Gummy Bears Health Information
Squishy, soft, gummy (or gummi) bear candies have a consistency somewhere between a gumdrop and a jelly candy that is beloved by children (and adults) around the world. Gelatin, combined with sugar and food-grade wax, gives gummy bears their special mouth feel. Like all candies, classic gummy bears are high in sugar. That's why, from a nutritional point of view, they are best eaten only in small amounts, and in the context of an otherwise healthful diet. In other words, they're not for breakfast.
History
The original gummy bears, known first as "dancing bears," were invented in Germany in 1922 but didn't travel to the United States until the early 1980s. Many different gummy creatures and shapes followed. Today, the originals compete with the likes of crunchy, nonpareil-coated gummy bears along with gummy sharks, cola bottles and neon-colored worms.
Ingredients
The original and more conventional brands of gummy bears are made largely from gelatin, sugar and glucose (sugar) syrup. The gelatin comes from either beef or pork, depending on where the candies are made. Natural and artificial colors and flavorings give the candy visual appeal and flavor. Beeswax makes them shiny and less sticky.
Organic and natural brands of gummy bears are often gelatin-free, and are made with mostly organic ingredients---corn malt syrup, dehydrated cane juice, apple pectin, fruit juice concentrates, spinach powder, expeller-pressed sunflower oil---plus citric acid, natural fruit flavors and carnauba wax. If you're concerned about any ingredients, check and compare the brands' ingredient lists.
Nutrition
Nine average gummy bears have approximately 60 calories, 1 gram of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrate and no fat. Gummy candies supply no vitamins or minerals. They count as 1 1/2 points on the Weight Watchers plan.
The nutritional profile of sugar-free gummy bear candies is similar to those made with sugar. They contain sugar substitutes such as maltitol syrup, a caloric sugar alcohol often used to sweeten sugar-free products such as jellies, syrups and other candies.
Supplements
Gummy bear candy-style multivitamin and mineral supplements are made with organic or conventional ingredients. Organic and natural brands may or may not be gelatin-free, but they contain natural colorings and flavors and are made with organic products similar to those in organic gummy candies.
Dental Health
A University of Washington study of 200 elementary schoolchildren, published in a 2008 edition of the journal BMC Oral Health, found that regular consumption of gummy bears made with with the sugar alcohols xylitol or maltitol, reduced the amount of bacteria in the mouth that contributes to plaque.
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