Energy bars: what they are, benefits and nutritional contribution

They are called as energy bars (In fact, this is the precise name by which you can find them in specialized stores), and they can be acquired in more and more places. In fact, they are delicious and tremendously nutritious.

Currently there is a great variety of bars for all tastes and flavors: with nuts or without them, with cereals or not, and even with flavors of chocolate, orange, yogurt, pineapple, lemon ...

But are the energy bars really healthy and good for your health? For which people are exactly recommended? How many could eat a day ?.

Do you know what energy bars are? And what are they?

It is quite probable that you have already seen them in the odd supermarket or store. In fact, it is quite possible that you have already tried them. All, more, we know them and it is true that they are tremendously delicious.

They consist of a very nutritious nutritional supplement, which naturally helps to provide a series of nutrients to the diet, as well as energy. They are, so to speak, a nutritious option to meet certain needs in a timely manner, given that they are precisely characterized by being quite energetic and therefore caloric.

They are usually made from cereals and nuts. For example, they can be made using a specific group of cereals, such as muesli, or with oats, trizo, corn and rice. In addition, they can contain dried or dried fruits or chocolate.

Of course, depending on the purpose for which it is going to consume its nutrient content will be different. So, for example, we can meet the popular protein bars, which as its name suggests, are bars that provide a very high amount of protein. The most common is that they contain between 5 to 25% protein.

We can also mention the hydrocarbon bars. In these cases, your carbohydrate contribution can reach 50% (although its content may be higher depending on the brand).

Nutritional values ​​and benefits of energy bars

The energy bars come to be foods that should not be confused with the already typical bars of nuts or cereals.

They tend to be rich in carbohydrates (not in vain, they have between 65 and 80% of the product itself), and they have a high content in proteins (between 5 and 15%), and also offer a good calorie intake (between 300 and 500 calories depending on the type of energy bar that is chosen).

They are also enriched with vitamins and minerals, highlighting -for example- vitamin C, E and B vitamins, as well as phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and folic acid.

As you have surely imagined, these are vitamins and minerals that are involved in the processes of obtaining energy and in the proper use of nutrients.

They are also low in fat, and are very digestible, so that their consumption does not give a feeling of heaviness.

For what people are the energy bars indicated?

Given its high content of carbohydrates, proteins and calories, and being also enriched in vitamins and minerals, it is a product designed for all those who practice sports.

This means that they help to increase energy during exercise (being ideal in endurance sports), and also help the body recover after practicing sport.

In addition, energy bars can be found specially prepared for before, during and after exercise, depending on their composition. So, we can establish a recommendation depending on the type of bar:

  • Who is recommended hydrocarbon bars ?:Due to their high content in this macronutrient they are ideal for physical exercise and intense sports in which aerobic exercise is fundamental, as for example it could be the case of cycling, tennis, marathons or hiking.
  • Who is recommended protein bars ?:Because of their contribution in proteins they are recommended bars especially in strength sports, so they are ideal in case of practicing anaerobic exercises, such as bodybuilding and gymnastics.

More information | Consumer Eroski This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesExercise