Be Safe with your Sweets!
Hello all! Kristin again! It’s that time of year when we are reminded how hard it is to avoid candy! When buying sweets for yourself, your friends, neighbors, and children it is not only important to think about the nutritious drawbacks of candy, but also the harmful chemical additives in many popular name brands.
For example, most candies contain high levels of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). It is very important to try to avoid HFCS because it usually comes from Genetically Modified corn. GMO Corn compared to non-GMO corn is proven to induce higher rates of hormone disruption and mammary gland tumors due to higher pesticide use. Many pesticides mimic estrogen, and put us at higher risk for breast cancer. (see Emily’s post from last week)
Healthy Child Healthy World blogged about “The Scary Seven” dangerous additives that we should aim to avoid when buying junk food:
- High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
- Partially Hydrogenated Oils (trans fats)
- Artificial Colors
- Artificial Sweeteners (including acesulfame potassium, or Ace-K; sucralose [Splenda], and aspartame)
- Artificial Flavors
- Preservatives (including: sodium benzoate, sulphites (sulphur dioxide), polysorbate 60, 65, or 80, nitrites, TBHQ, and BHT/BHA)
http://www.healthychild.org/blog/comments/042512_candy_coated_chemical_additives/
If you are a candy lover -not to fear! There are safer options out there made from organic ingredients. For example, Annie’s Homegrown sells Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks (citrus comes in perfect orange packets)! You may have even seen us giving out samples across campus at different UMass Events. This is a delicious alternative that I personally think tastes better than other non-organic gummies I have tried in the past! Have a Happy Healthy Halloween!
