Short answer
Nerds are heavily processed and contain artificial colors and preservatives. They should be eaten in extreme moderation, if not avoided entirely.
Recommended Alternative
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
Nerds are a popular candy amongst children and are a product of the commercial giant “Nestle”. Nerds are basically pure sugar, much like most candy products and feature the ingredients dextrose, malic acid, corn syrup and a multitude of relatively unknown artificial colors and flavors. Dextrose is commonly added to refined foods as it is a cheap ingredient that is easily sourced. It is a form of sugar that is derived from nature, however, it is still refined. A diet high in both dextrose and sugary products will create an acidic environment within the body, allowing bacterial or fungal infections to thrive, therefore lowering your immune system.
Malic acid is used in Nerds as a preservative. It is also used for flavoring. While malic acid naturally occurs in fruits and vegetables and can be seen to carry some positive health effects, you have to remember it is an artificial additive when used in the production of candy. It, therefore, does not carry the same health benefits as naturally sourced malic acid. Given Nerds contain sugar, dextrose, and malic acid, all of which are detrimental to your dental health, Nerds increase the risk of tooth decay.
Corn syrup or “high fructose corn syrup” (HFCS) has been under hot debate in recent years as it has been linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and a variety of other diseases. It is used as a very inexpensive sweetener and contains high levels of mercury. Mercury is a heavy metal that can build up within the body and cause adverse reactions to your memory, immune system, and vital organs. More research is currently being carried out as to the suspicion of further unfavorable chemicals being present in HFCS.
It is important to remember that all ingredients found within Nerds are made within a commercial factory and are therefore processed and man-made. Nerds contain zero nutritional qualities and should be consumed in moderation, if not skipped entirely.
Possible short-term side effects
- nausea
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hyperactivity in children
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increased body acidity
Possible long-term side effects
- tooth decay
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weight gain
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diabetes
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heart disease
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cancer
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damage to vital organs
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weakened immune system
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
SmartSweets Sour Candy
- Low Sugar (3g)
- Only 100 Calories
- No Artificial Sweeteners
- Plant-Based Ingredients
- Gluten-Free Snack
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Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 11-30-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 11-30-2023
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