When it comes to snacking, crackers are a popular choice for many people. They are convenient, easy to store, and can be eaten on their own or paired with other foods. However, not all crackers are created equal, and Ritz crackers, in particular, have been shown to be unhealthy for humans.
Ritz crackers are made from refined flour, which means that they are high in carbohydrates and low in fiber. This can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and other health problems. In addition, Ritz crackers are high in sodium, with one serving containing 12% of the recommended daily intake. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
But that's not all. Ritz crackers also contain a number of unhealthy ingredients, including partially hydrogenated oils, which are a major source of trans fats. Trans fats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of partially hydrogenated oils in food products due to their harmful effects on health.
Ritz crackers also contain a number of artificial flavors and preservatives, which can be harmful to health. For example, they contain high fructose corn syrup, which has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. They also contain TBHQ, a preservative that has been linked to a number of health problems, including asthma, skin allergies, and liver damage.
To make matters worse, Ritz crackers are highly processed, which means that they have been stripped of many of their natural nutrients. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.
So, what's the bottom line? Ritz crackers may be a tasty snack, but they are not a healthy one. They are high in refined flour, sodium, trans fats, artificial flavors, and preservatives, and are highly processed. If you want to snack on crackers, it's best to choose whole grain crackers that are low in sodium and free from unhealthy additives.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Ritz Crackers, Original. Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171752/nutrients
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2019). Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/carbohydrates-and-blood-sugar/
American Heart Association. (n.d.). Sodium and Salt. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/sodium-and-salt
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2019). Fats and Cholesterol. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/types-of-fat/transfats/
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). The FDA Bans Partially Hydrogenated Oils (Trans Fats). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/fda-bans-partially-hydrogenated-oils-trans-fat
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2019). Sugary Drinks. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-drinks/sugary-drinks/
Healthline. (2019). TBHQ: A Synthetic Antioxidant