Kevin Hussey Biology 118 Dr.

Finke October 5, 2011 Plant Biochemistry at the Grocery Store- Ritz Crackers

There are very few things in the world that pass through the esophagus quite delectable as peanut butter. Additionally, when peanut butter is placed between two bite-size crackers, the result is an ultimate combination of tasty magnificence. Without the existence crackers, it would be amazing to see how anyone can tolerate a vegan diet (assuming that the calcium phosphate isn't animal derived, of course). I love Ritz Crackers for the flavor, convenience, and it can be an integral component of a healthy diet. So let's explore the nutritional world of this magnificent circular creature. All hail Nabisco! To begin, Ritz Crackers (the peanut butter variety) supply an adequate amount of carbohydrates. According to the nutritional panel, one serving of six crackers contain twenty one grams of carbohydrates, comprising of five grams in sugars, one gram of dietary fiber, and the remaining fifteen grams are most likely starch, which comes from the peanut (small amount) and cornstarch (extracted from seeds) ingredients. The 4% of fiber may come from the wheat or peanuts and is not a significant amount in one serving, but it can still contribute in digestive health (the writer wishes not to go into detail about how this works) and lowering the risk of heart disease. The sugars present most likely come from the sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and dextrose. The sugars are added for sweetness, and while high fructose corn syrup is produced from corn, it is not necessarily plantinherent due to all the chemical changes, and is also added for sweetness. Additionally, a serving of Ritz Crackers contains a total of eleven grams of fat, making up 50% of total calories. This amount provides a substantial portion of the 20-35% recommended value in a

daily diet, but is not an overload of fat allowing room for more to be consumed throughout the day. The lipid profile breaks down to 1.5 grams of saturated fat, and thus contains 9.5 grams of unsaturated fat. The unsaturated fats are distinguished by three grams of polyunsaturated fat and 6 grams of monounsaturated fat (the total amount is technically missing half a gram, but is probably due to the mathematical rounding of the values). The health implications of these specific fats are as follows: the saturated fat content minimally contributes as a health risk due to the low quantity, but it does lead to an increase in low-density lipoproteins (LDL,considered bad cholesterol) which can build up plaque deposits in the arteries and blocks the effects of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, considered good cholesterol). There is no trans fat present (hallelujah!), which is beneficial for the consumer as trans fat would effectively lower HDL and raise LDL. The six grams of monounsaturated fat and three grams of polyunsaturated fat contribute to an improvement of good cholesterol by lowering LDL and increasing HDL, which can lower blood pressure and ensuring fat breakdown for conversion of energy. It is important to note that the Ritz Cracker contains zero milligrams of cholesterol itself, however the LDL and HDL components are the molecules that direct cholesterol throughout the bloodstream for transport. No ingredients indicate a presence of partially hydrogenated oil for trans fat, as the palm oil may be a viable substitute. However, the canola oil may contain a small amount of trans fat, in which if more than one one serving is consumed, the insignificant fraction of trans fat can grow into an untamed beast of harmful nutritiousness! Saturated fat most likely comes from from the canola and soybean oil. The monounsaturated fat is probably contributed to the presence of the peanuts and canola oil, while the polyunsaturated fat can come from the soybean oil. One serving of crackers also provides four grams of protein. This amount equates to only 8 percent of the recommended daily protein intake, which may surprise the nation of muscle-head body builders who continually exclaim peanut butter is the sole producer of gargantuan muscles and thus, the root of all manliness. The soy lecithin may also contribute an insignificant amount of protein. Micronutrients in the Ritz Crackers are present at a moderate level at best, containing 6% of the

recommended calcium consumption and 8% in iron for the listed macrominerals. However, the chief ingredient, enriched flour, contains niacin, a B3 vitamin which can lower cholesterol, and thiamine, another B vitamin that most likely does the body some type of good (I mean, its a VITAMIN after all). And again, the Riboflavin vitamin makes an honorary guest appearance in the enriched flour ingredient list. There is also a small presence of potassium. After digesting all the dietary information of Ritz Peanut Butter Crackers, it is apparent that bite-sized treat loved by millions can be very nutritional: it contains the good kinds of fat, carbohydrates the body needs, protein, and nutrients. However, the greatest benefit of this food, by far is the succulent taste (although words on paper will offer no validation of this claim). The argument can be made that the food is not the most optimal supply of a healthy diet, but it is by no means detrimental nutritiously and is a healthier alternative to other snacks and treats such as donuts or a slice of your mother's homemade triple layer devil's food cake with coronary disease enriched icing. Additionally, there are other Ritz alternatives such as whole grain and whole wheat varieties that may contain higher levels of nutrition. So remember kids, nutrition should always be valued as an integral component of your lifestyle, because living a healthy lifestyle is a lot like making butter: there is little margarine for error.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size 1 Ounce (28 g, approx. 16 crisps)Servings Per Container 6