Are Corn Nuts Bad For You?
Also Known As: toasted corn, cancha, elotitos
Short answer
Even though corn nuts are derived from a vegetable, they have very little nutritional value. They are also high in fat and sodium which are known to be detrimental to your health.
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Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Corn nuts are a crunchy snack food made by either roasting or deep-frying corn kernels. Though they are made from a vegetable, corn nuts are not actually a healthy choice. Because corn nuts are typically deep-fried until they become crispy, most of the nutritional value of the corn is lost, and while an entire package (four servings) of Kraft Brand Ranch Corn Nuts may have up to 9 grams of protein, it also contains about 30% of your daily suggested sodium intake and 18 grams of fat.
Corn nuts contain mostly unsaturated fat, which plays an important role in regulating cholesterol levels and maintaining a healthy heart. However, they are still very high in fat for a food which is consumed as a snack and is essentially devoid of other nutritional value. Saturated fat is also found in corn nuts, and can be a catalyst for plaque formation in the arteries, contributing to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. Corn nuts are incredibly high in sodium. Side-effects of high sodium levels in the bloodstream include headache, hypertension, and even stroke or kidney failure in serious cases. Furthermore, flavored varieties of corn nuts may contain artificial colors and flavors, which can have adverse effects on the digestive and immune systems of some individuals.
A single serving of corn nuts isn't terrible, but it is important to consider that most corn nuts are sold with four or more servings per package. This means consumers will generally eat multiple servings, at which point corn nuts become too high in fat and sodium to be anything but bad for you. While one serving is fine as an occasional snack, eating copious amounts of corn nuts is certainly not something any serious doctor would encourage.
Possible short-term side effects
- indigestion
- bloating
- headache
Possible long-term side effects
- hypertension
- cardiovascular disease
- stroke
Ingredients to be aware of
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
BIENA Chickpea Snacks
- High in protein
- Rich in fiber
- Gluten-free snack
- Plant-based nutrition
- Healthy for all ages
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Written by Leah Bolton
Published on: 01-27-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Leah Bolton
Published on: 01-27-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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