TRUTHS & MYTHS ABOUT CANDY

Submitted by: Leon Moffat.

Chocolate Manufacturers Association and National Confectioners Association: Why do people eat candy? Quite simply: It tastes good. It seems when we eat something just for the sheer pleasure of it, guilt sets in. Pressure to improve our diets may be the cause for this reaction.

There are no@perfect@ foods, so why give up the taste? Just as no one food is the single key to health, no one food can be your downfall. Your goal: Select the greatest variety from all of the food groups. The real test of whether or not you have a healthy diet is your answer to the questions, AHow much@ and AHow often?@ Chocolate and candy have been part of our food supply for thousands of years. Likely they will continue to be favorites for thousands of years to come.

MYTH: Candy contributes a large percentage of the fat and sugar in the American diet.

TRUTH: Less than 2% of the fat and 10% of the sugar in our diets are supplied by candy. Most of the fat actually comes from high-fat animal products. The main source of sugar in American diets are sugary beverages, baked goods and frozen desserts.

MYTH: Foods high in saturated fats raise cholesterol levels.

TRUTH: Contrary to popular belief, not all types of saturated fats raise blood cholesterol levels. Stearic acid, the primary saturated fatty acid found in chocolate, has a neutral effect on blood cholesterol levels.

MYTH: An ounce of milk chocolate contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.

TRUTH: A one ounce piece of milk chocolate contains about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of decaffeinated coffee. There is an average of 6 milligrams of caffeine in both an ounce of milk chocolate and a cup of decaf, while a cup of regular coffee contains between 65 and 150 milligrams of caffeine.

MYTH: Sugar causes hyperactivity. Responsible for most tooth decay. Candy is high in calories.

TRUTH: Vanderbilt University and the University of Iowa College of Medicine found no evidence that sugar has an adverse effect on children=s behavior. Foods containing fermentable carbohydrates, such as starches and sugars can contribute to tooth decay. It depends on how often we eat or drink these foods and how long they remain in our mouth. Good dental hygiene and regular fluoride treatments are the best way to prevent cavities. One butterscotch disc has only 20 calories. Eight gum drops or eight jelly beans (one oz.) Contain 115 calories. Even better, most of these candies are fat and cholesterol-free, making them a healthier treat than many people realize.

Everyone loves a sweet treat, but many of us feel guilt, instead of enjoyment, when we indulge. The sweet truth is, there are no Abad@ foods, just poorly planned diets. When eating well balanced meals, you can include some of your favorite treats. The number one goal for good nutrition is to eat a variety of foods daily to supply your body with needed nutrients. Control how much you eat to achieve a healthy balance in your diet and weight. Moderation in all things can help us achieve health and a sweet life. (Information from the Chocolate Manufacturers Association & National Confectioners Association.)