Is Lucas Bad For You?
Also Known As: Lucas Mexican Candy
Short answer
Yes, Lucas candy is bad for you. Not only does it contain high amounts of sugar (like most other candies), but it also contains high levels of sodium and possibly even lead.
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
There really is nothing good about a candy which is sometimes snorted, causing nasal lining damage. A product of the Mexican division of Mars Candies, the ingredients in Lucas are (in order from most prevalent to least): sugar, salt, citric acid, chili powder, silicon dioxide, maltodextrin, and coloring (Yellow 5 Lake and Yellow 6 Lake). Perhaps the only ingredient on that list which could be argued to provide any health benefits is the chili powder. Unfortunately, the other ingredients negate any positive effects it may have, other than a contribution of vitamin A (there is 2% of the daily value in one package).
While you will find vitamin A, which helps boost the immune system, the 2% present in one package comes at the cost of over 900 mg of sodium and well over 10 grams of sugar. An excess consumption of sodium can lead to problems ranging from headaches to heart attack and stroke. Excess sugar can lead to weight gain (despite the lack of fat or cholesterol in Lucas), type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Added sugars have also been linked to various cancers and can act as a food source for harmful microorganisms.
Citric acid, while generally considered to be safe by the FDA, can cause a sore throat, cough, and/or shortness of breath in some people, along with the potential to erode tooth enamel over a prolonged period of time. The artificial colors (Yellows 5 and 6 Lake) have been implicated in childhood hyperactivity, upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.
A final concern is lead, which according to some, is being phased out of Lucas. Due to us not being able to find any definitive source stating it actually has been phased out, erring on the side of caution is the best way to go. Among the many effects lead poisoning can have, a few include brain damage, kidney damage, and stunted growth.
Possible short-term side effects
- headaches
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hyperactivity in children
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nausea / vomiting
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diarrhea
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blood sugar spike
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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diabetes
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heart disease
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cancer
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lead poisoning
Ingredients to be aware of
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Organic Flaxseed Meal
- Gluten-free
- Ultra-fine powder
- Cold milled process
- Keto-friendly
- Rich in Omega-3
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-05-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-05-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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