Bronx High School of Science



Bronx High School of Science Department of Biology

Nutritional Science Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Problem: How can we investigate the uses of sugar substitutes in cooking?

Introduction: Some foods rich in sugars can contribute to the disruption of the body’s system for controlling its own sugar levels. Glucose is the body’s primary form of chemical energy, and is necessary for the cells of the body to perform metabolic activities. On the other hand, glucose is a reactive molecule, and excess quantities can damage the circulatory system, eyes, kidneys, and nervous system. So the body tightly regulates blood glucose levels, and does so with the hormones insulin and glucagon. Sugar substitutes provide the sweetness without providing the digestibility, and therefore the calories, that sugar provides. Some sugar substitutes are hundreds, or even thousands, of times sweeter than sugar and are used in tiny quantities which provide little to no calories.

Ingredients:

¾ C flour 2 tsp. molasses

1 tsp. baking soda 1 large egg

½ tsp. ground cinnamon ¾ tsp. vanilla extract

½ C butter, softened 1 ½ C old-fashioned oats, uncooked

½ C Splenda ½ C raisins

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Stir together flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Beat butter and Splenda at medium speed with and electric mixer until fluffy.

4. Add eggs, molasses, and vanilla, beating until blended.

5. Gradually add flour mixture, beating at a low speed until blended.

6. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto lightly greased baking sheet.

7. Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

8. Cool slightly on baking sheets.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the health benefits of eating oatmeal? (

2. What food groups are covered in our oatmeal raisin cookies?

3. What are the benefits of using a sugar substitute when baking?

4. Compare the calorie intake of regular sugar to the sugar substitute used for baking in this activity.

5. Explain why it would not be wise for diabetics to eat these cookies even though a sugar substitute was used to bake it.

6. Critique your final product.

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