Do you ever wonder about the health-friendliness of Takis ingredients?
Indeed, the fiery, sour taste is undeniably addictive, yet some concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with regular Takis consumption.
This article will dig into the scientific evidence linking various health concerns, such as heart disease and kidney failure, to the ingredients found in Takis.
You’ll also explore the potential for nutrient deficiencies and allergic reactions.
So, before you reach for another bag, let’s take a closer look at what these fiery snacks might be doing to your body.
Key Takeaways
- Takis are high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, increasing the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other health issues.
- Spicy and acidic ingredients can cause stomach ulcers, canker sores, and tooth enamel erosion.
- Artificial sweeteners, BHA, and other additives may disrupt hormones, trigger MSG symptoms, and lead to nutrient deficiencies.
- Takis may cause inflammation, hyperactivity, asthma symptoms, migraines, and allergic reactions.
- Enjoy Takis in moderation and prioritize a balanced diet for optimal health.
Takis Ingredients & Nutritional Facts at a Glance
Ingredients
The ingredients in Takis vary depending on the flavor, but the following are common ingredients in Takis Fuego:
Among all Takis ingredients, sugar/carbs, sodium, and maltodextrin are the most unfavorable for your health. Other additives like food colorings and preservatives like sodium diacetate, silicon dioxide (SiO2), and sodium acetate are generally considered safe by the US FDA in minimum amounts. However, consuming large amounts of processed foods that contain these additives can lead to adverse health effects.
Nutrition Facts of Takis
Nutritional Facts for a Single Serving (12 pieces or 28 grams) of Takis:
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 8g (13% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g (13% DV)
- Trans Fat: 0g (0% DV)
- Cholesterol: 0mg (0% DV) Total Carbohydrates: 17g (6% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
- Total Sugars: 1g (0% DV)
- Includes Added Sugars: 0g Protein: 2g (4% DV) Sodium: 420mg (18% DV) Potassium: 54mg (1% DV) Calcium: 15mg (1% DV) Iron: 0mg (0% DV) Vitamin D: 0 mcg (0% DV) Vitamin A: 0 mcg (0% DV) Vitamin C: 0mg (0% DV)
17 Possible Adverse Health Effect of Takis
Takis is a processed food loaded with carbs, fats, seasoning, and food preservatives, which make any fitness-conscious person raise an eyebrow. Yes, Takis, despite their standard serving of 28 grams with 16 pieces only, are more on the bad side of foods than good.
Here are details on how regular consumption of Takis compromises your health.
1. Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke
Takis can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke because they’re loaded with sodium. Just one serving packs over 300mg, about 13% of the daily limit. Too much sodium can raise blood pressure, a big no-no for heart health.
Plus, Takis are full of trans fats from partially hydrogenated soybean and canola oils. These bad fats have been found to increase inflammation, paving the way for heart diseases and hike up the LDL in your blood, making heart disease risk even higher.
And the calories?
They can add up, leading to weight gain and other health issues.
2. Type 2 diabetes
Takis raise your risk of type 2 diabetes because they’re loaded with high sugar and unhealthy fats. Just one serving packs over 15 to 17 grams of sugar, almost 40% of your daily limit. Too much sugar can mess with insulin, causing insulin resistance and messing up blood sugar levels, which can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes. Researchers further confirm that sugar intake not only causes diabetes but also worsens high blood pressure more than sodium. Likewise, maltodextrin in Takis, with its exceptionally higher GI, can cause diabetes.
Also, Takis’ high calories increase the chance of weight gain—a big risk factor for diabetes.
3. Stomach Ulcers and Cancers
Undoubtedly, Takis can potentially contribute to stomach issues or cancer for a few reasons.
- First off, a higher sodium content has been reported to be high in the populations with a higher gastric cancer ratio.
- Second, the spiciness, citric acid, and acetic acid can worsen this stomach stress.
- Certain additives, like artificial colors (Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake), may promote inflammation, a known factor in cancer development.
- Though Generally safe, BHA, or Butylated hydroxyanisole, a preservative used in Takis, has been declared to be cancerogenic.
Remember, ongoing scientific research explores these links, and individual susceptibility varies. To play it safe, go easy on Takis, keep a balanced diet, and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
4. Gut Health Issues
Takis may contribute to gut health issues.
Packed with sodium, spices, and additives like maltodextrin, they can cause gut inflammation and throw off the balance of gut bacteria, causing digestive issues like inflammatory bowel disease, gas, and bloating. Takis being processed and short on essential nutrients also hurt gut health.
5. Obesity
Takis can cause weight gain because they’re calorie-packed – one serving packs over 300 calories!
What does it mean?
Consuming 3500 calories adds 1 pound of fat to your body. And, if you eat one serving of Takis daily for a month, you’ll end up gaining nearly a pound of weight, which is about 11-12 pounds yearly.
Additionally, Takis lack fiber and protein, making it easy to overeat. So, chances are you might over one serving whenever you much on them.
6. Osteoporosis
Takis are loaded with about 17 grams of carbs, so that they can add more to your daily sugar intake. Thus, Takis might increase the risk of osteoporosis as higher sugar intake has been linked to osteoporosis,
…White crystal, sugar, may lead to osteoporosis by increasing inflammation, hyperinsulinemia, increased renal acid load, reduced calcium intake, and increased urinary calcium excretion
Not Salt But Sugar As Aetiological In Osteoporosis: A Review
7. Mood Swings and Energy Crashes
Takis’ sugar content might cause mood swings and energy crashes. The fast sugar boost is often followed by a slump, making you feel tired and irritable. Also, with no complex carbs and proteins, Takis can mess with your blood sugar, causing mood swings and energy drops worse. Picking snacks with balanced nutrients is vital for steady energy and mood all day.
8. Canker Sores
Eating Takis might up your chances of getting canker sores because of their spicy and acidic kick. The strong spices, citric acid, and acetic acid in Takis can bug the delicate tissues in your mouth, maybe setting off those annoying canker sores.
If you munch on Takis a lot, those mouth ulcers might become a regular thing. To play it safe, go easy on the Takis and keep your mouth in good shape with regular oral care habits.
9. Tooth Enamel Erosion
Eating Takis can affect your oral health and erode tooth enamel because they’re acidic. The citric acid and other acidic stuff have been reported to weaken the protective layer on teeth. Eating them a lot raises the erosion risk, causing tooth sensitivity and other dental problems.
To keep your teeth healthy, it’s smart to eat Takis in moderation and take good care of your teeth by brushing regularly and getting dental check-ups.
10. Hormonal Effects
Takis might mess with your hormones, especially estrogens, owning several culprits like:
- Higher sugar and unhealthy fat intake produce fat cells which raise estrogen levels to affect your body in several ways: cause mood swings, depression, headaches, fatigue, and affect reproductive health in men and women, both.
- Soy protein with genistein has been shown to induce uterine adenocarcinoma in mice and premature puberty in rats.
- BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole) long-term use can mess with your hormones, thyroid, and pituitary gland function to lead toward serious health problems.
Likewise, food additives also affect normal hormone production and function in your body.
To keep your hormones in check, it’s best to eat Takis and other processed foods in moderation and focus on a balanced diet.
11. MSG Symptom Complex
Eating Takis might cause MSG Symptom Complex because they contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) and other flavor enhancers. Some folks might get headaches or feel nauseous. Not everyone’s affected, but if you’re sensitive, keeping your Taki intake in check can lower the chances of having these MSG-related symptoms.
12. Inflammation
Takis may induce inflammation because of their spicy elements and certain additives like maltodextrin. Spices can cause irritation, and additives might contribute to a broad inflammatory response.
Overindulging in Takis could intensify these effects, possibly affecting overall health. It’s crucial to moderate intake and weigh the potential impact on inflammation.
13. Nutrient Deficiency
Takis pack lots of calories, but they’re empty–mostly coming from sugars and fats. So, they lack crucial vitamins and minerals. Choosing Takis over nutrient-rich foods can cause deficiencies, affecting your overall health. Moreover, additives like sodium diacetate, silicon dioxide (SiO2), and sodium acetate in Takis might mess with how your body absorbs minerals, such as iron and zinc.
14. Hyperactivity in Kids
Takis can cause hyperactivity in kids because of hefty doses of sugars, colorings (Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake) and additives. These elements can amp up excitability and energy levels. The mix of strong flavors and additives can trigger behavioral shifts, underlining the importance of keeping Takis intake in check for the overall well-being of children.
15. May Exhibit Asthma Symptoms
Eating Takis might make asthma worse because of their spiciness and additives like sodium guanylate, disodium inosinate, and silicon dioxide (SiO2). These spices and chemicals can irritate the airways, making asthma symptoms worse. If you have asthma, be careful with Takis; they could make breathing harder. It’s better to pick snacks less likely to cause discomfort and breathing issues.
16. Migraine
Takis might cause migraines due to their high sodium content, leading to dehydration and blood vessel constriction. With chili peppers, the spiciness can bug the trigeminal nerve linked to migraine pain. Also, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, in certain Takis, could trigger migraines for sensitive individuals. The citric acid in Takis may worsen migraines by irritating the stomach lining.
17. Allergic Reactions
Takis may trigger allergies in some folks because of ingredients like maltodextrin spices (chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper), causing skin problems and breathing issues. Additives, such as artificial colors and flavors, can bring on skin rashes, headaches, upset stomach, or, rarely, anaphylaxis. Citric acid in Takis might lead to skin irritation, tooth enamel wear, and acid reflux. Also, personal sensitivities can spark allergic reactions, even to usually safe ingredients.
Conclusion
Takis offer a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch; they come with a long list of potential health concerns. The risks associated with excessive consumption are significant, from digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies to inflammation and allergic reactions.
Moderation is key. Limiting your intake of Takis and opting for healthier snacks alongside a balanced diet can help minimize the potential negative impacts on your well-being. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before adding Takis to your diet.
Remember, snacking smart promotes overall health and well-being. Choose wisely and prioritize your health over fleeting cravings.
FAQs
Can Takis Lead to CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease)?
One serving of Takis supplies you with 13% of your daily sodium allowance. Yet, the link between sodium intake and chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains controversial.
Some studies suggest higher sodium and magnesium may reduce CKD risk, while others, including a recent review of 8 studies published between August 2016 and March 2017, warn of salt’s potential adverse health impacts like increased blood pressure and CKD progression.
Ultimately, the evidence is conflicting, and further research is needed. Nonetheless, caution is advised.
Note:
It’s essential to be mindful of both sugar and salt intake, regardless of the food source. The reason is that studies have shown a stronger connection between sugar and hypertension that can cause CKD.
How Much Takis is Too Much?
Eating more than three servings of Takis per week may not be ideal for your health. They lack essential nutrients and are high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. You can enjoy them occasionally, in moderation.
Individual sensitivity and overall diet impact your response. Small amounts are generally safe, but excessive intake can be detrimental. Treat Takis as an occasional indulgence and prioritize healthy eating.
What Can be Healthier Alternatives Takis?
For healthier swaps to Takis, consider these tasty options:
- Baked Snacks:
- Go for baked whole grain chips like pita or tortilla for a satisfying crunch with less fat.
- Try baked veggie chips from kale, sweet potato, or beets for added vitamins and fiber.
- Roasted chickpeas seasoned with your favorite spices offer a protein-packed crunch.
- Fruits and Vegetables:
- Choose fresh options for low-calorie, nutrient-packed snacks like carrots, celery, or apple slices.
- Opt for unsweetened dried fruits such as raisins or apricots in moderation.
- Grab frozen fruits or veggies for a convenient, nutritious option.
- Other Healthy Choices:
- Enjoy trail mix with nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and dark chocolate for a blend of nutrients.
- Create a yogurt parfait with granola and fresh fruit for a protein-rich treat.
- Air-popped popcorn seasoned with herbs is a low-calorie, whole-grain option.
- Top rice cakes with avocado, hummus, or nut butter for a healthy and filling snack.
Tips for Choosing Healthier Snacks:
- Check food labels for lower sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
- Prioritize whole foods like grains, fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds.
- Keep portion sizes in check, even with healthier snacks.
By opting for these alternatives, you can enjoy delicious, satisfying snacks that support your overall health. Variety is key, so explore and find what suits your taste best.
Disclaimer
This article offers general information on health and should not be construed as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While we strive for accuracy, the provided information is not a substitute for consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice due to the content herein. Ultimately, reliance on the information presented is at your own discretion. We regret any potential harm, but disclaim liability for any losses or damages arising from the use of this content.
