One Major Side Effect of Eating Potato Chips, Science Says

If you consume fewer of them, your heart will thank you. 

Let's be clear: grabbing a bag of potato chips now and then isn't going to kill you. Isn't it true that anything in moderation is usually fine? If you eat too many potato chips, your heart health may worsen, especially if you already have high blood pressure. 


According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of all adults in the United States have hypertension or high blood pressure and take medication to treat it. A systolic blood pressure of at least 130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of greater than or equal to 80 mm Hg (130/80 mm Hg) is considered hypertension.


What's more alarming? Only around 24% of persons with high blood pressure can regulate their condition. If your blood pressure remains high for an extended period, it can have serious consequences, particularly for your heart. According to the American Heart Association, excessive blood pressure can harm your cardiovascular system (AHA). This could be a risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.


If you have hypertension (or are taking medication to treat it), it's best to avoid meals that could enhance your condition. This includes items that are highly processed and high in sodium, such as potato chips. Remember that one serving of Lay's Potato Chips—roughly 15 chips—contains only around 170 milligrams of salt or about 7% of the daily value. But consider this: if you open a bag of Lay's chips, are you going to eat only 15 chips?


According to the American Heart Association, you should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, which is about one teaspoon of salt. Those with high blood pressure, on the other hand, could improve their condition by lowering their dose to 1,500 mg per day. Therefore, if you combine chips with other processed meals such as unhealthy frozen pizzas or burritos, it's easy to understand how your sodium intake may skyrocket by the end of the day. 

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