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If you're looking for a healthier alternative to white and yellow corn chips, blue corn tortilla chips just might be the food for you. Not only are they more colorful, but they also have additional health benefits and are packed full of nutrients and antioxidants.
Made from blue corn, these blue corn chips have 20 percent more protein and around 8 percent less starch than the white and yellow corn chips you'll find on store shelves, according to WebMD. They also contain at least three times as much fiber as other tortilla chips (via Chron).
Blue corn tortilla chips also have a lower glycemic index and are full of antioxidants. Anthocyanins, the natural plant pigments that give the chips their color, are a class of antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory benefits. These antioxidants can help repair cells and reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. Anthocyanins can also be found in berries and red wine.
Blue tortilla chips are healthier, but not exactly healthy
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While blue corn chips may have more health benefits than their pale counterparts, it is important to remember that they are still a snack food, not a superfood. "Even though blue corn tortilla chips can have a slight nutritional advantage, they are not the elixir of snacks," Marina Chaparro, R.D., a clinical dietitian and national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told Women's Health.
This is why moderation is key. If you're worried about your caloric intake, try sticking to the serving size on top of keeping a well-balanced diet. Consuming a portion-controlled amount of 10 to 12 chips, or 1 ounce, will allow you to enjoy the chips' health benefits without overindulging. For a healthier snack, you can add chia seeds, brown rice, or hummus. If you're already a fan of chips and salsa, however, you just might want to stick with what you know.
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