Almost everyone likes at least the occasional sweet treat, and gum and candy are easy choices for satisfying your sweet tooth or keeping your mouth busy. They may taste good, but gum and candy may contribute to a variety of health problems. Most healthy individuals can fit a small amount of candy while maintaining an overall nutritious diet, and a nutritionist can work with you to develop a satisfactory meal plan.
Weight Gain
You can gain weight by eating candy because it can be high in calories, and you gain weight when you eat more calories than you burn. Hard candies, soft candies and chocolate are all high in calories, and candy is among the top sources of calories in the typical American diet, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Sugar-free candy is not necessarily low-calorie because it may have calories from alternative sweeteners, such as sugar alcohols, or fat, as in chocolate. Gum is not likely to cause weight gain, and it can be a low-calorie alternative to dessert.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
If you have fructose intolerance, you may experience diarrhea, gas and bloating when you eat foods with sugar, such as candy. Fructose intolerance occurs when your body is unable to properly digest fructose from your diet, and fructose is a component of ingredients such as high-fructose corn syrup and white sugar. Sugar-free candy or gum can cause diarrhea and bloating if they contain sugar alcohols such as sorbitol or xylitol.
Tooth Decay
Candy made with sugar can cause tooth decay, or dental caries, because bacteria use sugar for growth. Sugary gum can be even worse because the sugar is in contact with your teeth for longer, so bacteria have more opportunity for growth. To reduce your risk of cavities, brush your teeth or drink water after eating candy or chewing gum, or use sugar-free products. Xylitol, a common sugar substitute, may actually be beneficial for your teeth because it strengthens your enamel.
Other Effects
Too much added sugar can raise levels of triglycerides in your blood, which may increase your risk of heart disease. Candy is among the top sources of added sugars in the typical American diet. A high-sugar diet can increase your risk for diabetes, and some sugar substitutes in sugar-free gum and candy may have a similar effect.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Bloating, Belching, and Intestinal Pains: How to Avoid Them; April 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Fructose Intolerance: What Foods Should I Avoid?; Katherine Zeratsky; March 2011
- MayoClinic.om: Artificial Sweeteners: Understanding These and Other Sugar Substitutes
- Mayo Clinic; Soda Consumption Linked to Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Other Health Concerns; February 2010
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010
