The FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) program allows certain substances/chemicals to be used in food without pre-market review which begs the question:

What’s Your Protein Bar Made Of?

Linear Bar 8-23-2024 LinearBar.com

Processed foods are engineered to enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life but are often loaded with harmful ingredients that can negatively impact health. These foods typically contain high levels of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, chemical additives, and preservatives, which can contribute to a range of health problems. Regular consumption of processed foods is linked to weight gain, insulin resistance, increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and chronic inflammation. Protein bars, marketed as health products, are not exempt from these harmful ingredients and often contain many additives that contribute to long-term health risks. If your Protein Bar contains any of the ingredients below, you might consider choosing a better bar.

Use this checklist to confirm what your protein bar likely contains:

1. Added Sugar
   Found in many protein bars, added sugars contribute to various health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

2. Aspartame
   An artificial sweetener that has been associated with headaches, dizziness, and possible links to more severe health conditions such as cancer and neurological disorders.

3. Artificial Colors
   Linked to hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic effects, artificial colors are used to enhance the appearance of foods but offer no health benefits.

4. Artificial Sweeteners
   Used as sugar substitutes, artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose can disrupt gut bacteria and may be linked to metabolic disorders and increased appetite.

5. Carrageenan
   A thickener and stabilizer that can cause inflammation in the digestive system and has been linked to gastrointestinal issues, including bloating and colitis.

6. Canola Oil
   A highly processed oil, often chemically extracted and refined. Canola oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids and has been associated with inflammation and increased risk of chronic diseases.

7. Corn Oil
   Another omega-6 rich oil. It is often highly processed and may contribute to increased inflammation and the development of metabolic diseases.

8. Cottonseed Oil
   Frequently used in processed foods. It is heavily refined and contains omega-6 fatty acids, which can exacerbate inflammation and disrupt the omega-3/omega-6 balance.

9. Dextrose
   A form of glucose often added to processed foods. It can spike blood sugar levels and, over time, contribute to insulin resistance and weight gain.

10. Erythritol
    Another sugar alcohol used as a sweetener. While less likely to cause digestive distress than maltitol, large quantities can still lead to bloating and gas.

11. Glucose Syrup
    A refined sweetener that raises blood sugar rapidly, leading to potential weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

12. Grapeseed Oil
    Though marketed as healthy, this oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and often extracted using chemical solvents. Its consumption can lead to inflammatory responses in the body.

13. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
    A common sweetener in processed foods that contributes to obesity, fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, and increased risk of heart disease.

14. Hydrogenated and Trans Fats
    These fats are found in many processed foods, including some protein bars. They can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease.

15. Maltitol
    A sugar alcohol used as a sweetener. It can cause bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort, particularly in people with sensitivities. It may also raise blood sugar levels in some individuals.

16. Maltitol Syrup
    A sugar substitute often found in protein bars. It can cause digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, especially in sensitive individuals.

17. Maltodextrin
    A highly processed starch that can spike blood sugar levels and potentially harm gut health. It can also lead to weight gain and metabolic imbalances.

18. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
    A flavor enhancer used in many processed foods. It has been associated with headaches, allergic reactions, and adverse effects on brain health in sensitive individuals.

19. Nitrites/Nitrates
    Commonly used as preservatives in processed meats, these chemicals can form harmful compounds called nitrosamines, which have been linked to cancer.

20. Natural Flavors
    You may have seen the term “natural flavors” on ingredient lists. These are flavoring agents that food manufacturers add to their products to enhance the taste. However, this term can be pretty confusing and even misleading. Given the number of chemicals that may be part of a natural flavor mixture, adverse reactions may be possible.

21. Peanut Oil
    Commonly used in processed foods. Peanut oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and may lead to inflammation and an increased risk of heart disease.

22. Polydextrose
    Polydextrose is a complex carbohydrate made from glucose. It's made in a lab and is not digested by the body. People use polydextrose for constipation, prediabetes, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

23. Polysorbates
    Emulsifiers used in processed foods that may contribute to gut inflammation, disrupt gut bacteria, and exacerbate metabolic issues when consumed frequently.

24. Potassium Sorbate
    A preservative used to prevent mold and yeast growth in processed foods. It has been linked to skin allergies and respiratory issues in some people.

25. Rice Bran Oil
    Used in many processed foods, rice bran oil is often refined and may contain omega-6 fatty acids that contribute to inflammatory conditions.

26. Safflower Oil
    Another omega-6 fatty acid-rich oil that can promote inflammation and contribute to chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease when overconsumed.

27. Sodium Benzoate
    A preservative that can form benzene, a known carcinogen, when combined with vitamin C in foods. It may also contribute to hyperactivity in children.

28. Soy Lecithin
    An emulsifier derived from soybeans. Though generally recognized as safe, it may cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals and could be derived from genetically modified soy.

29. Soybean Oil
    High in omega-6 fatty acids, soybean oil can increase inflammation and has been linked to obesity and metabolic disorders when consumed excessively.

30. Sucralose
    Another artificial sweetener that may negatively affect gut health by reducing beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome. It can also contribute to glucose intolerance.

     

Sunflower Oil
High in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation in the body when consumed in excess, leading to chronic conditions like heart disease and arthritis.

The information summarized in the list and context provided comes from a variety of reputable sources in the fields of nutrition, health science, and public health. The data on processed foods and their effects on the human body is drawn from peer-reviewed studies, nutritional textbooks, and well-regarded health organizations. Here are some general sources of this type of information:

1. Peer-reviewed Journals:
   

   Scientific journals such as The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, The Lancet, and The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) publish studies on the effects of processed foods and food additives on human health.

2. Nutrition Textbooks:
   Books like Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease and Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism provide detailed explanations of the roles of nutrients, additives, and dietary compounds in human health.

3. Public Health Organizations:
   Information on ingredients such as trans fats, artificial sweeteners, and chemical additives comes from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

4. Health Websites:
   Reliable websites like Healthline, WebMD, and Mayo Clinic offer accessible summaries of the health effects of specific ingredients commonly found in processed foods, including seed oils, sugars, and preservatives.

5. Nutritional Databases:
   Databases such as the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Library of Medicine and the USDA’s FoodData Central provide information on food composition, including the presence of harmful additives.

6. Government Dietary Guidelines:
   Government publications, such as the U.S. Dietary Guidelines and reports by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), discuss the risks of excessive consumption of certain processed food ingredients.

7. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/natural-flavors#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
   
   These sources collectively inform the understanding of the health risks associated with the processed ingredients found in protein bars and other processed foods.

LinearBar.com