You’ve probably still got a houseful of candy this week – either from your children, or leftover from the treats you bought for the trick-or-treaters. Or maybe the extra made its way to the office where you’ll be confronted by it again and again.
We are fascinated by a recent New York Times article that examined society’s relationship to candy. It seems that the sugary stuff has a bad rap –so bad in fact, today some Americans even equate it with things like drugs; while historically it has even been linked to the spread of diseases including polio.
But according to some nutritionists, that may be little harsh for candy, which has never tried to masquerade as a health food. Instead it is an honest indulgence, unlike foods such as granola bars and sports drinks which purport health, but can sometimes contain more sugar than even the sweetest candy.
The article quoted experts and examined the fact that candy is (nutritionally) not very different than foods that people may consider better for them, or even healthy.
“I don’t think candy is bad for you,” said Rachel Johnson, a nutrition professor at the University of Vermont who was the lead author of the American Heart Association’s comprehensive 2009 review of the scientific literature on sugar and cardiovascular health.
Dr. Johnson also noted that (contrary to popular belief) candy provides only 6 percent of the added sugar in the American diet, while sweet drinks and juice supply 46 percent. “
The article introduced us to a woman who calls herself the Candy Professor, Dr. Samira Kawash, and her blog Dr. Kawash started the blog when she realized just how unhealthy our perception of candy and our relationship to it can be, even ultimately admitting that her relationship to the stuff is “not totally healthy.”
How is your relationship with candy? Do you love it? Hate it? Can’t resist it? Let us know if you liked the article as much as we did and what you think of the Candy Professor and her blog.