The main purpose of protein bars is to provide an additional source of protein to your main meal. However, in a conversation with socialbites.ca, Anna Mashkova, an endocrinologist at SM-Clinic, warned that in some cases such products can do more harm than good.
Bars are divided according to their composition into protein bars with high protein content, high-carb bars and cereal bars. They may also contain natural ingredients: dried fruits, nuts, grains.
“Such a product can serve as an additional source of protein along with the main meal and can be used when gaining muscle mass. Considering that protein bars are quite high in calories (50 grams contain up to 270 kcal), they can also be used if you are underweight,” said Mashkova.
At the same time, he emphasized that protein bars alone cannot replace a full meal, as they do not contain all the amino acids, vitamins and minerals found in natural products (eggs, chicken, turkey, beef, fish).
“We should not forget that in addition to protein, it also contains carbohydrates, namely various sweeteners such as corn syrup. Bars with no added sugar are gaining particular popularity. Unfortunately, the absence of glucose in a product does not mean that that product is beneficial. “As a rule, fructose is added to such products,” warned the expert.
According to him, studies have proven that cells in the human body cannot absorb fructose due to the lack of necessary enzymes. Therefore, instead of going directly to the cell, fructose is sent to the liver where it is converted into glucose or triglycerides (bad cholesterol).
Regular consumption of such bars can lead to disruption of carbohydrate metabolism, increased blood sugar level, accumulation of fat in the liver, cardiovascular diseases, accumulation of fat in the abdominal area, and the development of gout.
“Be sure to check the contents of protein bars before consuming them. Inscriptions stating that the product does not contain glucose should warn you. This does not mean that the product is healthy. This is especially true for people with high blood sugar and obesity,” warned the expert.
Russian doctors before stated It is about the increasing number of obese patients.
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Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.