What are the health risks associated with puffed snacks?
Mar 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, puffed foods refer to foods whose raw materials have been expanded in volume and become crisp in texture through specific processing techniques. These foods often contain high levels of fat, salt, or sugar, and long-term excessive consumption may be detrimental to health. Puffed foods may pose health risks such as obesity, reduced gastrointestinal absorption capacity, neurological damage, impaired intelligence, and adverse effects on development.
Generally, puffed snacks may pose health risks such as obesity, reduced gastrointestinal absorption capacity, nervous system damage, impaired intelligence, and adverse effects on development. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Obesity
Puffed snacks usually contain large amounts of carbohydrates and are often high in salt, sugar, fat, and calories. Long-term consumption of these foods can lead to obesity and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
2. Reduced Gastrointestinal Absorption Capacity
Puffed snacks often contain additives such as sodium saccharin. Excessive consumption can interfere with the normal secretion of digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing its absorption capacity. This may not only cause indigestion but also reduce appetite and affect overall nutrient absorption.
3. Nervous System Damage
Certain ingredients in puffed snacks, such as excessive lead and aluminum, can accumulate in the body and bind with various proteins and enzymes, important components in the human body, thereby affecting multiple biochemical reactions. Long-term intake of these harmful substances may damage the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as reduced attention span, poor memory, hyperactivity, and irritability.
4. Impaired Intelligence
Artificial synthetic food colorings used in puffed snacks have certain toxicities. Long-term consumption of foods containing synthetic colorings may interfere with nerve impulse conduction, impair brain function, and affect children's intellectual development.
5. Adverse Effects on Development
Harmful substances such as aluminum and lead in puffed snacks can accumulate in the body and also interfere with the normal development of bones and muscles, leading to delayed growth and development. This is particularly detrimental to children and adolescents during their critical growth and development stages.
It is recommended to consume little or no puffed snacks in daily life and instead eat more nutrient-rich foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits to maintain good health.
