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agate
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Joined: 17 May 2006
Posts: 5694
Location: Oregon
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 Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 10:03 pm Post subject: Energy bars considered |
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From the Berkeley Wellness Letter, August 17, 2012:
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Energy Bar Exam
Do "energy bars" really give you energy? Sure, but only because they contain calories, and calories fuel the body. Here's how to pick the best ones.
Energy bars (also called nutrition or sports bars) vary in how much protein, fat, and carbohydrates they contain, as well as in the vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that are added. They may be marketed as "low-carb," "high-carb," "low-glycemic-index," or "high-protein" (all the diet fads are covered). A few boast organic ingredients or provide extras like herbs and omega-3 fats.
But they won't make you more energetic, stronger, or faster than other foods. Nor will they improve brain function or do any of the other things that may be implied by the bar's name or promoters. Many, in fact, are just souped-up candy bars, loaded with sugar and fat and thus extra calories. But some can be good occasional snacks.
Raising the bar
Not all energy bars are created equal, so read the nutrition information and ingredients. Look for whole grains (like rolled oats), nuts, peanut butter or fruit at or near the top of the ingredient list (not high-fructose corn syrup, brown rice syrup, or maltitol, which are all sweeteners).
Choose energy bars with more fiber. Fiber typically ranges from 2 to 5 grams.
Calories usually range from 170 to 300. Lower-calorie bars simply tend to be smaller. Some bars have as many calories as a small meal.
Look for low saturated fat. Most energy bars have 2 to 4 grams, but some have more.
A
high-protein energy bar (or other high-protein snack) after strenuous exercise may help older people build a little more muscle, but most people don't need extra protein.
Don't judge a bar by how many added vitamins and minerals it has. You're better off getting these from natural food sources or a multivitamin/mineral pill that provides 100 percent of the Daily Values.
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