The Nutritional Value of Doritos

The Nutritional Value of Doritos
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Doritos brand tortilla chips are made by the Frito-Lay Company. You can try over 20 flavors of Doritos, each with varying nutritional value. Doritos tortilla chips have no trans fat, and you can find low-fat versions of many of their popular flavors. Their original Nacho-Cheese-flavored chips are made from whole corn, and eating them can help you meet a number of your daily nutritional needs.

Calories

One package of Doritos tortilla chips contains 150 calories, 70 of which are from fat. Most adults need about 2,000 calories a day, so a package of Doritos provides about 8 percent of your daily caloric needs. Your specific daily caloric needs may be more or less, depending on your age and activity level. You can estimate how many calories you need each day using an online calorie calculator.

Fat and Cholesterol

One package of Doritos tortilla chips contains 8 g of fat, or about 12 percent the daily value for this nutrient. A package of Doritos also contains 1.5 g of saturated fat, or about 7 percent the daily value. Fat should account for about 20 to 35 percent of your total caloric intake. Excessive amounts of saturated fat can lead to atherosclerosis, however, and this specific type of fat should account for less than 7 percent of your total calories. Doritos chips are free of cholesterol.

Sodium

A package of Doritos contributes 180 mg of sodium to your diet, or about 7 percent of the daily value for this mineral. A small amount of sodium in the diet is helpful for promoting fluid balance, but too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Aim to consume less than 1,500 mg of sodium a day to minimize your risk of adverse health effects.

Carbs and Protein

A package of Doritos contains 17 g of carbohydrates, or 6 percent of the daily value for this nutrient. Of these 17 g, about 1 g exists in the form of fiber and 1 g is composed of sugar. A package of Doritos provides a small amount of protein, with 2 g per serving. Both carbs and protein are essential for providing energy and restoring depleted tissue, and most adults need at least 225 g of carbs and 50 g of protein each day.

Vitamins and Minerals

Besides sodium, a package of Doritos offers a moderate amount of the mineral phosphorous, and a small amount of calcium. Both phosphorous and calcium help promote strong bones and teeth. Doritos also contain a moderate amount thiamine and vitamin-B6. Thiamine helps the body convert carbs into usable energy, while vitamin B-6 helps regulate brain and nerve function.

References

Article reviewed by TimDog Last updated on: Feb 22, 2011

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