Regular cookies (they don't have to be chocolate chip) are brimming with sugar and refined white flower.
We shall talk about to sugar later. First, let's have a quick delve into the terrifying reality of refined white flower.
White flour is not good news... here's why
Whole grain is comprised of 3 pieces. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which happens to be an excellent source of fibre, B vitamins and antioxidant, then there is the endosperm (the part most people haven't heard of!) this is the least valuable section of the grain, and mainly consists of starches. And finally, in the middle, there is the germ, which includes proteins, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've perhaps already guessed, the refining system which is used to produce white flower disgards the bran together with the germ and focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain which has the lowest nutritional value.
Flour, and then therefore cookies (as well as bread, or a variety of other foods) that is made from the endosperm is incredibly harmful to your health. So just why do they make it? Why does refined white flour even exist? Because it stays fresh longer. And foods that don't go off so quickly generate much more money. (which of course is much more important than our health, right!?)
Refined white flower can cause a whole multitude of diseases. Including but certainly not limited to: excess fat, diabetes, heart problems, cancer, digestive system difficulties, the list continues!
Now for the sugar
Sugar has got such a bad rep already that I don't think I need to beat it down anymore. We all know it's bad for us… but it makes stuff taste better, hence we carry on eating it.
Lots of things taste just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are a fantastic example. They get their sweetness from healthy alternatives to sugar, including honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or maybe chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are made using whole wheat flower, which includes all of the healthy parts of the grain, exactly like nature intended.
I also feel like I should point out that they actually taste much better as well! Wouldn't you agree? To me at least, oatmeal cookies seem far more indulgent and sophisticated than regular cookies… and don't get me started on oatmeal cookies with stem ginger! They always get the secret hiding spot behind the pans! Far too tasty for kids!