Candy-Coated Fitness Foods

By:
Carrie E.A. Scott

In the past year, Glaceau's Vitamin Water has taken over the beverage scene with herbally infused fitness drinks. And it is not just herbs that are being added to foods and drinks -- so are vitamins. Fresh Samantha's Desperately Seeking C juice contains ten times the federally suggested daily requirement of vitamin C and 100 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin A. Not to be outdone, candy makers are now getting in on the action. Never mind the oxymoron of healthful candy; Jelly Belly Candy Co. has recently created the Sports Bean jelly bean, loaded with electrolytes and vitamins C and E, to reportedly prevent dehydration and boost energy.

Jelly Belly is just the latest food manufacturer to get in on the pseudo health craze. Snickers released its Marathon energy bars in 2003. And many other food companies are jumping to pump their products full of herbs, vitamins, minerals and other supplements that claim to improve well-being and bring wisdom, relaxation, energy and harmony into your life. But do they?

So far, there has been no proof. This seems to be just one very clever marketing scheme. Companies are adding the herbs of the moment, whether they do any good or not.

Is it really a good idea to get 10 times the suggested daily requirement of vitamin C? Can this new trend be dangerous? Many experts warn against using echinacea for more than eight weeks at a time, and while research shows that St. Johns Wort can alleviate moderate depression, it needs to be taken for at least four weeks before any benefits are experienced. In addition, there is credible evidence that certain herbal remedies can interact with medications, causing harmful side effects. Lots of research has also been done on the effects of ginseng and none of it shows that it helps raise energy levels.

What's more, the functional foods that have some valid scientific evidence to back them don't do as well on the market. Benecol, a product that reduces cholesterol levels by 10 percent, can be found in a margarine product, salad dressing and candy bars, but most people are oblivous to them.

The bottom line is, you don't need mega amounts of any vitamin or nutrient. Your body will end up flushing out what it can't use. Drinking water and eating a proper diet alone will keep you energized without the need for candy-coated supplements. The best way to nourish your body is to eat well and stick to the basics. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats and dairy products, and you'll provide your body with all the nutrients and energy it needs, without the extra sugar.