Since Halloween, trick-or-treaters have likely eaten their fair share of Halloween candy. However, this indulgence does not come without consequences.
The FDA recommends limiting the amount of added sugars in one’s diet to 10% of their daily calories. Otherwise, meeting nutritional needs while remaining within calorie limits becomes more difficult. Consuming too much candy can often leave one feeling too full to eat a proper meal and get important nutrients.
Excessive sugar intake can also contribute to type II diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that allows cells to absorb sugar, thus allowing them to use it to produce energy. However, consuming excessive amounts of sugar can lead to a buildup of belly fat and put pressure on the pancreas to produce greater amounts of insulin, which are both tied to insulin resistance. When a person’s cells become too resistant to insulin, their cells don’t absorb sugar, leading to higher blood sugar levels and type II diabetes.
Consuming high amounts of sugar in a short time frame can have more immediate effects too, known by some as a “sugar hangover.” After eating too many sugary treats, blood sugar levels can rise to the point of causing side effects such as headaches, fatigue and a feeling of fogginess. However, they can easily be avoided by consuming Halloween candy in moderation.
After five days, my family’s bowl of Halloween candy gathered from trick-or-treating is still partially full. However, my bag of treats was empty by the end of the weekend. The bowl is tucked away in the cupboards, but my bag was right next to my desk. By keeping the candy out of sight, my family has avoided eating too many sweets. (Photo/Alex Ngo)
Though it may be difficult to resist the temptation of sugar, keeping one’s Halloween haul hidden away may help keep it off the mind. Allocating a specific amount of candy for each day can help satisfy the craving without putting strain on the body. All in all, there are many ways to avoid the negative effects of gorging on heaps of Halloween candy.
