Regular cookies (they don't have to be chocolate chip) are brimming with sugar and refined white flower.
We shall look at to sugar later. First, let's take a quick delve into the scary world of refined white flower.
White flour health concerns
Whole grain is made of three sections. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which is certainly an awesome source of fibre, B vitamins and anti-oxidant, after that we have the endosperm (the section many people haven't heard about!) this is the least valuable section of the grain, and predominantly consists of starches. Last of all, in the centre, there is the germ, consisting of healthy proteins, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've perhaps already guessed, the refining method that is used to make white flower does away with the bran and the germ and just focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain where there is the least nutritional value.
Flour, and ultimately cookies (and bread, and an assortment of other foods) that is made from the endosperm is very hazardous to your health. Why do they make it? Why does refined white flour even exist? Because it keeps longer. And products that keep fresh longer generate a lot more money. (which evidently is far more important than our health, right!?)
Refined white flower can lead to a whole plethora of health issues. Including but in no way limited to: gaining of weight, diabetes, heart problems, cancers, digestion problems, the list goes on forever!
Now for the sugar
Sugar has got such a bad rep already that I don't think I ought to beat it down any more. We know it's bad for us… but it makes stuff taste good, consequently we carry on eating it.
Loads of things are just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are the ideal example. They can get their sweetness from much healthier alternatives to sugar, such as honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or even chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are also made with whole wheat flower, which still contains all of the healthy parts of the grain, exactly like nature intended.
I also feel I need to add that they actually taste better as well! Don'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 secret hiding place at the back of the pans! Far too tasty for kids!