Benefits of Choosing Sodium-Free and Low-Sugar Candy Options

The Benefits of Choosing Sodium-Free Candy

With rising rates of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, many health organizations recommend limiting sodium intake. While candy is often considered an indulgence best enjoyed in moderation, choosing varieties free from added sodium can make enjoying sweets a bit better for overall health.

How Sodium Impacts Health

Sodium is an essential mineral that plays vital roles in several bodily functions, but overdoing it can lead to problems. The adequate intake level for sodium is 1,500 milligrams per day for most adults, which provides enough for these critical functions without going overboard.

Eating too much sodium causes the body to retain water, putting strain on blood vessels and the heart. Over time, this can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.

Watching Sodium in Processed Foods

Table salt is the most well-known source of sodium, but the majority of intake actually comes from processed and prepared foods. Things like bread, pizza, soup, cold cuts, and frozen meals tend to be heavy on the sodium.

Even sweet treats are often loaded with added salt. Popular chocolate bars, sugary cereals, ice cream, and other desserts can pack hundreds of milligrams into each serving. So enjoying these foods often can make it easy to go overboard without even realizing it.

Finding Low-Sodium Candy Options

When a candy craving strikes, going for a sodium-free choice lets you fulfill the urge without derailing daily sodium goals. Many major candy brands now offer no-salt-added or low-sodium versions of classic treats.

Check the Nutrition Facts

Flip over the candy wrapper and analyze the Nutrition Facts panel to find options with 0% Daily Value for sodium. This indicates there are less than 5 milligrams per serving, making them essentially sodium-free.

Shop for Salt-Free Varieties

Browse candy aisle signs for buzzwords like no salt added, low sodium, or unsalted. Stores often group these better-for-you goodies together on designated shelves.

Stick to Simplicity

Chewy, fruity candies like taffy, licorice, jelly beans, and gummies rarely contain added sodium. And dark chocolate typically only has trace amounts since it's made from just cocoa, sugar, and flavorings.

Health Benefits of Cutting Sodium from Candy

Leaving out sodium keeps candy from sabotaging daily sodium limits. For those vulnerable to cardiovascular problems, limiting sodium intake is critical for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.

Supports Heart Health

Hypertension afflicts nearly half of American adults, subjecting them to greater risks of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and other problems. Reducing sodium intake helps lower blood pressure, especially for those already dealing with high levels.

Reduces Fluid Retention

Extra sodium makes the body hold onto more water, which strains blood vessels and the heart as more fluid cycles through. Cutting sodium alleviates this fluid retention, easing the burden on your cardiovascular system.

Avoids Increases in Blood Pressure

Blood pressure rises in response to excess sodium intake. And frequent blood pressure spikes, even temporary ones, promote arterial damage. Selecting low-sodium candy prevents these surges to support healthy blood pressure.

Tips for Enjoying Sodium-Free Candy

You don't have to sacrifice satisfying sweetness to reap the benefits of low-sodium candy options. These tips help health-conscious snackers indulge smarter:

Check Your Food Tracker App

Use an app to analyze what youve eaten so far for the day. If youre nearing the recommended sodium max, swap regular candy for a sodium-free alternative.

Mix With Unsalted Nuts or Popcorn

For variety, pour some no-salt-added candy into bowls of plain almonds, cashews, or air-popped popcorn for a sweet-salty snack.

Freeze for Homemade Pops

For a cool, fruity treat, mix jelly beans or gummies into Dixie cups of 100% fruit juice. Add popsicle sticks, freeze overnight, and enjoy guilt-free popsicles.

Use as Ice Cream Toppings

Sprinkle sodium-free mints, toffee bits, crushed candy canes, or chocolate candies onto scoops of frozen yogurt or sorbet for an extra dose of sweetness.

Watching Overall Sugar Intake

Candy without sodium still provides concentrated sources of sugar. And while the link between sugar and cardiovascular issues remains controversial, limiting sweets protects tooth enamel and promotes overall healthy eating habits.

Effects on Dental Health

Bacteria feed on sugary treats, producing acids that erode protective enamel and cause cavities and decay. So enjoying candy too often, even if sodium-free, threatens long-term dental wellness.

Contribution to Weight Gain

Candy delivers mostly empty calories with little nutrition. Eating excess sweets makes it tougher to meet needs for vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein while staying within daily calorie limits.

Risk of Diabetes

Some research connects high sugar intake with increased diabetes risk. Since candy provides pure refined sugar with rapid absorption, enjoying it frequently may contribute to blood sugar spikes and inflammation.

The Bottom Line

Skipping the salt in candy allows you to satisfy sweet cravings without excess sodium. This protects cardiovascular wellness for those limiting daily sodium intake. But practicing moderation still remains key to balance enjoyment of sweets with overall nutrition and health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.