Are Skittles Bad For You?
Short answer
Skittles are bad for you. They have no nutritional value and many of the additives can have harmful effects on the body.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Skittles were originally brought to the United States by the British in the 1970s and since then have become one of the most popular candies in the US. Today, it is made by Mars and is recognizable by its catchy slogan, “Taste the Rainbow,” because of the variety of colors and flavors of their candies. The colored candies even went vegan in 2009 when they stopped including gelatin in their product. Skittles, however, are far from safe. They offer no health benefits, containing no fiber, protein, vitamins or minerals.
One of the most debated ingredients in Skittles is their food colorings, which include yellow 6 lake, red 40 lake, yellow 5 lake, blue 2 lake, yellow 5, red 40, yellow 6, blue 1 lake, and blue 1. Many have petitioned the FDA to remove these food colorings from the safe foods lists as Red 40 has been linked to hyperactivity in children, allergies, and hypersensitivity. Red 40 contain contaminants that may lead to cancer. In some studies, Red 40 was even shown to damage the DNA in mice. Other food colorings like tartrazine, known as yellow 5, are even banned in some countries because it can trigger many allergic reactions and may even lead to asthma.
Another harmful ingredient in Skittles is hydrogenated oil. Skittles contains hydrogenated palm kernel oil, which means that the oil was processed in order to give Skittles more shelf life and solidify the candy. Hydrogenation is the process of giving natural oil more hydrogen molecules, thus altering its molecular structure. The alteration of their molecular structure converts the once liquid oils into a plastic, solid consistency. Hydrogenated oils are harmful because they promote high cholesterol and high blood pressure when ingested into the body. Even small amounts of hydrogenated oils can cause dire effects.
Also found in Skittles is modified cornstarch, which is a food additive used as a thickening agent and stabilizer. Although modified cornstarch is a processed additive, it is not seen as harmful to one’s general health. However, it does not add any nutritional value. Corn syrup, on the other hand, has been linked to significant weight gain, increased risk of diabetes, cavities, and liver damage. Skittles are not recommended to be part of a regular diet.
Skittles contain about 47 grams of sugar per 2oz package. Skittles contain so much sugar, in fact, that a study conducted in 2008 at the University of Calgary found that Skittles might be helpful in relieving the effects of hypoglycemia, as it is as effective as a glucose tablet. Like corn syrup, the over-intake of sugar can lead to cavities, heart problems, obesity, and an increased risk of cancer.
Possible short-term side effects
- sugar rush
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blood sugar spike
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hyperactivity
Possible long-term side effects
- heart disease
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stroke
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diabetes
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high blood pressure
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high cholesterol
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cancer
Ingredients to be aware of
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