Are banana chips healthy?

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By VERA AWUAH –

honnyveea3@gmail.com

Bananas chips are dried, fried slices of bananas that have become an increasingly popular snack. They are mostly found in supermarkets, road sides among others.

Bananas


They are usually coated with sugary syrup, salt and spices. Banana chips are a crunchy sweet snack but are they healthy?    

 
 Although bananas themselves are highly nutritious, the same can not be said of bananas chips. 


Unlike bananas, banana chips are highly processed, they are commonly fried in oil and prepared with ingredients like sugar syrup or salt that contribute significant calories sugar and fat.     

Since banana chips are light, easy to pack and a quick source of calories and simple carbs, they are an excellent option when you are on the go; what’s more, because they are dehydrated, they have a much longer shelf life than the fresh bananas.

 A cup (72grams) serving of banana chips provides the following:
Calories- 374grams
Protein- 1.6grms
Carbohydrate- 42grams
Fiber- 5.5grams
sugar-25grams
Total fat- 24grams
Saturated fat- 21grms
Potassium- 8percent of the daily value (DV) vitamin B6- 11percent of the DV.

Although this snack boosts fiber and a few vitamins and minerals, these benefits are quickly offset by the fat, calories and sugar content. Plus, since banana chips are dehydrated and fried, they are highly palatable and easy to overeat.         

They are High in fat: Banana chips are usually fried in oil to give them a crunchy texture. Manufacturers tend to use coconut oil or sunflower oil but may utilize any frying oil.   A single cup (72 grams) of Banana chips packs 24grms of fat, 21 of which are saturated. A diet high in saturated fats from processed food is linked to a higher risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease.


Additionally the high fat content of Banana chips adds a lot of extra calories. For example the Same serving of Banana chips contains over 250% more calories than a medium Banana.                 

High in sugar: some banana chips are coated in syrup significantly adding to their sugar content one cup (72grms) of Banana chips contains 25grms of sugar, which includes 10.5grms of sugar in a medium (118-grms) Banana. A whole Banana is a much better option than Banana chips.

Still, if you are craving something crunchy, you may Wonder whether Banana chips are healthier than other chips. Banana chips are much higher in calories, total fat, saturated fat and sugar than either potato or vegetable chips. While these are lighter and less filling than banana chips, meaning that you are likely to eat more in one sitting, you would need to eat a very large serving to equal banana chips saturated fats and sugar content.

It’s best to limit your intake no matter the kind of chips you buy. For a healthier option, choose dried or baked banana chips that are flavored with spices and herbs and sugar. 


Better yet, choose a whole banana instead and if you decide to eat banana chips be mindful of your portion size.
Taking a healthy diet is absolute key to a healthier life so be careful of what you choose to eat.

Happy Healthy Eating! 

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