I am saddened by the number of people who think that health bars are healthful. I am disappointed that many parents put these health bars in their children’s lunches because they think that health bars are more healthful than candy.
An interesting report from Center for Science in the Pubic Interest evaluates health bars and finds that most flunk any reasonable definition of healthful. For a food to be healthful, it must be made from whole grains (not stripped down flour that has had vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals removed), provide at least 2 grams of fiber (the average North American gets only 11 grams of fiber per day when he and she need at least 35 grams per day.), contain at most a gram of saturated fat (because it raises cholesterol in people who take in too many calories), and should certainly have fewer than 14 grams of sugar per serving. (Excessive intake of sugar causes a high rise in blood sugar in diabetics, that causes sugar to stick to cells and be converted to sorbitol, a poison that damages cells and shortens life.)
The Center for Science in the Public Interest evaluated 86 health bars and found only 6 that could be called healthful. Among the best were Health Valley’s Fruit Bars, Granola Bars, Bakes and Healthy Breakfast Bakes. They all had less than 11 grams of sugar in each bar, no saturated fat and fewer than 150 calories per bar. Barbara’s Nature Choice Cereal Bars also did well.
Atkins Almond Brownie Diet advantage had more than 220 calories (too many) and 3 grams of saturated fat (more than an egg yolk), but on the good side, it has no sugar.
A healthful bar should be made from whole grains, provide at least 2 grams of fiber, contain at most a gram of saturated fat, and should certainly have fewer than 14 grams of sugar per serving.
Gabe Mirkin, M.D., has been a practicing physician for over 50 years. He is board-certified in sports medicine, allergy and immunology, pediatrics, and pediatric immunology. This article was originally published on DrMirkin.com. Subscribe to his free weekly Fitness & Health newsletter.
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