Do you snack on rice cakes or protein chips to maintain your figure?
It's time to sound the alarm, because many "diet" snacks contain maltodextrin.
We are talking about an additive that sharply increases blood glucose levels. The glycemic index of maltodextrin is 110, which is higher than that of pure sugar!
It is instantly absorbed into the blood, forcing the pancreas to work in emergency mode. In the long term, this leads to insulin resistance.
But this is not the only danger. Artificial sweeteners in "zero" products (aspartame, sucralose) disrupt the intestinal microflora, which directly affects the detoxification of the body. The liver, trying to neutralize sugar surges and chemical additives, works to the point of exhaustion.
A 2022 study in the journal Hepatology found that regular consumption of these snacks increases the risk of fatty liver disease by 40%. For example, in participants who ate 2 packs of protein chips a day, liver enzyme levels increased by 25% after 3 months.
What else is dangerous about “light” snacks?
- Rice cakes. Despite their low calorie content, their glycemic index is 85. This causes a sharp jump in insulin.
- Fitness cookies. Often contain soy protein isolate, which interferes with the absorption of iodine and zinc.
- Fruit bars. Even if they say "fruit only," they have no fiber—they're pure fruit sugar.
How to Make a Snack Really Healthy
Make kale chips. Drizzle the leaves with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika and bake at 150°C until crisp.
Freeze berries in yogurt for a sugar-free dessert that beats the heat and hunger.
Use spices. Cinnamon reduces appetite, and turmeric speeds up metabolism - add them to nuts or cottage cheese.
Make snacks at home: dried apples with cinnamon, baked chickpeas with turmeric, carrot chips.
Replace rice cakes with whole grain, yeast-free breads (such as buckwheat).
If you want something sweet, eat dates or dried apricots - they contain fiber, which slows down the absorption of sugar.
Author: Irina Tint
