Protein bars may provide some nutrition, but it takes more to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Being a healthy individual has many variables including the mind, attitude, and body.
Protein is derived from 22 complete amino acid and these amino acids must be organic for the body to use them properly.
Convenience
Most Americans live a fast-paced lifestyle that requires them to always be “on-the-go”. Being able to rely on a bar or beverage to supply all the essential nutrients is very desirable but isn’t very effective. Some companies may advertise that they contain all-natural and organic ingredients but most of these food items are heavily processed and have many artificial ingredients. Don’t be fooled by the deceptive descriptions on the package. Look closely at the list of ingredients and make sure that you aren’t being fooled.
Artificial Ingredients
Most protein bars are filled with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. When looking for protein health bars, it’s best to avoid these artificial ingredients.
One of the most prevalent protein sources in the protein bar industry is called “soy protein isolate”. Originally considered as a waste product, soy is processed in potentially harmful ways. Soy wasn’t used as a protein isolate until they discovered that it could turn into large profits.
Another primary ingredient that is found in protein bars is high fructose corn syrup. As the most common sweetener in processed foods and beverages, high-fructose corn syrup is a popular alternative to table sugar. High fructose corn syrup is a highly processed food that can cause adverse reactions to your body. Both high fructose corn syrup and table sugar should be avoided as much as possible.
Fractionated palm kernel oil is another main ingredient of protein bars that should be avoided. Unlike the natural product of plain palm oil, palm kernel oil cannot be produced organically. In fact, 80% of palm kernel oil is saturated fat. A high level of saturated fat can contribute to several cardio metabolic risk factors such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
Sugar alcohols come in many varieties but should all be avoided. The most popular versions are Maltitol Syrup, Sorbitol, Xylitol, Mannitol, Lactitol and Erythritol. Unlike regular sugar, sugar alcohols do not absorb well into the digestive tract. This may cause gas, bloating, and abdominal cramping. Some people believe this is a healthier alternative because it does not impact blood sugars as much as regular sugar. However, there are other risks involved when digesting sugar alcohols.
Another sugar substitute are called artificial sweeteners. Many people are convinced to use artificial sweeteners because they are calorie free. However, they are refined, processed, and synthetic substitutes that can cause a variety of potential health issues, including cancer.
Whey Protein
While a few protein bars are made from soy, most of them are made from whey, a milk by- product. Whey protein is derived from whey, a watery substance that separates from the curds during the cheese making process. Commonly used as a food supplement, whey protein is known to improve athletic performance and help with weight loss. It is a popular nutritional supplement that can be used for multiple reasons including muscle gain, weight loss, and meal replacement. However, there are several health concerns of whey protein isolate.
When consumed in large quantities, whey protein can add stress to the kidneys and liver, increasing the possibility of developing kidney stones and calcium deposits. The kidneys and liver are responsible for breaking down the majority consumed protein.
Soy Protein
Soy protein is a source of lean vegetable protein and is potentially dangerous to human health. It has been known to raise estrogen levels, increasing the risk of breast cancer and cancer of the uterus.
Known as a lean protein, soy protein can cause weight gain if over-consumed. When the body digests more protein than needed, it becomes stored as fat. Consider the variables before consuming protein isolate on a regular basis.
Alternatives
Vegetable based protein is a healthier alternative to whey and soy protein. There are many vegetables that contain high sources of protein and are easily digested by the human body. Easily accessible and widely popular, these vegetables are rich in protein and are healthy alternatives:
- Spinach
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Potato
- Celery
- Kale
- Celery
- Carrots
Eating whole foods in its natural state is most beneficial and nutritious for the body. The body will be able to absorb all of the nutrients that the natural, organic food has to offer. There are unique nutrients in certain vegetables that cannot be found anywhere else.
By consuming processed food with artificial ingredients, the body is not able to identify and use the nutrients that were once available.
Solutions
Protein health bars are processed foods that normally contain unnatural additives that are dangerous to one’s health.
If you have saturated your body with harmful protein products over the months or years, the Full Body Cleanse should be performed at least 2-4 times per year.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
