M&M’s are one of the most popular sweet-tooth snacks in the world. We must admit that only a small number of people will resist the urge to try these colorful sweet snacks when they are offered.
They are especially popular when the holiday season begins.
However, we must bring some bad news because we have found out that there is more than one good reason to stay away from these tasty chocolates. Obviously, the number of disadvantages is higher than the number of advantages.
First of all, let’s talk a little bit more about the history of M&M’s and some facts related to these snacks.
M&M’s were specially designed for soldiers who wanted to bring chocolate with them on their missions without melting it. They were introduced in 1941.
The product contains two M letters dedicated to the son of the president of Hershey’s – Murrie and for Forrest E. Mars.
Thanks to this deal, Mars could use Hershey in all their products.
M&M’s are present in more than 100 countries in the world today and they come with more than 30 fillings.
It is good to point out that the red candies were pulled out from the market exactly 40 years ago because they had some potentially dangerous dies in them. However, seven years later, they were allowed again.
However, many organizations are still pressuring Mars to stop using artificial colors in their products. The CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest) and one petition on Change.org call these colors neurotoxic chemicals.
According to the advice of CSPI, every product that comes with these potentially dangerous compounds should have a label with a warning so customers can become more aware of the potential risks.
Dr. Jacobson who is a member of CSPI says that there is sufficient evidence to confirm that the petrochemicals found in these artificial colors can have a negative impact on children’s behavior. He also said that the agency should warn the manufacturers and find a way to make them use natural colors.
A bag of M&M’s contains all these ingredients: cornstarch, sugar, milk chocolate (chocolate, sugar, skim milk, cocoa butter, lactose, milk fat, salt, soy lecithin, artificial color), less than one percent of corn syrup, gum acacia, artificial colors (Red 40 lake, blue 1 lake, yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 1, red 40, yellow 6 lake, blue 2 lake, blue 2, yellow 5 lake) and dextrin.
So What Are Some of The Negative Effects That Each of These Ingredients Can Create?
Blue #1 – Some of the alleged effects include: hives, hay fever, low blood pressure, asthma, and allergic reaction. It also leads to malignant tumors when ingested by rats. If you are sensitive to aspirin, you should stay away from this artificial color.
Soy lecithin – More than 90% of soy is GMO. Negative impact on reproduction and fertility. May lead to cerebral and behavioral problems.
Red #40 – Triggers swelling in and around the mouth. Damages DNA. Leads to cancer, hives, and hyperactivity in kids.
Yellow #6 – Diarrhea, hyperactivity in children, vomiting, allergic reactions, headaches, swelling of the skin, nettle rash and may trigger cancer.
Yellow #5 – May result in allergic reactions and hyperactivity.
Blue #2 – This product based on petroleum increases brain tumors in laboratory rats, contributes to similar irregular cell developments, boosts hyperactivity in kids.
Gum Acacia – This dietary fiber obtained from Acacia tree triggers bloating, nausea and loose stool.
Sadly, the popular Mars company is still using these harmful colors. What is even worse is that the FDA has listed these ingredients as safe for consumption even though there are many scientific studies that claim that these ingredients are not safe. People should remember that there are natural and perfectly safe options out there too.
About ten years ago, the Mars Company has reached a record high income of about $27 million dollars, so we believe that they can invest some of this money to improve their products. While we are waiting for these changes, it is highly recommended to stay away from these chocolates and sweets.
If you want to eat something sweet you can use some natural alternatives found on the market. They are sweet, tasty and safe. We advise the use of dark chocolate bars like:
- Sweetriot – chocolate bars without GMO ingredients
- Equal exchange – 100% organic bars and fair trade
- Good cacao – Tasty dark chocolate bars that come with a myriad of supplements good for our health.
