Dr. Robert Cook - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Robert Cook

Are Soda Crackers Bad For You?

Also Known As: Saltines


Grade

F


Short answer

Although Saltine crackers do contain some vitamins and minerals, other detrimental ingredients make this snack choice a bad option.

Grade

F

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

The main ingredients which you will find in Saltine crackers are flour, high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil and vegetable monoglycerides. You will also find vitamins B1, B2 and B12 and minerals calcium, iron and magnesium. These vitamins and minerals do come with benefits, however, the fact that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and hydrogenated oils are present in this snack will potentially outweigh any of them.

At the very least HFCS has been linked to diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. It is added to many refined products as it is cheap to manufacture. Studies have even found that around 50% of HFCS contains high levels of mercury, a metal that can cause adverse reactions to your body’s organs, brain, and immune system when consumed regularly.

Partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil is a very inexpensive oil commonly added to processed foods. It is full of saturated fat and has been linked to inflammation, increased levels of bad cholesterol and cardiovascular disease when consumed regularly. Cottonseed oil has almost three times the fat level of, say, canola oil.

Vegetable monoglycerides are commonly added to foods to help certain ingredients blend together that would otherwise not. It is also used to extend shelf life. Unfortunately much like cottonseed oil, vegetable monoglycerides are responsible for increasing the risk of high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and has even been linked to the formation of certain kinds of cancer.

Saltine crackers should be avoided where possible or consumed in absolute moderation.


Possible long-term side effects

  • cardiovascular disease
  • high cholesterol levels
  • inflammation
  • diabetes
  • cancer

Ingredients to be aware of



Benefits

  • may help to relieve nausea when sick

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Rovira Export Sodas

  • Classic soda crackers
  • Individually packed
  • Convenient foil fresh
  • 8 oz box size
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 01-12-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 01-12-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023




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