Candies are classified as sugar - based confections in the sugar confectionery industry.
What are candies and bonbons made of in the modern 21st century?
Do we read the labels and do we actually care what we buy and give to our children?
Let's look closer to these labels: ingredients in candies such as sugar corn syrup, glucose, vegetable oils (mostly palm or coconut in chocolates), Maltodextrin, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, preservatives, erythritol and more
Artificial Colors
are added to extend shelf life
make the candy look more appealing
are linked to hyperactivity, ADHD in children and birth defects
according to some studies are linked to allergic reactions, neurological damage and cancer
contribute to obesity
dyes in candies like Red 40 or Yellow 5 or 6 are carginogens
Red 40 is made from petroleum, linked to ADHD in children according to some studies (but is still approved in the US)
Yellow 5 can cause damage to white cells which can lead to tumors and cancer later
E131 or 133 is responsible for that blue color that the kids love so much - frequent eating can cause thyroid damage and cell damage in the body
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a starch used in place of sugar to claim "sugar free". It is made from any starch through hydrolysis, which uses water and enzymes or acids to cut starch molecules into smaller pieces. After hydrolysis, it's purified and spray-dried to make a white powder. It works as a replacement for sugar. It has a 50% higher glycemic index than table sugar. It is used as an inexpensive filler to add bulk to processed foods, It is also used as a preservative to increase a product's shelf life.
Maltodextrin can be found in artificial sweeteners, beer, infant formula, salad dressings and more
Maltodextrin can cause stomach issues, bloating, gas, diarrhea, skin irritations and other allergic reactions. It can be dangerous for people with diabetes.
Erythritol
Erythritol is a sugar substitute. In large doses it causes nausea, allergic hives, excess gas, bloating, risk of heart attack or stroke
Lead
Lead = danger in candies nowadays!!
Lead is a chemical element; symbol Pb
It is a gray heavy metal with a little bit of blue color. Lead is soft, it has a relatively low melting point. We can find it in the air, soil, water and thanks to human activity like mining, manufacturing, burning fossil fuels (gasoline) etc. It is used in paint, pipes, ceramics, plumbing materials, batteries, and cosmetics. Lead can be released to the air from engine aircraft - it can travel long distances before settling to the ground - then it sticks to soil particles. From soil it moves to ground water.
Lead is used as a preservative in food. Some candy wrappers can be made of lead. Lead is found in chocolate candies, especially in dark chocolate. Many cocoa beans come from countries that use or used leaded gasoline which causes pollution, contamination of dust, plants and food.
Lead can get into the candy, when drying, storing, and grinding the ingredients are done improperly. Ink from plastic candy wrappers leaches into the imported candy. Wrappers are printed with lead inks. Wrapped chocolate bars are actually "lead bricks".
Danger to children - their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults, their brains and nervous system are sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.
Damaging effects of lead:
behavior and learning problems
lower IQ
hyperactivity
hearing problems
slowed growth
permanent intellectual disability
anemia
pregnant women - hurt the baby's brain, kidneys, nervous system or cause the baby to be born too early or too small
eating, drinking water containing lead
toys with lead - based paint from China. Toys made in China do not have the same safety regulations as those in Europe or the US. They often contain lead, cadmium and phthalates. All of them are carcinogenic chemicals so don't buy these toys!
Lead has been found in candies imported from China, India, Taiwan and Mexico. These candies had been tested for lead. Lead was found in candies Lucas Limon, Chaca Chaca, Tutsi Pop, Tamarindo candy and many more. Lead has also been found in certain spices imported from Vietnam, India, and Syria.
Fertilizers used during farming may contain lead pesticides (lead arsenate). Lead remains in soil for decades.
Other harmful ingredients:
Cadmium
Cadmium is a chemical element (symbol Cd), soft, silvery -white metal found in chocolates, cereals, nuts, meat products and more. Cadmium enters the environment through mining operations and the action of wind and rain. It can be found in mineral fertilizers, batteries, pigments, metal coatings, plastics and cigarette smoke (tobacco plants).
Causes lung damage, kidney damage that can lead to cancer
Nickel
Chemical element with symbol Ni. It is silvery - white with a slight golden tinge. It is a hard metal.
It is used for boat propellers, turbine blades, batteries, and can be found in coins.
It is found in chocolates. Large consumption can damage lungs, kidneys, stomach that can lead to cancers.
Aluminium
Aluminium is found in minerals; it resembles silver. It can be found in processed cheeses, baking powders, frozen dough, pancake mixes, pickled vegetables , tea, herbs, spices. In big doses it can damage our brain, liver, and the kidneys. It is dangerous when breathed in.
Artificial colors,, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, sodium benzonate, sulfites,polysorbate 60,65,80, nitrites, TBHQ, BHT/BHA, MSG.................it never ends........
MSG Monosodium Glutamate
It is made from fermented starch or sugar. It is a flavor enhancer, food additive in commercial food. Can be found in canned vegetables, soups, deli meats, broth and bouillons, and many many more.
It gives a special aroma to processed food. It's nickname is "China salt".
Dangerous Effects:
linked to obesity
linked to metabolic disorders
headaches
neurotoxicity - injures brain cells
cellular inflammation
reproductive organs issues
Some of these are banned in a few countries but still can be found in products. If there is an ingredient you do not recognize - do not eat it!! Read the labels!! Educate yourself and your children! Be aware of these dangers in food! Eat what grows, don't eat factory made food.
YOU HAVE A CHOICE
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