Diet & Nutrition 2 MIN READ 1672 VIEWS July 13, 2022

Can Protein Bars Alleviate Hunger Pangs?

Written By HealthKart
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Aarti Nehra

Protein Bars

Nowadays, a lot of people are into following a variety of diets. They follow and implement all these diets to ensure they remain fit and strong. The diets people follow usually involve controlling or cutting down on food portions to ensure an overall balance. In this regard, they often resort to protein bars to fulfil their hunger. These bars are full of healthy items that meet one’s nutrition requirements but without disturbing their diet.

Benefits of Protein Bars

Here are some essential advantages of having this high protein bars when you are hungry:

  1. Increasing the muscular mass and strength 
  2. Makes you feel full 
  3. Contributes to the healthy skin and proper growth of nails, hair, etc.
  4. Decreases incidence of blood sugar spikes
  5. Increases rate of burning fat
  6. Contributes to the healing effect of the body cells after injuries

Constituents of Protein Bars

Protein-based bars are essentially chocolate-bar-shaped products that usually consist of a lot of: 

  1. Prebiotic powders or supplements
  2. Chocolate or other flavours (flavour-specific)
  3. Flax Seeds
  4. Cashew nuts, almonds, etc.

Though these ingredients might not seem like much, good protein bars often prove to be very filling. In other words, since protein bars are essential sources of protein, they have the same or similar benefits as consuming other protein-rich food items do.

What to Look for Before Buying a Protein Bar?

People looking to buy some of their first best protein bars in India should consider certain factors that help them in choosing the same: 

  1. The sources of protein in it
  2. How many calories do they contain; normally, a protein bar should have at least 230-250 calories or even more than 400 gm if people want them to replace a meal
  3. The quantity of dietary fibre in them; ideally anywhere between 4-6 gm or more, should act as a defining point
  4. How much sugar they contain; ideally, they should consist of less than 5 gm of the same or they should opt for sugar-free protein bars that are better
  5. The quantity of protein they contain; ideally, anywhere between 25-30 gm of protein is advisable 

Side-Effects of Protein Bars

There have been numerous debates about this, owing to some of the potential pitfalls or downfalls of high protein bars as mentioned below: 

  1. Feeling a sensation of bloating or unhealthy fullness
  2. Skin problems such as acne 
  3. Constipation
  4. Foul-smelling breath
  5. Damage to the kidney
  6. Inflammation or heartburn

Conclusion

Now, while the above factors and benefits of sugar-free protein bars might sound convincing, the question is, do protein bars truly help in combating hunger?

Well, even though they can be a useful addition to one’s diet, they cannot take the place of a full square meal, except for the few options. While these products are great for alleviating hunger pangs for a few hours at a stretch, they do not keep people satiated throughout the day. Nonetheless, you have the freedom to decide whether and how you want to incorporate these protein bars into your diet. This is why you should weigh all your options carefully.

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