While crispy, crunchy potato chips are often thought of as a tasty side for sandwiches, chips are rarely considered a health food. However, manufacturers are reducing added sodium and cooking oils in chips, turning chips from a high-fat food to a low-fat option.

Smartfood Popcorn is manufactured by the Frito Lay company and found in the chip section of many grocery stores. Its signature black bag is a temptation for those who love the cheesy taste and airy texture of the snack. But an unbridled indulgence in a bag of Smartfood may derail your diet.

Many people avoid snacks because they are afraid that snacks contribute to weight gain. However, a healthy snack can offer health benefits. Snacks can even be included in a weight loss plan. The trick is to choose a snack with about 100 calories and a mix of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats.

Peanuts and tree nuts are considered common food allergens that affect children and adults alike. If you experience a burning, itching or tingling sensation in your mouth after you eat peanuts or tree nuts, call your doctor.

The taste of metal in your mouth after eating almonds is most likely the result of an allergic reaction. According to FamilyDoctoor.org, a metallic taste is a common symptom of a food allergy. Almonds are considered a tree nut, a common food that can trigger an allergic reaction.

Peanut butter is a kid-friendly, nutritious food if eaten in moderation. Most kids love peanut butter. It is versatile and can go with many types of foods, such as apples, celery, crackers and bread. Peanut butter is high in fat, but it is monounsaturated fat that is considered heart healthy.

If you've been avoiding nuts due to their high calorie and fat content, reconsider adding them to your diet. Though a single ounce of raw cashews contains 155 calories, a diet rich in nuts may actually aid in weight control, explains the Linus Pauling Institute.

Donuts and pastries are common foods served at business meetings, but they are high in fat and sugar and lack any substantial nutrition. If you and your colleagues attend regular meetings, providing healthier fare will help you avoid consuming empty calories and will also increase your intake of vitamins and minerals.

Sunflower seeds can be found in one of two forms: either within their shell or removed from their shell in the form of a kernel, which is the edible part of the sunflower seed.

Making nuts a part of your diet supports your health by helping your body regulate blood sugar and lowering your risk of a heart attack. The University of Massachusetts Medical School highlights almonds as one of the nuts that should appear most frequently in your diet.

Pine nuts have long made up a part of the American diet; they were staple foods in many Native American cultures. They were eaten as far back as 10,000 years ago, according to Michelle Hansen at the University of Oregon. At 191 calories per ounce, pine nuts pack a fairly hefty caloric punch.

Smart Balance is a company that makes food products with reduced levels of trans fatty acids, fat and saturated fat, as well as foods with enhanced nutrition. The company manufactures a peanut butter with more omega-3 fatty acids due to the inclusion of flax oil.