Snacking throughout the day can be a great way to stave off hunger (and potentially avoid overeating at mealtimes). But certain snacks in the vending machine are decidedly less than healthy. Banana chips sound like a more natural alternative to, say, French fries, but how healthy are they?
Calories and carbohydrates for energy.
Banana chips are moderately high in calories. A 1.5-ounce serving has 218 calories, or about 10 percent of your daily calorie allotment if you follow a standard 2,000-calorie diet. Most of the calories come from carbohydrates and fat: 25 and 14 grams, respectively. Both nutrients serve as concentrated sources of energy. That means Banana chips can keep your body fueled between meals, but it also means eating large portions of Banana chips can cause you to gain weight.
A good source of magnesium.
Eating plantain chips means you'll get some nutritional value for your burst of calories. The chips are a good source of some essential vitamins, especially magnesium. Your body needs magnesium for energy production, cell-to-cell communication, and DNA synthesis, an important part of cell growth. It also works together with other minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, to build bone and dental tissue, which means that eating magnesium-rich foods can help keep your skeleton strong. One serving of Banana chips will provide you with 32 milligrams of magnesium.
A potassium powerhouse?
Part of the reason bananas has such a good reputation in terms of health is their potassium content. Banana chips also offer some potassium, though it might be less than you'd expect. Each serving provides 225 milligrams of potassium or about 5 percent of the potassium you need in a day. This potassium offers some health benefits, including nerve and muscle support and blood pressure-lowering properties. But it's better to eat a fresh banana to get potassium with fewer calories.
Other drawbacks to consider.
Many commercially available plantain chips are deep-fried and sweetened, which means they are relatively high in fat and added sugar. While fat itself isn't necessarily bad, you'll be consuming about 12 grams of saturated fat, which won't do much for your cardiovascular health. Worse yet, Banana chips contain added sugar, which is linked to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. That means Banana chips are best enjoyed as an occasional treat. If you're craving something crunchy, try eating unsalted almonds or walnuts.
Comparison of dried and fresh bananas.
Fresh bananas offer equivalent nutrition in several ways. They provide similar amounts of calories, protein, sugar, iron, and various vitamins. On the other hand, these bananas contain more fiber and slightly less sodium. Dieters appreciate the fact that they are nearly fat-free.
Dried banana chips make a comparatively healthy snack or dessert if you eat them in moderation and remember to brush your teeth afterward. However, fresh bananas allow you to get the same nutritional benefits without increasing your fat intake. Both foods provide healthier alternatives to candy, cakes, and corn chips.
Disadvantages of eating dried bananas.
This food also has multiple negative aspects that you should not ignore. Each serving offers about 10 grams of fat and half the sugar. Most of this fat consists of the more damaging saturated variety, and you'll also consume a small amount of sodium. However, dried Banana chips contain less sugar and sodium than many ready-to-eat snacks.
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