Eating Candy May Not Be so Unhealthy After All

Eating candy gets a bad rap. Sweets are blamed for everything from causing tooth decay, obesity and hyperactivity in kids. But there's good news for candy lovers. According to a new study published in the journal Nutrition Research, eating candy in moderation may not be so unhealthy after all.

Eating Candy May Not Be So Bad After All

This study looked at the candy-eating habits of more than 15,000 adults. When they did, they made some interesting observations. Adults who munched on candy had no greater risk of weight gain or obesity than adults who didn't. Even more surprising was the fact that candy eaters had lower levels of a marker for heart disease called c-reactive protein - and a lower risk of hypertension and metabolic syndrome, a health problem linked with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Researchers didn't conclude from this study that eating candy is necessarily healthy, especially when it's a substitute for more healthy dietary choices - but they believe that eating candy in moderation isn't necessarily a bad thing if you balance it with an otherwise healthy diet and regular exercise. Some candy eaters compensate for their candy indulgences by making healthy food choices at mealtime.

Chocolate is Healthy: It's the Better Way to Eat Candy

You probably already know that dark chocolate contains healthy compounds called flavanols that are good for the heart and help to improve mood by boosting levels of feel-good hormones called endorphins. Who doesn't get a little mood-lift after eating a piece of chocolate?

Eating plain dark chocolate with a high cacao content is one of the healthiest candy choices, but for even more heart-healthy benefits, munch on dark chocolate almonds instead. Almonds are a good source of vitamin E and monounsaturated fats that are heart-healthy. Almonds are also rich in magnesium, which helps to stabilize blood pressure.

Eating Candy and Healthy Chocolate: The Bottom Line?

A little candy in moderation or as a splurge after eating a healthy diet may not be so bad after all - but choose your candy wisely. Instead of munching on high-sugar candies with hydrogenated oils, choose sugar-free dark chocolate almonds for a heart-healthy treat, but don't eat too many. They're not low in calories.

References:

Medical News Today. "All Things in Moderation: An Occasional Treat Within a Healthy Lifestyle Means You Can have Your Candy"

World's Healthiest Foods website.