Why Are Takis Banned in Canada – Are Takis Healthy to Eat?

Thousands of people are lining up to eat tikis, a hot and spicy snack that has recently become popular all over the world.

Takis were outlawed in Canada in 2019 due to health issues posed by their high sodium content and the significant amount of capsaicin they contain.

What Are Takis?

Although Takis can come in other forms, the most typical version is the hard, crunchy corn shell stuffed with a gooey fruit filling made of tamarind and other flavors. The tamarind inside the Takis is what gives them their unique flavor.

The Takis’ spicy flavor is derived from capsaicin, and it typically becomes apparent 20 minutes or so after consumption. Occasionally, this goes beyond just a texture or taste issue.

Read More: Can You Eat Takis With Braces

What Countries Are Takis In?

In Mexico and a number of other nations, they became well-liked as a snack food. As part of a diplomatic offering to improve Mexico-Russia relations, an enormous shipment of Takis was delivered to areas of Russia, including Siberia, in 2012.

Reasons Why Takis Are Banned in Canada

High Levels of Capsaicin

Because of the capsaicin they contain, tahis are prohibited in Canada. Takis are made spicy by adding natural capsaicin, which is the chemical that gives chili peppers their heat.

For Canadians, though, it might be dangerous if their level of capsaicin is extremely high. Takis are a favorite food of many people, but many drugs are also addictive. It implies that Takis can sometimes cause addiction in those who eat them.

High Sodium Levels

Takis is spicy and salty, but too much sodium in the body can be harmful. High blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke can all be caused by an individual’s diet that contains a lot of sodium. As a result, Takis aren’t frequently bought or made in Canada.

It Can Cause Stomach Aches and Diarrhea

As a result of their frequent hardness—almost like a rock—takis are difficult for people to chew. As a result, many people report having diarrhea and stomach pain after eating Takis. Takis might therefore be best avoided, especially by those who have a stomach ulcer or other medical condition.

Harmful for People With High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

Takis consumption will have very negative health effects on people with heart disease and high blood pressure.

Salt and capsaicin levels in takis are also high. The amount of capsaicin in one taki is at least 10mg.

Therefore, eating Takis was strictly forbidden for those with heart disease and high blood pressure.

Takis Can Cause Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath in Many People

Takis has a high capsaicin content, which can lead to a variety of health issues in people.

Takis should not be consumed by anyone with heart disease. Takis can cause chest pain, breathlessness, and even heart attacks in people who already have heart disease.

However, takis are healthy for those who enjoy spicy food and those who exercise regularly.

Is It Illegal to Eat Takis in Canada?

It is not against the law to eat takis; rather, it is against the law. However, the CFIA states that there is also the possibility of a fine for breaking the chilli pepper ban law.

However, it is not prohibited to eat tikis in Canada. Only the sale and production of Takis are prohibited in Canada.

Alternatives to Takis

Fortunately, there are a lot of Takis substitutes available that can deliver a comparable flavor without the health risks attached to them. For instance, baked tortilla chips are a better choice because they have less fat and calories than traditional fried chips.

Alternatively, you could choose whole grain crackers or air-popped popcorn. These snacks still have a satisfying crunch but have less fat and calories than Takis. To add flavor, they can also be flavored with herbs or spices.

Conclusion

Many people still like to eat takis despite the fact that they are forbidden in Canada. Since the snack is made spicy using natural capsaicin, it’s possible for consumers to develop an addiction to them.

Takis do, however, also include ingredients that are unhealthy for a person’s health, such as high salt content. They are not allowed to be bought or imported into Canada by the government.

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