The Best Addition To Your Kid’s Diet? Candy

There’s good news for guilt-ridden parents like myself who insist their kids eat their veggies but spend more time watching them devour Skittles and Snickers bars. A new study shows that children who indulge in candy weigh less than those who don’t eat any candy at all.

Researchers at Louisiana State University tracked the health of more than 11,000 kids between the ages of two and 18 from 1999 to 2004. They found that those who ate sweets were 22 percent less likely to be overweight or obese than those who avoided the sugary stuff. The candy-eating kids also had lower levels of C-reactive protein, which is a marker of inflammation and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

“The results of this study should not be construed as a hall-pass to overindulge. Candy should not replace nutrient-dense foods in the diet; it is a special treat and should be enjoyed in moderation,” lead researcher Dr. Carol O’Neil said in a written statement.

So clearly this is no excuse to serve ice cream for dinner but, hey, it’s nice to see the silver lining next time your kids are stuffing their faces with crap during the birthday-party circuit.

(Photo: Hemera)