Devin T.

                                       Candy Bar Project Essay

                                                         

Some Americans feel that candy has too much sugar in it and that it is very unhealthy. They say that the Mars and Hershey candy companies should either change the way the candies are made and advertised, or discontinue the candies entirely. Personally, I feel that changing or discontinuing these well-known candies would be a bad idea that could disappoint customers or put candy companies out of business. Because of this, I strongly support the side that thinks the candy companies should keep their candies as they are. Mars and Hershey should leave their sweets alone because eating candy can be good for your body, because dark chocolate is a healthy type of candy, and because some candies can improve your mental health. Did you know that the average American annually consumes 23.9 pounds of candy? If we eat all of this candy, why change or get rid of something that makes workers money and people happy? Keep the candy!

The companies should not make any changes to their candies is because eating candy can do good things for your body. Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale University Preservation Research Center, says, “We actually need sugar; it’s our body’s preferred fuel.” This shows that you don’t need to feel guilty every time you eat a piece of candy because your body actually likes the sugar. Surprisingly, two ounces of chocolate is more effective at stopping chronic coughs than codeine. That would mean that the next time you have a bad cough, eating a bar of delicious Hershey’s chocolate could help you feel better! Another fact is that peppermints made with real peppermint extract can ease an upset stomach. Also, students at Cornell University found that cotton candy can be used to restore blood vessels. Finally, the Harvard School of Public Health did a study that shows that people who eat candy regularly live longer than those who don’t. Wow! Who knew that candy could be so much more than just a tasty treat?

Another reason why the companies should not make any changes to their candies is because dark chocolate is a healthy type of sweet that is used in many candies. An example of this is, regularly eating chocolate can decrease the risk of heart attack by 39%. In other words, people who consume a chocolate bar weekly can also reduce their chance of dying from a stroke by 46%. That’s almost half! In fact, chocolate is so good for your body that scientist John Finley says, “The healthful stuff in cocoa powder might one day be put into pills.” He also noted that Mars Inc. was already interested in doing just that! Furthermore, chocolate contains serotonin and phenylethylamine (PEA) which enhance your mood and reduce depression. Lastly, a compound in cocoa beans slows down the growth of cancers in your body. Isn’t it surprising that a bar of delicious Hershey’s dark chocolate can do so many good things for your body?

Lastly, the companies should not make any changes to their candies is because some candies help improve your mental health. For example, chewing gum is proven to improve your mood, reduce stress, increase your mental focus, and block pain. Michael Allured, publisher of Manufacturing Confectioner, says, “People have a special relationship with candy, especially those who have grown up with it.” In other words, eating candy reminds kids and adults of memories from their childhood and makes them feel calm, comforted, and happy. Another reason why candy makes your mind feel good, is that many researchers from different schools and organizations found that peppermint helps people concentrate better during tests and makes drivers more alert while on the road. In addition, studies show that sugar makes people better able to focus and perseverate longer on a difficult task. Also, just a shot of sugar can restore a person’s willpower. I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s cool how candy can make you feel good and may help get your grades up in school too!

Some people may say that candy and chocolate can cause cavities, obesity, headaches, depression, stress, heart-disease, and cancer, however not all of these facts are correct. For example, chocolate actually contains two compounds that act as antidepressants. Also, dark chocolate is filled with powerful, heart-healthy antioxidant flavonoids that can help decrease a person’s chance of dying from a stroke or heart attack by around 40%. Many people know that chewing gum can reduce stress, but do you know why? Studies show that the repetitive action of chewing gum simulates areas of the mind that increase attention and self-control, while lowering areas that have to do with stress. Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that a chemical known as GECGC, which is a compound in cocoa beans, was the most effective against fast-growing cancers. Lastly, a study conducted at the U.K.’s University of Hull found that dark chocolate increased levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol in Type 2 diabetics. Diabetes can lead to being overweight, which can lead to obesity, so it’s a good thing that chocolate can help. “Chocolate with a high cocoa content should be included in the diet of individuals with Type 2 diabetes as part of a sensible, balanced approach to diet and lifestyle,” says Steve Atkin, Professor of Diabetes and Endocrinology. While sugar may cause headaches and cavities if it is eaten too much, there are much more important diseases and illnesses that sweets can help prevent.

The Mars and Hershey companies should leave their candies the way they are because eating candy can protect your body from some illnesses and diseases, because dark chocolate does many good things that keep your body healthy, and because some  sweets can make you feel more relaxed or less stressed out. It is important that candy companies leave their candies alone because candy has been a part of people’s lives and traditions for many years. Imagine Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Easter, but with no treats! That would definitely not be a happy day of celebration for most kids and adults. Also, think about all of the candy stores in your area. Discontinuing or changing these candies could put candy shops out of business and cause people to lose their jobs. As an 11 year old kid, I know that my friends and I don’t eat candy all day long; only once in a while for a special treat. If kids don’t constantly eat candy, then what harm can it do?  In an interview, Dr. Katz also said, “There’s a role for sugar in our diet. After all, what’s the point of being healthy if it’s not to enjoy living?” When someone goes and eats a piece of candy they aren’t looking for a healthy snack. They want to taste the sugary sweetness. Keep the candy!