By MICHAEL MOSSJAN New York Times
Protein bars offer convenience, but they can also contain as much sugar as a candy bar and the calorie count of an entire meal.
Protein is the hot ingredient of the moment in processed foods, joining the terms organic and low-fat as a major selling point to pitch to health-conscious shoppers. While carbohydrates and many fats are still widely regarded as suspect, protein is being proudly added to products throughout the grocery store, especially the snack aisle, which has made way for a new star: the protein bar. But a closer look shows that its blessings are mixed.
Powering Up
Unlike other snack bars, the protein bar contains large concentrations of protein. Protein helps build muscle. Research also shows that it may make you feel full, and thus avoid overeating. Kellogg’s Special K Protein Bar flags this idea on its wrapper: “Satisfies Hunger Longer.” But more rigorous studies are needed to assess the bars’ long-term usefulness in fighting obesity.
The PowerBar ProteinPlus has 20 grams of protein, more than a large turkey or ham sandwich.
What Kind of Protein?
Whey, the milk fluid produced (and often discarded) in cheese-making, is a major source of added protein. But rising demand in China has sent whey prices soaring, and manufacturers are increasingly using a less expensive source: soy concentrate and other soybean derivatives. Pea flour is
gaining ground, too. Many bodybuilders prefer whey for its particular combination of amino acids, the building blocks of protein.
Added Sweetness
Unfortunately, processed whey and soy proteins taste awful. So bars use lots of low-calorie sweeteners, including sugar alcohols that can cause upset stomachs, or other sweeteners, including high fructose corn syrup.
Calories Count
While protein bars were originally marketed to young athletes, they are now popular with mainstream shoppers, including dieters and the elderly, the market research firm Mintel has found. Dieters need ample protein in their diets, but should eat less food altogether and beware of snacks. “Many bars have the same calories and protein as a turkey sandwich,” said Carol A. DeNysschen, an associate professor of nutrition at SUNY Buffalo State, “and I think people will be more satisfied eating the sandwich.”
So What About Athletes?
The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition in 2009 published the results of an intriguing trial at Buffalo State. Twenty- eight men, overweight and exercise averse, were given rigorous workouts for 12 weeks, along with added protein — either whey or soy. Neither was more effective for building muscle and losing fat. But the real surprise was this: a third group given no added protein got just as buff and heart-healthy. On the other hand, a recent review that averaged the results of 22 exercise trials found that protein supplements increased muscle mass.
Nutrition on the Go
No one really needs supplemental protein, the American College of Sports Medicine says. Athletes require more protein than the rest of us, but can generally get it through meals. Still, protein ingested just after a truly vigorous workout helps you recover and gain muscle mass. If you can’t have a meal or a snack of nuts, an egg or yogurt, a protein bar can fill the gap. “It’s a convenient source of that protein, but there are excellent food sources of protein, and if someone wants to get it by bringing a chicken sandwich, then absolutely,” said Eric Zaltas, the global head of research and development for Nestlé Performance Nutrition. “Real food has other nutritents in it that are important.”
Big food companies are making protein bars under successful brands like PowerBar (owned by Nestlé), Odwalla (Coca-Cola) and Lärabar (General Mills). Post Foods announced last month that it was buying Dymatize, which makes protein powders and bars. And added protein is showing up in canned soup, cereals, pretzels and cheese: Last fall, Kraft released a new cream cheese called “2X Protein.”
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/29/di…s&emc=rss&_r=0
