Michael Pollan explained in his book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, that “The more anxious we are about eating, the more vulnerable we are to the seduction of the marketer and the expert’s advice”.
Basically, as more and more information comes out about food, health, and nutrition, and more conflicting evidence is thrown around on the television, the internet, magazines, etc., we have become overwhelmed and anxious about food. This has caused us to lose the ability to make decisions for ourselves, thus we feel it’s easier to assume what we read must be true, and we are willing to spend the money if a company says something is “healthy”.
Here is a great example:
Bottom Line
– Nutri-Grain bars are a healthier snack, compared to many snacks available.
– Nutri-Grain bars do provide 8 grams of whole grains per serving, which likely adds some antioxidant power to the bars.
– The pomegranate and cherries in this bar are simply for flavoring, not for health, despite what the marketers want us to believe.
– Any bar with more than five separate sources of added sugar is probably not the best bar to count on for antioxidants.
– Eat a pomegranate soon. They are available in a grocery store near you! And, they are a true superfood/superfruit. Check out this video about how pomegranates (REAL ONES!) may help prevent breast cancer.
– The best way to get antioxidants is from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, not a snack bar that has had them added (although, as I said in my video, Nutri-Grain bars do have some whole grains) Scientists haven’t even figured out all of the phytonutrients in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which may be working with the different antioxidants to help them provide their vast array of benefits in our bodies. Therefore, their benefits simply can’t be mimicked in fortified food or supplement.
QUESTION: Have you tried these Nutri-Grain bars? What’s your favorite way to get your antioxidants?
