General practitioner Ivan Eremenko has warned that frequent chip consumption triggers high blood pressure, weight gain, and cardiovascular disease.
Speaking to Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Eremenko explained that a single package of chips often contains high amounts of salt and saturated fats.
The physician noted that regular intake of these ingredients places significant strain on the body. He stressed that all varieties of chips should only be eaten occasionally rather than as a daily snack.
Health risks of processed snacks
Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels, including arterial hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes. High dietary sodium intake causes the body to retain excess fluid, which increases blood volume and places pressure on blood vessel walls. Meanwhile, excessive consumption of saturated fats contributes to weight gain and elevates cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
Eremenko highlighted that alternative products often perceived as healthier choices, including corn chips and vegetable chips, also require strict moderation.
He explained that while some manufacturers produce baked chips or options with reduced salt content, these reformulations still cannot replace nutrient-dense foods. He said even lower-salt or baked alternatives cannot substitute for fresh vegetables, whole grains, or other essential components of a healthy diet.
Dietary alternatives and moderation
Vegetable and corn-based snacks are frequently marketed as nutritious alternatives to traditional potato crisps. However, nutritional guidelines note that many processed vegetable chips undergo similar frying processes, retaining high levels of fat and calories regardless of their plant source. Dietary experts consistently recommend whole, unprocessed vegetables and whole grains to provide necessary dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
RIA Novosti is a major state-owned news agency based in Moscow that regularly publishes health and wellness guidance from medical professionals. General practitioners routinely advise patients on managing dietary risks, as ultra-processed snack foods remain a leading contributor to dietary sodium overconsumption globally.
Eremenko concluded that while consumers do not need to eliminate chips entirely from their diet, every variety of chip is acceptable to eat only on an occasional basis.
