Ritz Crackers, a beloved American snack, have recently become teh target of controversy thanks to a viral video by a self-proclaimed health expert. Dr.Kevin Reese, who holds a doctorate in Holistic nutrition & Healing from an online institution, claims that these classic crackers are “probably not a good idea” due to their oil content.
Reese, who emphasizes that he is “NOT a medical doctor or physician,” attributes his concerns to the presence of oils in Ritz Crackers, which he categorizes as one of the “Poor 4 Foods” to be eliminated from the diet. According to Reese, these oils contribute to “free radical damage” in the body. The “Poor 4” also includes gluten, fried foods, and processed foods.
In his video, which has garnered over 1.2 million views, Reese suggests that Ritz Crackers are not sold in other countries because they are “bad for you.” He urges viewers to “wake up and get off the Poor 4 Foods.”
Is There Any Truth to These Claims?
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Reese has a history of making controversial health claims, some of which have been debunked by medical professionals. For example, he previously asserted that dementia can be reversed, a statement not supported by scientific evidence. He has also questioned the efficacy of prescription medications, suggesting that if they worked, people wouldn’t need refills.
While some individuals may choose to limit their intake of processed foods like Ritz Crackers as part of a healthy diet, it’s important to rely on credible sources of data and consult wiht qualified healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
It’s crucial to approach health information with a critical eye, especially when it comes from sources lacking scientific credentials. while Dr. Reese’s video has sparked conversation, it’s essential to remember that correlation does not equal causation, and further research is needed to substantiate his claims.
A recent TikTok video by Dr. Reese, a self-proclaimed health expert, has sparked debate about the nutritional value of Ritz Crackers. In the video, Dr. Reese claims that Ritz Crackers are “one of the worst things you can eat” due to their high oil content. he specifically criticizes the presence of “seed oils,” which he categorizes as unhealthy.
While Dr. Reese’s video has garnered attention, it’s important to note that his claims about “seed oils” lack scientific consensus. As highlighted by the New York Times, while increased consumption of certain oils has coincided with a rise in health problems, there’s no conclusive evidence establishing a direct causal link.
“We’re eating more of these oils because they’re used in ultraprocessed and fast foods, which make up a larger share of our diets today than in past decades,” writes author Alice Callahan, summarizing points made by Stanford University medical professor Dr. Christopher gardner. “Those foods aren’t good for us…but there’s no evidence to suggest that seed oils are what makes them unhealthy.”
It’s also worth noting that Dr. Reese’s list of “unhealthy” foods includes Ritz Crackers, which contain gluten. This omission is notable because gluten is a common dietary concern, and its presence in Ritz Crackers might be relevant to individuals with gluten sensitivities.
Why are Ritz Crackers Not Sold in Some Countries?
The absence of Ritz Crackers in some countries, particularly within the European Union, is not due to their perceived unhealthiness but rather the presence of trans fats.The EU has strict regulations on trans fats due to their potential health risks.
While Dr. Reese’s focus on oils might be overly simplistic, there is evidence suggesting that replacing heavily processed oils with healthier fats can be beneficial. For example, repeatedly using cooking oil, as frequently enough seen in deep fryers, has been linked to the formation of free radicals, which can be harmful to health.
“Ritz Crackers aren’t the healthiest crackers on the shelf, but they have their place in a balanced eating plan.”
Ultimately, as dietician Jill Corleone, RD for Eat This, Not that, points out, moderation is key. While Ritz Crackers may not be the most nutritious choice, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
video/7412776652536679711" data-video-id="7412776652536679711" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px">@dr.reese.plus ♬ original sound – Dr Reese plus
A recent tiktok video by nutritionist Abby Reese sparked a lively debate about the healthiness of Ritz crackers. Reese, known for her straightforward dietary advice, declared Ritz crackers “the worst cracker” due to their high saturated fat content. Her video, which has garnered millions of views, ignited a flurry of responses from viewers, some agreeing with her assessment while others defended their beloved snack.
“No lie, my entire family grew up with Ritz crackers as a staple in our pantry, my mom died at age 90 2 yrs ago, my aunt just died at age 95,” one commenter wrote. “You’re silly.”
Another commenter pointed out the vast array of international biscuits unavailable in the U.S., suggesting a broader outlook on snack choices. “There’s so many international ‘biscuits’ that aren’t sold here??”
A third commenter reminisced about their past love for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on Ritz crackers, acknowledging the challenges of transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. “Used to love pb&j on ritz in my younger days. I cut out all oils a couple years ago. Eating healthy takes time and effort. Its too easy to grab what we’ve always known and shove it in our face,” they declared.
The Daily Dot reached out to Reese for comment via Instagram direct message and email, as well as to Ritz Crackers’ parent company, mondelez International, via email.
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## Are Ritz Crackers Really “Bad for You”?
**World-Today-News Exclusive Interview with Registered Dietician, Dr. Emily Chen**
A recent viral video by self-proclaimed health expert Dr. Kevin Reese has sparked controversy, labeling Ritz Crackers as one of teh ”worst things you can eat” due to their oil content. This has led many to question the nutritional value of this beloved American snack. To shed light on this trending topic, World-Today-News sat down with registered dietician Dr. Emily Chen to separate fact from fiction.
**World-Today-News:** Dr. Chen, Dr. Reese claims Ritz crackers contribute to “free radical damage” due to their oils. What’s your take on this?
**dr.chen:** While it’s true that some types of oils can contribute to free radical formation when exposed to high heat, labeling all oils as harmful is an oversimplification. Ritz Crackers do contain partially hydrogenated oil, a type of fat that can contain trans fats, wich have been linked to negative health outcomes. However, the overall amount in Ritz Crackers is relatively small.It’s crucial to remember that a single food item rarely makes or breaks a healthy diet.
**World-Today-News:** Dr. Reese also claims Ritz Crackers are not sold in other countries because they are “bad for you.” What’s the truth behind this?
**Dr. Chen:** This statement is misleading. Ritz Crackers are not sold in some countries, especially within the European Union, due to their trans fat content, which is strictly regulated there. this doesn’t necessarily make them “bad,” but rather reflects different regulatory standards.
**World-Today-News:** What’s your general advice on consuming processed snacks like Ritz Crackers?
**Dr. Chen:** Moderation is key. While Ritz Crackers are not the most nutrient-packed choice, they can be enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet. Focus on consuming a variety of whole, unprocessed foods, and save processed snacks for special treats. Look for crackers made with whole grains and healthy fats when possible.
**World-Today-News:** Any final thoughts for our readers?
**Dr. Chen:** Be critical of health claims made by individuals without proper credentials. Look for evidence-based information from reputable sources like registered dieticians and healthcare professionals. Remember, healthy eating is about balance, moderation, and making informed choices that fit your individual needs.
