Regular cookies (they don't have to be chocolate chip) are loaded with sugar and refined white flower.
We'll look at to sugar later. First, let's have a quick delve into the horrifying reality of refined white flower.
White flour is not good news... here's why
Whole grain is comprised of three parts. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which is an effective source of fibre, B vitamins and anti-oxidant, after that we have the endosperm (the section that a lot of people haven't heard of!) this is the least beneficial section of the grain, and mainly consists of starch. Last but not the least, at the center, there is the germ, which incorporates protein, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've probably already guessed, the refining method that is used to produce white flower throws out the bran along with the germ and focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain which includes the least nutritional value.
Flour, and ultimately cookies (or bread, or an assortment of other things) which is made from the endosperm is very detrimental to your health. So just why do they make it? Exactly why does refined white flour even exist? Because it keeps for a longer time. And products that don't go off so quickly generate much more profit. (which evidently is significantly more important than our well being, right!?)
Refined white flower can cause a whole plethora of health risks. Including but certainly not limited to: extra weight, diabetes, heart disease, tumors, digestive system difficulties, the list goes on forever!
The problem with sugar
Sugar seems to have such a bad rep already that I don't think I ought to beat it down anymore. We all know it's bad for us… but it makes stuff taste good, hence we carry on eating it.
Many things taste just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are a good example. They get their sweetness from much healthier alternatives to sugar, such as honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or maybe chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are made with whole wheat flower, which includes all of the good parts of the grain, exactly as nature intended.
I also think that I need to say that they actually taste better too! Wouldn't you agree? To me at least, oatmeal cookies are 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 top secret hiding spot at the back of the pans! Way too good for kids!