Regular cookies (they don't need to be chocolate chip) are high in sugar and refined white flower.
We shall talk about to sugar later. First, let's take a quick delve into the alarming reality of refined white flower.
White flour is not good news... here's why
Whole grain is made up of 3 sections. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which is an effective source of fibre, B vitamins and anti-oxidants, next there is the endosperm (the section that the majority of people haven't heard of!) this is the least beneficial section of the grain, and typically consists of starches. And finally, at the heart, we have the germ, which contains healthy proteins, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've possibly already guessed, the refining method which is used to produce white flower chucks out the bran along with the germ and focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain where there is the least nutritional value.
Flour, and then therefore cookies (as well as bread, or a variety of other foods) which is made from the endosperm is incredibly detrimental to your health. Why do they make it? Exactly why does refined white flour even exist? Because it keeps for a longer time. And products that have a longer use by date generate more profit. (which evidently is much more important than our well being, right!?)
Refined white flower can cause a whole plethora of diseases. Including but certainly not limited to: fat gain, diabetes, hypertension, cancers, digestive complications, the list continues!
The problem with sugar
Sugar has got such a bad rep already that I don't think I ought to beat it down anymore. We know it's bad for us… but it makes food taste good, which means that we keep eating it.
A lot of things taste just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are a great example. They are able to get their sweetness from healthy alternatives to sugar, including honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or even chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are made utilizing whole wheat flower, which still includes all of the healthy parts of the grain, just like nature intended.
I also believe that I should say that they actually taste better too! Wouldn't you agree? To me at least, oatmeal cookies seem much more indulgent and sophisticated than normal cookies… and don't get me started on oatmeal cookies with stem ginger! They always get the top secret hiding spot behind the pans! Far too tasty for kids!