Protein Bars can offer some very practical benefits, especially for people who have very busy lifestyles that don’t have the time to necessarily eat regular meals. However, there are many different types of protein bars available which can be better or worse for you depending on what’s in them nutrient wise. We’ll look into the pros and cons of protein bars as well as their general nutritional content.
Nutritional Benefits-Numerous protein bars contain several vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, magnesium, and potassium. Moreover, the protein content in protein bars is a good way to help reach your protein intake on a regular basis.
Potential Negatives-Artificial sweeteners and saturated fat content derived from vegetable or soy bean oils could be two downsides to some protein bars that contain them. Some protein bars like Atkins advertise that their bars contain only a certain amount of net carbs which is determined once sugar alcohols and fiber content is subtracted from the total amount of carbohydrates in the bar. * In addition, sugar alcohols and fibers used in some protein bars may not be broken down uniformly in people, making the net carb calculation potentially inaccurate. *
Potential Positives-When it comes to weight loss and replacing normal meals, protein bars serve as a viable alternative. This is due to their fat content, which gives you the sensation of being full as well as their nutrient content, which although may not be as beneficial as having a standard meal, can suffice when you don’t have the time to eat a larger meal.*
Protein bars can serve as a relatively healthy alternative depending on what your health goals are. However, it is imperative that you look closely at their nutrition labels to see if it’s really something that you believe will help you bring about successfully completing your goals. As always, please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your dietary, exercise, and/or medical regimen.
*Sources- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3595318/,https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/atkins-low-carb-bars#what-they-are