Potato Chip Facts

My husband works for a potato chip company. Sales aren't doing the best this time of year - who picnics when it's 45 degrees outside? Another factor that impacts chip sales is the bad rap they get healthwise. The company gave my husband the following facts in order to combat some of the misconceptions about potato chips and health. See what you think.

• Chips are not always high fat. Look for monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat on the ingredients label. If there is more of those two "good fats" as opposed to the "bad fats" of saturated fat, your chips are better for you thank you might think. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and maintain good cholesterol (HDL). Be sure you don't increase your total calories in order to achieve this benefit.
• Again, check your labels - look at the vitamin and mineral content. Potato chips tend to contain good amounts of vitamins C and E. Check for the trans fat content. You want to see "0 grams of trans fat". 
• While baked chips are the rage right now, for good reason, you might want to consider that not all fried chips are bad for you. Again, it's the type of cooking fat that counts. The method of frying versus baking is not really the issue. Don't purchase chips that are fried in partially hydrogenated oil or tropical oil, which are high in saturated and trans fat.

Most importantly, moderation is key to any weight control/health program. We are not to be given to gluttony but we can certainly enjoy a good potato chip once in a while!