Are Takis Bad for Your Health?
Takis are corn tortillas known for their sour and spicy taste. It is available in several flavors including Fuego, Nitro, Blue Hat and Crispy Fajitas.
But despite its popularity, many people aren’t sure if this spicy snack can be eaten as part of a healthy diet.
This article assesses whether takis chips are bad for you.
Lack of essential nutrients
Takis is high in calories, fat, carbohydrates and sodium, but lacking in other important nutrients.
A 28-gram (1-ounce) package of Takis Fuego contains the following nutrients:
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Carbs: 16 grams
- Sodium: 16% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Calcium: 4% of the DV
- Iron: 2% of the DV
Although takis contain small amounts of calcium and iron per serving, these amounts are not considered essential.
Also keep in mind that many people eat more than once, which increases their intake of calories, fat, and carbohydrates.
Abstract
Takis is high in calories, fat, carbohydrates and sodium, but lacks essential vitamins and minerals.
Rich or High in sodium (Are Takis Bad For You)
Like other salty snacks, they are high in sodium, with 390 milligrams per 1-ounce (28-grams) serving.
Although sodium is important for some aspects of your health, too much sodium can cause negative side effects.
In fact, research shows that high sodium intake may be linked to high blood pressure.
Therefore, people with high blood pressure are advised to reduce their daily sodium intake to lower blood pressure levels and improve heart health.
Additionally, other studies have shown that high consumption of foods high in sodium may be associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer.
According to the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, most adults are advised to limit their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day to avoid adverse or bad health effects.
View More: What Is Tapioca And What Is It Good For? Uses, Benefits And Side Effects
Abstract
Takis are rich in sodium. High sodium intake can raise blood pressure levels and is linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Highly Processed
Besides being high in sodium and low in essential nutrients, Takis chips are carefully processed and refined.
Studies show that frequent consumption of processed foods, including takis, may be linked to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.
A recent survey of 184,000 people found that those who ate the most processed foods were 39 percent more likely to be overweight or obese, with more belly fat.
Additionally, a study of 44,451 people found that high consumption of processed foods was associated with an increased risk of death over an average of 7 years.
Abstract
Takis chips are highly processed. High consumption of processed foods may be associated with obesity and an increased risk of certain chronic diseases.
Effect on digestive health (Are Takis Bad For You)
Takis, along with other spicy snacks like Hot Cheetos or Spicy Nacho Doritos, can irritate your stomach if you eat them in excess.
This can sometimes contribute to the development of gastritis, a condition characterized by abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
One study found that more than 25 percent of 526 respondents with gastrointestinal ailments reported that their symptoms were triggered by eating spicy food.
In some people, spicy foods can also trigger symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which exacerbates problems like heartburn and indigestion.
Some studies also show that eating spicy food can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Therefore, if you suffer from this condition you should consider limiting takis consumption, especially if you know that spicy foods are causing or exacerbating digestive problems.
Abstract
Spicy foods, such as takis, can contribute to gastritis and cause digestive symptoms in people with GERD or IBS.
Simplicity or Moderation is the key
While takis may not be the healthiest snack option, most people can enjoy them in moderation from time to time.
Watch your portion sizes carefully and stick to one serving at a time to avoid overeating.
Please note that 1 ounce (28 grams) counts as one serving of Takis. This is about 12 pieces.
Be sure to enjoy takis as part of a nutritious and complete diet and mix it with other healthy snacks.
Popcorn, homemade vegetable chips, cheese and crackers, mixed nuts and edamame are some examples of delicious snacks that help you satisfy your cravings.
Abstract
Although takis are not necessarily healthy, they are nutritious and can be eaten in moderation as part of a complete diet.
The Bottom line
Takis is a popular corn tortilla with a strong flavor.
In addition to being highly processed, takis are high in sodium and low in essential vitamins and minerals.
Takis can also make digestive problems worse in some people, including conditions like acid reflux (GERD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Although takis may not be the healthiest snack, they can usually be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced and nutritious diet.