While oatmeal cookies are generally not considered a "health" food due to their content of sugar and fat, they do contain some nutritional value. Unlike many other desserts, some oatmeal cookies provide protein, heart-healthy fat, fiber and vitamins and minerals, making them a fairly healthy choice if you need a sweet treat.
Fat
Depending on the brand, oatmeal cookies may contain a little or a lot of fat. One oatmeal cookie may contain anywhere from 1 to 15 g of fat, but most of this fat is unsaturated. While saturated fat increases risk of heart disease when consumed in excess, unsaturated fat may decrease this risk by decreasing harmful LDL cholesterol and increasing beneficial HDL cholesterol. Oatmeal cookies are healthy in terms of their unsaturated fat content.
Protein
While some brands of oatmeal cookies provide little protein, others are fairly high. An oatmeal cookie may contain as little as .5 g of protein or as much as 7 g, depending on the brand. Protein is an important component of a snack, as it provides you with a feeling of satisfaction, staving off hunger after eating. It is also needed for the growth and repair of tissues. Oatmeal cookies that provide some protein are a healthy choice.
Fiber
Not all brands of oatmeal cookies provide a good deal of fiber; one cookie may contain anywhere from .5 g to 3 g of fiber. Like protein, fiber is important in weight loss, as it keeps you satisfied after eating and prevents the consumption of excess calories. It is also needed for healthy digestion and helps regulate blood cholesterol levels. Choose oatmeal cookies with a high fiber content to make the healthiest choice.
Vitamins and Minerals
While oatmeal cookies are not high in most vitamins and minerals, some do contain a few key nutrients. Some brands may contain a limited amount of vitamin A, iron and calcium. Vitamin A is needed for vision, iron for oxygen transport and calcium for bone health. Unfortunately, some brands may contain a fair amount of sodium, which you should limit. Read the nutrition information of your favorite brands and choose oatmeal cookies that are low in sodium but high in other nutrients.
References
- LIVESTRONG.COM MyPlate: Starbucks Cookie, Oatmeal Raisin
- American Heart Association; Know Your Fats; January 2011
- LIVESTRONG.COM MyPlate: Dad's Classic Oatmeal Cookies
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Protein; February 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet; Mayo Clinic Staff; November 2009
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Vitamins and Minerals; February 2011
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