Jelly Beans: Complete Vitamin Profile

Jelly Beans ‐ Vitamin Information

Introduction

Jelly beans are a perennial favorite all around the world, with their combination of tasty combinations, bright colors and chewy texture. They have grown in popularity due to their inclusion in children’s party favors as well as an easy-to-enjoy snack for that sweet tooth craving. While most people are aware that jelly beans contain sugar and food coloring, many might not be aware that these treats actually also carry certain vitamins, nutrients and minerals that can benefit the body when consumed in moderation. This paper will delve further into understanding the full scope of the vitamins found inside of jelly beans, how they contribute to human nutrition and what effects eating them has on one's overall health.

Nutritional Components of Jelly Beans

The specific types of vitamins found in jelly beans depend on the composition of individual brands, but generally it is accepted that each serving (1 ounce/28g) will provide 10% or more of the daily recommended value of at least one vitamin. Some brands may advertise which vitamins they contain while others do not, so a thorough label reading is key to discovering any hidden nutritional information. Generally speaking, however, since jelly beans get their sweetness from natural sugars like glucose, fructose and sucrose, the majority of recipes do not contain added vitamins to offer additional nutritional perks.

The vitamins typically found in jelly beans include vitamin A, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin E. Each of these vitamins contributes to otherwise essential functions within the human body and though the amount present in each jelly bean is quite small, every bit counts. Let us now look closer at what roles these vitamins play in order to understand how exactly jelly beans are providing simple nutrition to those who choose to indulge.

Benefits of Vitamins Found Inside of Jelly Beans

Vitamin A is important for vision development, strong immunity and skin health among other things. It is found in many brightly colored fruits and vegetables and helps reduce the risk of some cancers and ailments such as night blindness. There are two forms of vitamin A – retinoids and carotenoids – both of which are necessary for healthy eyes, bones, skin and hair growth. The lack of vitamin A in one’s diet can lead to ocular injury problems as well as other immune deficiencies. Since a single jellybean contains just 15 IU of Vitamin A per 32 grams, it should still be considered a minor contributor towards obtaining one’s dietary recommended amount (i.e. 5000IU), but it is nonetheless noteworthy that this nutrient exists naturally in jellybeans.

Vitamin B3 (niacin) plays an important role in energy production and metabolism. Niacin assists in the conversion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats into useable sources of fuel for the body. Facilitating cell growth and division, niacin works by maintaining proper genetic expression of proteins coding for metabolic function throughout the body. Furthermore, it performs an important digestive process wherein it breaks down fats and cholesterol into easily digestible forms, thus supporting cardiovascular health. A lack of adequate niacin intake has been linked to a decrease in memory function, gastric issues and fatigue. With a contribution of 6 micrograms per 32g of jellybeans, niacin intake is slightly improved with each jellybean consumed.

The final prominent vitamin found in jelly beans is Vitamin E, recognized for its antioxidant properties that protect the cells from free radical damage and inflammation. Vitamin E promotes healthy cognitive performance through its regulation of potassium and calcium levels, helping to maintain nerve health. Vitamin E may also support cardiovascular system balance by preventing the hardening of arteries walls caused by excessive amounts of iron. This essential vitamin can also increase fertility rates by aiding male sperm motility. Regularly snacking on jelly beans enhances one’s Vitamin E intake by 4 mg per 28g portion size.

Conclusion

In retrospect, there are several vital vitamins present within common brands of jelly beans. Although none of the amounts present can be considered substantial, they nevertheless make their presence known during digestion and contribute modestly to the necessary nourishment of our bodies. When eaten in moderation, those occasional cravings can be somewhat relieved without completely derailing any sort of health regimen established by one’s physician. Therefore, jelly beans continue to serve as a viable source of portable nutrition despite lacking in hefty quantities of any singular vitamin.