Protein bars are great not only for those trying to improve their overall athletic performance and endurance level, or to gain more muscle mass, but for all people who simply don’t have time to enjoy a complete meal and who want a fast, nourishing and convenient snack. However, it is extremely important to choose your protein bars carefully, since they can make or break all your muscle-building efforts – some of them are very healthy, while others are packed with harmful hydrogenated oils and sugars, and a plethora of other chemicals, additives and fillers, as well as preservatives that can wreak havoc on your health. If you are concerned about these issues, then read about the six most common unhealthy ingredients in protein bars, along with what makes them so dangerous and why you should avoid them:
1. High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is one of the most commonly used sweetening agents in protein bars these days – and this is perfectly understandable, given the fact that HFCS is very cheap to produce and is widely available and used around the world. But there are many potentially severe health effects associated with the prolonged and extensive use of high fructose corn syrup, effects that should concern those who eat protein bars on a regular basis. Some people even go so far as to compare HFCS with cigarettes in terms of its health effects – this ingredient is commonly found not just in protein bars, but in most sweetened beverages available on the market, in various carbonated drinks, canned fruits, baked goods and many dairy products.
