter the case, you shouldn’t eat over two or three bananas a day. So, eat cautiously, stay safe, and best of luck!

Nothing is more convenient than a ready-made meal that takes only a few seconds to heat up in the microwave, ready to eat, especially if you are running short on time. 

Pop-Tarts are one of those packaged foods that are pre-cooked and only need a few seconds in the microwave before you can eat them. They have a delicious, sweet flavor and come in different flavors too!

Undoubtedly, it is a very convenient food to keep at home. But are Pop Tarts healthy? 

Let’s find out here.

What is Pop-Tarts Made Of?

Pop-Tarts are pre-cooked delicacies with a sweet filling inside two rectangular-shaped thin pastries. They also have frosting and sprinkles on top. The flavor of the sweet filling inside and the frosting on top varies by different flavors of Pop-Tarts. 

If we look into the ingredient list, we will see that it contains stuff like wheat flour, glucose syrup, sugar, oil, starch, rising agents, more syrup, colors (based on flavors), salt, stabilizer, juice concentrate, and so on. 

As you can tell, it is not exactly composed of the healthiest items. Let’s break this down a bit more.

What’s So Bad About the Ingredients of Pop-Tarts?

Well, a lot. Pop-Tarts contain many unhealthy items in their recipe that could only add to your health hazards. Here are some points:

There’s So Much Sugar!

Pop-Tarts might leave a very sweet aftertaste, but what brings this sweetness? Loads and loads of sugar. It contains sugar and different types of syrups, like high fructose corn syrup. 

This type of syrup and sugar are extremely unhealthy to have regularly. Two Pop-Tarts (they come as a pair in a package) contain about as much as the recommended regular sugar intake. 

Long Term Health Concerns

Pop-Tarts mess with the blood sugar levels, but they also increase the addiction making you want to take more and more sugar and carbs. The pair packaging may also encourage you to eat more than planned. 

It also results in gaining a lot of weight, getting a fatty liver, heart issues, etc. The sugar could also cause teeth to decay.

So Addictive!

This sweet pastry is so good- if you have a sweet tooth like me, you will want to binge on them often. If you are used to just having them as a quick meal or snack, don’t. That, of course, means you are taking more and more of those harmful components into your body. 

Where is the Nutrition?

Pop-Tarts barely have anything nutritious in those colorful bites. They contain loads of calories, but those are mostly made up of sugar, carbs, and fats. A pack of Pop-Tarts barely contains any fiber or protein. 

With a load of sugar, refined flour, and unhealthy oils, there’s nothing healthy that will really add to your body with Pop-Tarts. They are high in number but empty in quality calories and only have negative effects. 

Artificial and Unappealing Food Contents – Wack!

Artificial food color, preservatives, soybean and palm oil, fruity artificial flavors – these are pretty much what brings out the colors and the pop of Pop-Tarts. They do not even contain much natural fruit, 90% of the fruit contents are artificial. 

High Sodium

There’s also a lot of sodium in Pop-Tarts. Taking more than the suggested amount of sodium is extremely bad for our health. 

Should You Still Eat Pop-Tarts?

The short answer: No. 

Pop-Tarts are sugar bombs disguised as a convenient breakfast that adds nothing healthy to your body. You need healthy food like veggies, fruits, fibers, and proteins for your body to function correctly. 

The sugar might give you some energy at first (could also make kids hyperactive), but it will spike your blood sugar, cause dehydration, make you crave other sugary food and carbs soon after. Then there’s the list of long-term health risks. 

If you, however, happen to have a very particular love for Pop-Tarts, I would suggest reducing how often you take them. They are not worth risking your health over. You could try making Pop-Tarts at home! Then you can dig into recipes that are healthy for you. 

An Easy Pop-Tarts Recipe That You Can Try Making at Home

The Big Man’s World blog shared a healthy homemade recipe for Pop-Tarts that is also very healthy. You can learn more about the recipe contents and exactly how to make the healthiest version of it along with some tricks and tips here.

I will show you a small and easy version of the recipe below:

For the Dough:

• 1 ¾ cups of self-rising flour (you can choose gluten-free if you want)
• 1 cup of Greek or Coconut Yogurt
• 2 tablespoon sweeteners of your choice (you can use any healthy sweetener that you prefer)

Filling:

• ½ cup of any jam or jelly as you like
• 2 tablespoon milk (also up to your preference)

For the Glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar (you can use a sugar-free, healthy version of it)
• 2 tablespoon Greek yogurt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Process:

In a large bowl, combine flour, yogurt and sweetener. Mix it well until they are well combined. Once they are together, form a smooth ball of dough with your hands.

Put the dough out on a surface, using generous amounts of flour. Then roll it out to proper thickness. Using a long sharp knife, cut it into rectangles. You can try out your shapes if you would like. 

Arrange the shapes on a baking tray with enough space in between. Then, add a tablespoon of your filling in the middle of the dough and cover it with another piece of dough quickly. Use a fork to press down the edges. 

Bake the Pop-Tarts until they are golden brown on top. Take it out of the oven and let it cool down completely before frosting. 

Boom! Your healthy homemade Pop-Tarts are ready. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Pop-Tarts good for weight loss?

Since they are usually full of sugars, they can have a negative impact on your weight loss journey.

What happens if you eat a lot of Pop-Tarts?

The blood sugar level will experience a huge spike, and your health will suffer as a consequence. 

Can u eat pop tarts cold?

Yes, there’s no issue with eating pop tarts cold. 

Final Words

Are Pop-Tarts healthy? No. So, try to scrape it from your diet. You could try making them at home if you have the time or switch to other quick but healthy food options.

Cereal, breakfast, and snack bars have gained vast popularity over time. But among these bars, you will see Nutri-grain bars pretty much everywhere. 

In fact, according to statistics from 2017, Americans have spent more than 190 million dollars on Nutri-grain bars. And the numbers have been climbing ever since.

Most of these bars will have a large label stating “healthy.” But is that the case? Are Nutri-grain bars healthy? 

The answer is no, but there is so much to the topic that you should know about. So, if you want to feed your curious mind correctly, you should go through every part of this article.

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Why is Nutri grain Bars So Popular?

Recently, Nutri-grain bars have become one of the staple cereal bars. Many individuals have swapped their morning “healthy cereal” with these bars. The nuts, fruits, and oats that these bars usually have fill up your tummy and offer energy. But why has it become so popular?

The thing about our life is that we usually stick to a tight schedule. Having free time is not taken for granted nowadays. 

And in this tense and busy life, getting a good amount of protein and energy for going through the rest of the day is something that we look for. Well, that is where the Nutri-grain bars pop up.

If you take a closer look at the packaging of the Nutri-grain bars, you will notice terms such as “Morning energy,” “No Corn Syrup,” and “No High Fructose.” Aside from the convenience, the bold terms are other reasons why Nutri-grain bars have gained popularity. 

These bold terms draw your attention to the bars and make you think that you have something healthy and worthy of the money you will spend.

Another thing that contributed to the success of the cereal bars is the “Soft Baked” nature. That made it achieve a wholesome character, allowing it to emphasize the product’s healthiness. 

Let’s face it! You already know that baked foods are better than fried foods. So, why would you not think that these bars are not healthy?

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Nutritional Value of Nutri-Grain Bar

To understand whether these bars are truly healthy or not, you need to look at the bars’ nutritional value. Let us take the Soft Baked Strawberry, for example. And its nutritional count is as follows:

• 2 grams protein
• 140mg sodium
• 12 grams sugar
• 3.5 grams total fat
• 25 grams total carbohydrate
• .5 grams saturated fat
• 1 gram fiber
• 130 total calories

Furthermore, one bar will be more than enough to fulfill 10 percent of your daily intake value of vitamin A, calcium, iron, riboflavin, vitamin B6, niacin, and zinc. 

What about the nutritional value of other Nutri-grain bars? The nutritive values will be in the same alleyway as the Soft Baked Strawberry.

Is Nutri Grain Bars Healthy?

With all of the things aside, let us get to the topic that brought you here in the first place. Are Nutri-grain bars a good pick for a healthy diet or not? 

If you take a look at the nutritional content of the bars, the enormous red flag is the 11-12 grams of sugar. Many people will defend this amount of sugar by stating that it is from fruits.

That statement might give you the idea that the amount of sugar is not something you should be worried about. In reality, you should not worry about the sugar present in the whole fruit. But Nutri-grain bars do not have much whole fruit in them, do they?

The fruit that is present on the Nutri bars is processed. And when fruits go through the processing method, they lose a vast amount of nutritional value. 

For example, take a look at the Soft Baked Strawberry. It will not have much of a whole strawberry. Instead, what is present in the bar is Strawberry Puree Concentrate.

What makes whole fruit and Puree Concentrate different? Firstly, this form of fruit will lack the fruit’s natural vitamin C content and fiber. Those two components will get destroyed during the processing. 

Secondly, the shelf life of Puree Concentrate is higher than whole fruits. For that reason, the bars will have a prolonged expiry date.

Not to mention, the brand also adds a high amount of sugar in this fruit form to make it taste good. But that is not the only sweetener you will find in a Nutri bar. There are fructose, dextrose, corn syrup, and inverted sugar present as well. All of these qualify as added sugar as well.

What Can You Expect by Having Nutri-Grain Bars Daily?

So, at this point, we hope that it is clear that Nutri bars are not as healthy as they seem to be. Why? Because of all the sugar that it contains! 

Yes, these bars do contain whole grains and fruit. But as we have mentioned, due to the processing method, the nutritional values of the ingredients degrade substantially.

Another thing you should note is that these bars are not that much of a good source of protein. And you might already know by now breakfast should be full of protein. So, that makes these bars less qualified as a quick breakfast.

But what side effects can you expect after you pick up the habit of eating Nutri-grain bars every day? Considering that most would eat at least four packs of these grains throughout the day, we can say that the total sugar amount you will be getting from these bars is 48 grams. 

That is a lot! And the short-term effects of this amount of sugar is:

• Abdominal pain
• Increased blood pressure
• Allergenic reactions
• Increased blood sugar levels

These short-term effects might not seem that detrimental, but you should not forget that there are long-term effects for consuming too much sugar. Among all, these are the most major adverse effects that you will face for consuming too much sugar:

• Diabetes
• Increased LDL levels
• Weight gain
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Learning impairments
• Infertility
• Lower immune system

So, as you can see, the sugar in Nutri bars is there for taste only. It does not have any beneficial effects. Instead, it will deteriorate the condition of your health and might make you go through severe health complications in the long run.

Should You Stop Eating Nutri-Grain Bars for Breakfast?

As you might have already figured out, the high amount of sugar is the biggest red flag for the Nutri-grain bars. However, if you follow a strict diet with little to no sugar, you can surely grab one bar for breakfast. 

You will significantly reduce the chances of facing all of the health complications that we talked about.

That brings up the question of how much sugar you should consume daily. According to AHA, you should limit your added sugar intake to no more than 100 calories. That is about 24 grams of sugar or six teaspoons of sugar. And as each bar of Nutri-bar has 12 grams of sugar in it, you will still have around 12 grams of headroom.

Nonetheless, if you cut off the excess sugar intake entirely and do not want to grab Nutri-grain bars in the morning, you can try healthy alternatives. 

Grabbing yourself a banana or apple and some wheat toast could do the trick. This alternative will fit into your habit and offer you tons of nutrition and health benefits.

However, if you really cannot give up the convenience that these snack bars offer, you can opt for the pre-packaged bars that are wholly organic, contains whole fruit, and do not have tons of added sugar. 

There are a couple of bars out there that will have as little as 3 grams of sugar. That is like night and day if you compare it with the 12 grams of sugar that Nutri-grain bars have. 

And even if you have two of them healthy ones throughout the day, you will still have 18 grams of sugar-intake headroom.

Furthermore, if you pick the ones with a reasonable amount of fiber and protein, you can start your morning with something that will fuel you properly throughout the entire day. Also, you will not need to worry about serious health complications by sticking with the superior and healthy oat bars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How healthy is Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain?

Compared to others on the market, it has a larger amount of protein but still contains a good amount of sugar, thus making it unhealthy.

How many calories are in Nutri-Grain? 

You’ll get around 155 calories in a single serving of 40g. 

Are Nutri-Grain bars good for weight loss?

Absolutely not; instead, you’re more likely to gain weight.

Final Words

Still wondering, are Nutri-grain bars healthy or not? They are not! The bars have at least 12 grams of total sugar, which is like 50 percent of the total sugar you should consume each day. And if you cannot give them up, you will face serious health complications, which can eventually lead to death.

Corned beef is a huge staple food for St Patrick’s Day that is celebrated in America and most of Europe. This tasty treat is a trendy item, but of course, there can be concerns about whether corned beef is good for you or not.

So, is corned beef healthy? We’ll answer that here. 

In addition, we will also look at what corned beef is and what goes into making it.

So, let’s dive in!

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Origins of Corned Beef

Despite the name, corned beef does not contain corn. Corn refers to the rock salt used to preserve beef during old times. This was done to make sure the meat stayed fresh, and the addition of corn salt ended up giving this particular beef some additional flavor. 

However, as time went on and new, there were better preservatives in use, and using corn salt as a preservative wasn’t as popular. So, it ended up just being used due to the taste and became a staple food to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

You can usually find canned corned beef in local supermarket chains. It is ground-processed, which means that the fresh meat is finely chopped into small bits. Usually, ground beef is harder to preserve, so measures such as corn rock salt are used. Keep the freshness in mind if you’re buying this type of beef.

How is Corned Beef Made?

Aside from the preservative, corned beef is made much in the same way as regular beef. The only differing factors usually are the oil and the spices used to cook it. The prominent flavor of the beef comes from coriander, peppercorn, and bay leaf. This beef is usually made to be tender. 

The foremost step in preparing corned beef is usually the brining process. Brining makes the meat juicy and allows it not to get overcooked. It involves dipping the piece (usually a brisket) into a salt solution and leaving it for some time. This is also the step where the corn salt is added into the mixture where the beef then absorbs it.

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Nutritional Content of Corned Beef

We’ve talked about what corned beef is and how it’s made. Now let’s look at the nutritional values of this particular type of beef. We’ll be considering a 3-ounce portion of corned beef for these:

Protein:

Let’s start by looking at one of the essential nutritional components of meat. Corned beef is red meat, and as a result, it is a very high source of protein. A serving contains 15g of protein which makes a great deal of the daily recommended intake of protein. 

Athletes and people who tend to work out a lot will benefit from high protein diets. Corned beef is a very popular breakfast or lunch item with people eating corned beef sandwiches. The protein in it helps with muscle and body growth. It also gives you a good deal of energy. 

If you had a primary diet of poultry meat, you would increase protein intake by switching to red meat. However, there isn’t much difference in protein intake compared to other red meat options, so you’ll usually eat corned beef if you like the taste. 

Carbohydrates:

The sugar content in corned beef is shallow, and as a result, it is a very lacking source of carbohydrates. While in some ways this is healthy, a high intake of bad carbohydrates can result in high blood glucose levels and inflammation. 

These are all very dangerous for diabetic patients, and the lack of carbohydrates in corned beef is appreciated.

However, carbohydrates are still an essential component of diets as they give you a good deal of energy and keep you strong. So, if you’re planning on eating corned beef, make sure to consider the lack of carbohydrate intake and consider eating fruits or whole grains to make up for it. 

Fat:

One of the points against how healthy corned beef can be is the fat content. Most corned beef is made from brisket, which has one of the highest fat content out of any piece of meat from a cow. Further, the problem is that about one-third of it is harmful saturated fat. 

Compared to poultry meat, red meat tends to be unhealthier due to the higher presence of saturated fats. Poultry meat also tends to have good cholesterol, while red meat lacks that. As a result, eating corned beef can lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of a heart attack. 

Even if you enjoy corned beef, it is essential to control the amount you’re eating. Eating it on occasions like St Patrick’s day is fine. If you happen to be a prior heart patient, it is recommended to avoid corned beef as it can be dangerous for your health.

Sodium:

With 827 mg of sodium in a serving, it suffices to say that corned beef has a very high sodium content. This can be quite an unhealthy amount as while the body needs sodium, it does raise blood pressure and can lead to strokes. Once again, if you’re a prior heart patient or have hypertension, do not eat corned beef as it is very harmful. 

High amounts of sodium are another reason you should not overeat corned beef or red meat in general. While sodium does help regulate blood pressure and fluid levels in your body, there are often better sources of sodium that also don’t come with high saturated fat content.

Vitamins:

Corned beef contains mostly Vitamin B in particular, a large source of Vitamin B12. This helps with red blood cells in your body and makes sure the oxygen transportation remains appropriately functioning. It also plays a strong role in ensuring that your brain continues to function correctly.

However, it doesn’t have other vitamins in as high content. So often, it is cooked in a dish with other vitamin supplements to ensure a more balanced meal. 

Minerals:

In terms of minerals, this red meat is not lacking. Corned beef does help make your body strong by possessing a good deal of iron (1.86g in a serving) and zinc (about 2 g). These two minerals are essential in keeping your body in shape as they facilitate oxygen transfer and regulate your nervous system’s health.

Aside from these two, red meat also has a good deal of selenium, a beneficial mineral for various reasons. One reason is that it is an oxidant, thus deterring the likes of cancer. They protect the cells in your body from damage.

The thyroid gland is essential for metabolism, and selenium, alongside other minerals, is necessary to keep your metabolism in good condition. It also helps keep your thyroid well. Finally, selenium also bolsters your immune system making sure you are more resilient against various viral attacks and diseases.

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Is the Corn Salt Used Harmful?

The corn salt is not harmful, only being used as a preservative and adding some natural flavor. The problem is that corn salt adds some sodium content to the beef. 

Alongside the already existing sodium, this combination leads to corned beef having such high sodium. We’ve already explored the dangers of high sodium content, such as higher blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

If you don’t want such high sodium content, you might consider poultry meat or non-salted red meat. 

Health Benefits of Corned Beef

Here we will list the health benefits you can gain from eating corned beef. These include:

1. Corned beef helps boost muscle growth due to protein
2. It keeps your metabolism in check
3. It has a great deal of mineral content which helps maintain your nervous system and red blood cells
4. It keeps your immune system strong

Health Problems of Corned Beef

Corned beef does pose some serious health issues. These include:

1. Can lead to high blood pressure and hypertension
2. Increases the risk of heart attacks 
3. It contains harmful fats for your body

Is Corned Beef Healthy?

Truth be told, corned beef isn’t particularly healthy. While it is a high source of protein and minerals, it comes at the expense of a good deal of saturated fats and very high sodium content (higher than other red meat alternatives). Processed red meat generally is not a healthy option, and corned beef is no exception. 

Due to this, consuming corned beef frequently can incredibly damage your body due to the high concentration of saturated fat. It increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks and can lead to blocks in arteries. 

Pregnant women should also avoid eating corned beef, as it affects both the women the and babies. Women can already suffer from hypertension during pregnancy, so that the beef can end up further exacerbating it. 

It can also cause gastrointestinal problems. Though it is recommended to have an iron intake for the baby during this period, you can get it from other healthier sources.

Due to the higher sodium content, it is hard to include corned beef as a regular part of anyone’s diet. The sodium content makes it very unhealthy to eat frequently, so it’s recommended to only serve on special occasions. 

For this reason, corned beef can be fattening and lead to you feeling bloated. One serving contains about 285 pretty high calories. While other beef also tends to be fattening, the effect is less due to having lower sodium content. 

Overall, corned beef is not a very healthy option to consider and should just be regarded as a celebratory food to be eaten on some occasions. Also, corned beef does lack some vital vitamins, so it doesn’t lend itself to being on a balanced diet. 

Even in red meat, regular beef is slightly more nourishing, and poultry meat is much better in the long term. If you plan to eat it, make sure to consume it in small amounts.

Conclusion

The answer to the question, is corned beef healthy, is no, and you should generally consider eating it rarely and in small volumes. 

Although there are some health benefits to it, the possible health problems that can occur far outweigh the benefits, and as a result, you will hardly consider corned beef a healthy addition to your diet or meal plan. 

Whether it is Thanksgiving or New Year’s Eve, you will most likely be greeted with a plate of steaming delicacy, the hash browns. Or maybe on a busy weekday, at an overcrowded food court, you find yourself reaching for them. 

But then you think they might be incredibly flavorsome, but are hash browns healthy? The answer is no. 

One of the biggest troubles of recent times is staying on the right track to eating well. After all, the trashiest foods taste the best. Fried and salted items like hash browns thus easily make their way to us. 

Let’s learn why it’s not healthy first. 

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Hash Browns- They are Not Healthy

If you are feeling frustrated at me for saying that hash browns are not healthy, bear with me as I explain why not:

They are Nothing, But Starch:

Starch is a form of dietary carbohydrate that is one of the crucial pillars of any diet. But a meal that is only starch with absolutely no protein and fat is an unhealthy choice. Hash browns are finely chopped potatoes that are deep-fried.

Since it is considered a solo snack and not taken with other staples, you might munch on these mindlessly, not realizing that you are filling yourself with potential diabetes.

Yup! Starch is eventually broken down into simple monosaccharides, and consumption of too much of it is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes. Excessive amounts of carbohydrates cause bloating in your abdominal area and all around your body and might make you look puffier.

A Huge Amount of Oil:

Unless hash browns are fried in an air fryer, they have an alarming amount of oil. The grease will result in general discomfort after taking too many hash browns, and it will also be a big concern for your heart.

When taken in more than the recommended amount, oil tends to cause severe cardiovascular diseases and obesity. It also causes adult acne and is a significant cause of severe gastric ulcers.

Your stomach is not supposed to receive insults from such oily snacks. And when we consume too much of it, there is a good chance of gastric carcinoma. 

Your Local Fast-Food Shop Might be Lying:

Even under the sharp eyes and heavy scrutiny of the Food Department of your locality, your fast-food shop might be reusing age-old oil to fry the hash browns in. They might also be using potatoes that are well beyond their expiry dates (vegetables have expiry dates too, it’s written on their body, not on the package).

Eating hash browns cooked in such an uncertain environment is alright if done rarely. But in the long run, it definitely shouldn’t be your favorite breakfast to grab before the office. 

Calories!

A hundred grams of hash brown contains about 326 calories, all of which are what we call ‘empty calories, meaning: you don’t get much nutrition; you get a bunch of calories. 

And when we take it with ketchup, mayo, mustard, or some other sauce, the calorie count skyrockets. If you are an adult of 70 kilograms with a calorie requirement of 2000 calories, you will be spending a significant amount of it on hash browns.

Skinned Alive:

The potatoes in the hash browns are almost always peeled, the peel being the only source of any vitamins and minerals. If you make homemade hash browns and leave the skin on, your hash browns will be relatively healthier.

Even with the peels on, hash browns lose Vitamin C in their entirety. Because Vitamin C is destroyed in high heat, it is precisely what the potatoes are being projected to while being deep-fried.

GMOs everywhere:

Unless you are sure that you are eating NON-GMO, organic potatoes only, hash browns can be a harmful source of broken-down pesticides and carcinogenic glyphosates.

This logic goes to almost all potatoes in today’s world (no offense, potatoes!). However, the degree to which hash browns are fried makes it extra bad for your health.

They are Ultra-Processed:

This one is not applicable for the hash browns made by moms to feed their happy little families. It applies explicitly to frozen supermarket hash browns or fast-food store hash browns. 

Ultra-processing is essential in the latter two cases to preserve them for a longer time and maintain the same taste every time.

On top of that, hash browns are full of saturated, trans fat and omega six fatty acids. Let me break it down for you if you don’t understand. Unsaturated fats are good for you and help reduce your cholesterol, while saturated trans-fat does the opposite.

Omega 3 is a good fatty acid found in fish. This is another fantastic source of good fat that will increase the biliary excretion of cholesterol from your bloodstream. But omega 6? Not so much.

Say Hi to High Blood Pressure:

Sodium, usually found alongside table salt in the form of sodium chloride, is necessary for physiological functions. Seasonings used in hash browns make it alarmingly high in sodium. But if you consume too much of it, your reward will be high blood pressure, alongside several maladies.

Hyperosmolarity can be caused in your body by Sodium, which will absorb more water to dilute this hyperosmolarity. Then, your blood volume goes up, and your blood pressure goes haywire. Sodium indeed is wreaking havoc on your body.

And we all know what comes after high blood pressure. Prolonged hypertension is a major cause of brain hemorrhage and stroke. So, if you are eating hash browns every day, now is the time you get concerned.

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Hash Browns Can be Healthy!

Since I took you on an emotional roller-coaster telling you how hash browns are unhealthy for you, I am going to try to make it up to you by sharing a few ways you can healthily enjoy your hash browns:

Pick Your Potatoes:

Make sure the potatoes you are eating are organic and free from pesticides. A few years ago, golf balls were found alongside frozen packs of potatoes. That sounds pretty terrifying to me. 

Support your local farmers and harvesting companies to get the best of what nature offers to you.

Do Not Peel the Potatoes:

The skin of the potatoes is rich in vitamins and minerals. Besides that, they are pretty tasty and will give your hash browns a lovely and unique texture. Meanwhile, frying any vegetable with their skin on is an excellent way to prevent the vitamins from being fried off.

Use Alternative Oils:

There are several healthy options for oil, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, grape seed oil, etc. Take a stroll down your grocery store and determine which one is affordable and suits your taste buds.

Fry them in Minimal Heat:

Lightly fried snacks pose lesser acidity, gassiness, and peptic ulcer risks. Frying in extreme heat might make your hash browns tastier. But frying them in minimal heat makes them healthier. 

Do Not Add Extra Fat:

Except for the oil you need to fry your hash browns, do not add extra fat such as butter. An even better way is to use an air fryer or an electric oven if you can afford them. This will significantly reduce the calorie count as well as the health hazards.

Give Friends to Your Lonely Potatoes:

Add onions and vegetables such as carrots, capsicum, jalapenos, tomatoes to increase the bulk amount while increasing the palatability. This is also a great way to include your daily requirement of veggies in your favorite snack.

Prioritize Hash Brown Patties Over Shredded Ones:

When a vegetable is shredded or chopped, it loses some of its nutritional value while washing. If you cook your hash browns as patties instead of shredded hash browns, they will contain more essential nutrients in the food.

Beware of Seasoning:

Do not add too much salt or any other seasoning that might contain sodium or potassium, as they both tend to cause bloating and high blood pressure, as I mentioned before. 

Some safe choices are oregano, garlic powder, paprika powder, pepper, etc. And yes, definitely stay away from monosodium glutamate (sorry, ramen lovers!)

Add Some Meat:

If you are not vegan, add finely chopped pieces of chicken. This will add protein to your hash browns and will keep you full for a much longer time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are hash browns good for weight loss?

Hash browns aren’t the best option for you if you’re looking to lose weight as they are full of calories. If you insist on eating it, make sure it’s air-fried. 

Are frozen hash brown patties healthy?

No, as they contain mostly sodium, fat, and carbohydrates.

What’s healthier hash browns or pancakes?

Hash brown is healthier as it has fewer calories and less amount of sodium. 

To Summarize

The final word is health in moderation. By cutting out hash browns, you will lose the last few pounds of happiness you have left in your life. But your health might thank you. 

So, next time your friend asks you, are hash browns healthy? Tell them it is. But only if you cook it for them.

We all have our moments of weakness with Mexican food. It is difficult, if not impossible, to resist the temptation of biting into those soft wraps. 

You know, the ones oozing with melted cheese, filled with refried beans, sauteed onions, and a hint of smoked paprika. Yup, we’re talking about bean and cheese burritos here, the ones you cannot help overindulging in despite the heartburns they give you. 

But then WebMD, and other health critics, say that these wraps can be the worst for your body. So, naturally, you must ask, are bean and cheese burritos healthy for you and your waistline?

Well, let’s destroy these neatly wrapped delicacies and see what makes them so dangerous. 

Nutrition Facts of a Bean and Cheese Burrito

Have you ever thought about burritos in another different way? Like how many calories does a single Bean and Cheese Burrito consist of? Here are the nutrition facts of one bean and cheese burrito that will answer some of your questions –

• Calories 291
• Total Fat 8 g
• Cholesterol 15 mg
• Sodium 479 mg
• Carbohydrates 41 g
• Protein 16 g 

Bean and cheese burritos are actually a good source of nutrition. The classic taste of a burrito is mouth-watering. Not to mention, it is quite filling as well. But the bigger question is, how good is it for your body.

A single serving of a bean and cheese burrito has 16 grams of protein along with 8 grams of fat. And all the nutrients total 291 calories. For a snack, a single serving is too high but too low for one of the main meals. 

Are Bean and Cheese Burritos Healthy?

You will be shocked to know that burritos are not so unhealthy. On the contrary, some may even claim it to be quite the opposite. But it depends on the way you are eating a burrito. 

Say Hi to Protein!

Beans are a good source of protein. Besides, cheese also has an ample supply of this macronutrient, of course, when eaten the right kind. Burritos mostly use cheddar cheese, a cup of which contains 28 grams of protein. 

A regular-sized burrito calls for 0.25 cups, which means you’ll be getting 8 grams of protein just from the cheese itself. The rest comes from protein. That’s why we get 16 grams of protein when we are eating a whole burrito. 

Some recipes even tweak the recipes to amp up the protein level up to 18 grams.

Loaded with Fiber:

Beans, no matter the type, are packed with fibers. Lima, Pinto, and kidney beans are some of the ingredients to include if you want to increase your fiber intake. A 100 gram of these babies can contain as much as 16g of fiber.

If you decide to substitute a white flour tortilla with a whole wheat version, the fiber count increases even more. This is good for your bowel health, as it will make you more regular. 

Contains Micronutrients:

Bean and cheese burritos contain an ample amount of B vitamins. That includes thiamin and folate. It helps your body generate energy and maintain proper development and growth. 

Moreover, your body will also get more than enough omega 6 fatty acids from the vegetable oil used. It might be a little too much!

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How Can Bean and Cheese Burritos Ruin Your Health?

We’ve all heard about the side effects of eating too many burritos. Let’s talk about them now, shall we? 

Too Many Calories:

The individual components are not that scary on their own. But when combined and wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, dolloped with different toppings, the calories skyrocket. 

Yup, some bean and cheese burritos may even reach 1000 calories. Of a 2000 daily calorie limit, this meal would take up half!

Refried Beans Are Bad!

Fried anything is bad. But refried beans are maxed out in calories and are loaded with saturated fat and sodium. They may cause many health problems, such as heart diseases and respiratory system problems.

Not to mention, they can create a blockade in your weight loss journey by literally clogging up your veins. 

Fatty Toppings, Hello!

Sour cream and guacamole can directly affect our respiratory systems. Also, cheese, cream, and guacamole can be a lot for a heart disease patient – which steadily causes heart attacks. 

I keep talking about sour cream and guacamole because, trust me, it carries a lot of calories. We get a maximum of 20 grams of fat from sour cream. Also, 2.9-gram sugar is added. And we get 193 calories per 100 grams. So, the more you dig in, the messier and unhealthier it becomes. 

A total of 320 calories can be a lot when you are trying to lose weight. It’s high for normal people too. But for people with underlying health conditions, having too many burritos can be disastrous!

Artificial Preservatives and Ingredients:

This is true for those frozen, ready-to-eat bean and cheese burritos. To increase their shelf life and taste, they usually contain a lot of artificial chemical flavorings and preservatives. 

When heated in a microwave, some of these compounds can be carcinogenic, thus, causing cancers. Another thing to point out is that frozen bean and cheese burritos do not always use good quality cheeses. 

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How to Make Your Bean and Cheese Burritos Healthier?

No food itself is healthy. It depends on how you cook it. So, here are a few things you can do to make it better –

Not Using Sour Cream:

If you find sour cream and guacamole to be too much for you, you can always substitute them for healthier alternatives. Try Greek yogurt as a replacement for the former. If not, you can always opt for cottage cheese, crème Fraiche, or even buttermilk. 

Using Non-Refried Beans:

 Use beans that are not refried and are a good source of protein. Canned beans are a great option, and they can be very cheap! If you have time, you can even boil them. 

Using Goat and Cheddar Cheese:

We can’t think of a burrito without the cheese. Try using goat and cheddar cheese because they are better for lactose intolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do bean and cheese burritos make you gain weight?

When all the components of bean and cheese burritos are combined together, they can add to a lot of calories. And if these calories exceed the calorie spent, it can add a few pounds. 

Do bean and cheese burritos contain sodium?

Fast-food burrito chains have burritos whose sodium level can be 2000 mg! This is true even for veggie wraps. 

What’s inside a Taco Bell bean burrito?

Even though it contains no meat, it has a tortilla filled with beans, onions, cheddar cheese, and red sauce. 

Is a 5-layer burrito from Taco Bell a bean and cheese burrito? 

The 5-layer burrito is quite cheesy! Besides two kinds of cheese, it also contains refried beans, beef, and sour cream.

Conclusion

Bean and cheese burritos may get a bad rep, but they are not unhealthy. Having these loaded burritos now and then shouldn’t be a problem if you have a sustainable eating discipline. So, all you have to do now is make a clean-eating plan and make sure to leave room for your favorite foods. There is no need to ponder and feel guilty over the question – are bean and cheese burritos healthy.

Ask any chicken meat lover what their favorite part is, and they would probably answer wings. Its popularity not only roots in the taste of the meat but also in the convenience of its preparation. Wings are admired by everyone equally—be it children or adults.

Chicken wings serve our palates in a way many other foods fail to do. But anything that tastes this good also comes with a big question begging to be asked. 

So, it’s only natural for one to wonder: Are chicken wings healthy? Let’s find out!

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Are Chicken Wings Healthy?

Chickens, in general, are considered to be one of the healthier variants of meat. It contains almost all the necessary micro and macronutrients. This is good for both filling our stomach and nutritional needs. 

Here we’ll know about the advantages of chicken wings.

Protein in Chicken Wings:

Chicken wings pack a lot of protein. Even without the skin and bones, an average-sized chicken wing would contain around 6 grams of protein. 

So, if one eats about five wings, they will get something around 30 grams of protein. And if it is consumed with the skin on, it is possible to increase the protein content even more.

One chicken wing without the skin approximately has 43 calories—and 64% of it comes from protein. Protein is a very sought-after nutrient among health-conscious people. This is because it is a must for building muscle and maintaining it. 

On top of that, it also keeps one filled for a longer time which helps in their diets. But it is just as important for anyone regardless.

Another plus point of chicken wings is the scarcity of carbohydrates in them. We already find ourselves overindulging in carbs. They are the main macro in our staple foods: rice or potatoes. So, chicken wings can be a good protein source without taking too many carbs.

Vitamins in Chicken Wings:

Meat in chicken wings also accommodates essential vitamins. The vitamin A in them is beneficial for the eyes, particularly in preventing night blindness. 

They are also responsible for maintaining good bones, skin and boosting metabolism. Vitamin A can even go as far as fending off risks of certain cancers.

Chicken wings also pack vitamin K. Our body often needs to clot blood when there is any damage in the blood vessels due to internal or external reasons. And vitamin K plays a role in doing so. This vitamin is also essential for the complete development of bones. 

Moreover, Vitamin E in chicken wings can boost one’s immune system and help fight sickness and diseases more efficiently. It can also be instrumental in maintaining healthy skin and eyes. A deficiency in vitamin E could be detrimental.

Lastly, chicken wings are also a source of vitamin D. It is one of the most critical vitamins one needs—contributing to the proper growth of bones and skin. 

Vitamin D also plays a role in maintaining muscle health. Unfortunately, deficiency of this micronutrient is becoming increasingly common. And appropriately, it is leading to dangerous returns. A scarcity of vitamin D could lead to various threatening diseases in adults and children.

Minerals in Chicken Wings:

Chicken wings also have minerals, such as iron and calcium. Iron is vital in the proper development of the body. Our body needs iron to produce Haemoglobin, the carrier of oxygen from our lungs to other body parts. Iron also helps in producing Myoglobin, which ensures oxygen in muscles.

And the calcium found in chicken wings will help in supporting bone health. It also plays a role in ensuring the proper functionality of nerves and muscles in the body.

Other Health Benefits:

Chicken wings can help prevent disorders regarding metabolism—like arthritis and diabetes. It is also advised to be used in therapy-based treatment for heart attack and stroke. 

They also have some effects on brain health. Chicken wings have been seen to reduce neuritis and other neurological conditions. In addition to this, symptoms of depression could also be reduced by consuming chicken wings.

Furthermore, the skin in chicken wings is a rich source of collagen. Collagen helps in increasing skin elasticity and has anti-aging effects. It also assists in maintaining bone health by increasing bone density.

Chicken wings can be called healthy foods by all standards. But does that mean it is perfect with no drawbacks?

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Potential Bad Effects of Chicken Wings

Although chicken wings are pretty healthy when consumed in moderation, they can have some harmful effects if over-eaten. 

The skin on the chicken wings is rich in fats. Even though it isn’t inherently bad, it might be harmful when consumed beyond the limits. Excessive fat can cause a rise in bad cholesterol levels and lead to hypertension.

Another thing we must factor while judging the healthiness of chicken wings—or of any food for that matter is the preparation. There are a lot of recipes that chicken wings can be cooked following. And not all of them will be suitable for everybody.

For example, not everyone’s stomach can withstand the spiciness of the naga wings. Again, a wing fried in oil might have higher fatter content and added calories than an air-fried wing. So, we need to consider all these before calling chicken wings bad or good.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are chicken wings high in cholesterol?

Yes, they’re deep-fried and high in cholesterol. 

Are chicken wings good for building muscle?

Chicken wings can be added to your diet for building muscle as they have a lot of calories. 

Are baked chicken wings healthy?

It’s certainly a better option than the fried ones. However, it still has a good amount of salt, so you need to keep your intake in check.

Final Words

Overall, chicken wings can be a healthy food with many nutritional values. It houses macronutrient like protein, multiple vitamins, and minerals—all of which makes it a very well-rounded food. 

But just like every other food, it does come with its own set of disadvantages. However, those can easily be bypassed if we are responsible enough to consume them moderately. To answer the question: Are chicken wings healthy? The answer is yes; it is healthy and inherently has nothing wrong with it. Only if we consume it beyond limits or prepare it in an unhealthy way it can be considered anything near harmful.