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The Psychological and Physical Benefits of Eating Candy

With the Halloween season coming to an end, you probably have some extra candy laying around - with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner! Although the temptation to sneak a piece here and there might increase with it around, you might be surprised at all the psychological and physical benefits eating candy can have on the body.

Psychological

Increase your energy

    • Cocoa, which is the key ingredient in chocolate, has the highest levels of theobromine. Theobromine is a stimulant like caffeine, but its effects are milder on the central nervous system. It can also help you think faster on your feet and allow you to focus better

    Help your Mood

      • Chocolate contains serotonin and phenylethylamine. These are natural antidepressants and can help stimulate your mood.
      • Chewing gum has also been proven to reduce stress levels by lowering tension and releasing serotonin.

      Improve your Concentration

        • Recent studies have proven that eating a piece of peppermint candy can help you focus more.
        • Chewing a piece of gum can also help improve focus and concentration due to frontal and temporal beta power being heightened.
        Physical

        Help Improve Digestion

          • Different candies can help with nausea, gas and bloating. Peppermint and ginger candies are the two best types of candy for this. They can even help with motion sickness.

          Help Improve Cancer

            • Researchers at an affiliate of Georgetown University have found that cocoa beans have significant benefits for cancer patients. There is a chemical found in cocoa called GECGC that is the most effective towards the fast-growing cancers such as colon, cervical and leukemia.

            Help Improve Coughs

              • The theobromine in chocolate calms the vagus nerve which, when irritated causes coughing. The vagus nerve runs from the brain, across the face, down the throat and to the abdomen.  Some studies have suggested that this can be more effective than cough syrup.
              So, before you go throwing out your leftover Halloween candy, enjoy that nice piece of candy and the benefits that come with it!

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              Kiana Streater

              Administrative & Social Media Assistant

              References:

              Hubbard, Sylvia Booth. “9 Ways Candy Is Good for You.” Newsmax, Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax Media, Inc., 11 Aug. 2013, www.newsmax.com/Health/Headline/candy-chocolate-health-benefits-peppermint/2013/08/11/id/519812/.

              Psychological Benefits of Candy. (2019, December 2). Warrell Creations. https://www.warrellcorp.com/blog/candy-and-psychology/

              Allen, A., & Smith, A. (2015). Chewing gum: Cognitive performance, mood, well-being, and associated physiology. Retrieved November 02, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4449949/ 

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