Regular cookies (they don't have to be chocolate chip) are loaded with sugar and refined white flower.
We are going to get back to sugar later. First, let's have a quick delve into the horrifying world of refined white flower.
Why you need to avoid white flour
Whole grain contains three parts. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which is an excellent source of fibre, B vitamins and anti-oxidants, then we have the endosperm (the part that many people haven't heard about!) this is the least valuable section of the grain, and typically consists of starch. Last but not least, in the middle, we have the germ, which has proteins, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've perhaps already guessed, the refining system which is used to make white flower throws out the bran along with the germ and focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain that includes the lowest nutritional value.
Flour, and therefore cookies (as well as bread, and an assortment of other foods) that is made from the endosperm is incredibly hazardous to your health. Exactly why do they make it? Exactly why does refined white flour even exist? Because it keeps longer. And foods that stay fresh for longer make more money. (which evidently is much more important than our well being, right!?)
Refined white flower can cause an entire multitude of health concerns. Including but definitely not limited to: weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, tumors, digestive difficulties, the list never ends!
And the sugar....
Sugar seems to have such a bad rep already that I don't think I ought to beat it down any more. We all know it's bad for us… but it makes stuff taste better, therefore we carry on eating it.
A lot of things taste just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are the ideal example. They can get their sweetness from more healthy alternatives to sugar, such as honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or even chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are made utilizing whole wheat flower, which includes all of the good parts of the grain, exactly like nature intended.
I also feel I ought to say that they actually taste much better as well! Don't you agree? To me at least, oatmeal cookies seem a lot more indulgent and sophisticated than normal cookies… and don't get me started on oatmeal cookies with stem ginger! They always get the secret hiding place at the back of the pans! Far too tasty for kids!