Protein bars: what are their benefits and how to choose the best ones
Recently, protein bars have become famous as light and nutritious snacks, because they contain protein and other nutrients that help provide those who eat them with activity. Which made it more popular among athletes and dieters. Because of the different types protein barIn this article, we will learn about its benefits, and how to choose the type best suited to your needs.
Benefits of a protein bar
Rich source of nutrients
Eating a protein bar is beneficial for the body, especially when consumed before or after exercise. It is a good source of protein, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins such as vitamin E, B vitamins, calcium, and iron. Therefore, eating it helps to strengthen the digestive system, repair muscles, and it also helps to reduce food intake between meals.
Weight loss
Some have resorted to eating protein bars in order to lose weight. Some studies have indicated that following a high-protein diet helps to lose healthy weight. This is due to the fact that protein reduces appetite. However, a balanced diet should be followed, and regular exercise should be exercised.
overweight
In order to gain weight, you must consume more calories than you burn in a day. Therefore, some types of protein bars are a good choice because they are rich in calories, as some types contain 350 calories per bar.
Muscle Building
Protein bar is an ideal choice for those who exercise, as it may increase muscle mass and improve performance. That’s when your diet and physical activity are sufficient.
Also read: Routine: What are the risks of decreasing and increasing it?
How to choose a protein bar
You have to make sure that you choose the right type for you, so make sure of the following:
The type of protein
Some protein bars contain plant or dairy proteins. The most common types are whey, rice, soy, and eggs. So make sure of the type before buying, especially if you are allergic to some of these types.
2-Protein content
You should choose a protein bar that contains at least 20 grams of protein, if you eat it as a snack before or after exercising. In the event that it is used as a meal replacement, choose a bar that contains at least 30 grams of protein.
- Recommend not to eat less or more than that. As the body can only digest between 20 and 40 grams of protein per session.
- But if you routinely eat more than that, the unused calories may lead to weight gain.
3- Calories
If you are going to eat the bar as a snack between meals, choose a protein bar that contains about 220 to 250 calories. In the event that it is eaten as a meal replacement, choose protein bars that contain about 300 to 400 calories.
4-fat
Steer clear of unhealthy fats, and choose a bar with about 10 to 15 grams of total fat, and no more than 2 grams of saturated fat.
5-Fiber
The higher the proportion of dietary fiber in the protein bars, the more it helps in curbing the appetite. Therefore, it is preferable to choose bars that contain at least 3 to 5 grams of fiber.
6-sugars
Avoid choosing bars that contain artificial sweeteners such as erythritol, sorbitol, and maltitol. As it may cause bloating and gas. You should also choose bars that do not contain a large amount of sugar, it is best to eat about 5 grams or less.
General advice when buying
- Some protein bars may contain a high percentage of fructose, to enhance flavour. So choose types that contain little or no sugar.
- Read the bar’s ingredient labels before you buy it to ensure you’re making the healthiest options for you.
- Excessive intake of protein may lead to health problems.
- Not all protein bars contain the fats that come from whole nuts and seeds, some types use highly processed vegetable oils such as soybean or peanut oil.
- Athletes, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases need a higher daily protein percentage than the average person.
And if you want to get medical advice: You can talk now with a certified doctor.