Last updated on July 25th, 2022 at 09:54 am

Halloween is one of America’s most enjoyed holidays. Not only do little ones get to dress up in adorable costumes, but it’s an excuse to indulge in a few sweet treats. Children aren’t the only ones enjoying the candy. Many parents — about 70 percent— admit to eating some of their children’s Halloween spoils. This adds to a whopping 7 billion pounds of candy consumed each year in the U.S. If you’re looking for more nutritious options for your family here are some suggestions:

For Chocolate Lovers

Chocolate is the most consumed treat on Halloween, according to the National Confectioners Association. If you can’t imagine giving it up, then the darker variety might be the healthier choice. Dark chocolate contains less sugar and the cocoa in it is said to have antibacterial properties. It also contains heart healthy ingredients like Oleic acid, which is believed to be beneficial in lowering bad cholesterol and reducing blood pressure.

For Sour Candy Lovers

If you’re hosting a Halloween party you might want to replace the bowl of sour treats with citrus fruits. Fruits like orange, tangerine and grapefruit offer sour candy lovers more nutritious options to satisfy their craving. Citrus fruits are also a great source of vitamin C, a nutrient that helps support the immune system.

For Those Who Need a Crunchy Treat

If nut allergies are an issue in your household, crunchy candy bars and the like are out of the question. Flavored sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can serve as a safe substitute. Sunflower seeds contain good-for-you nutrients like iron, fiber and zinc. Iron is said to do wonders for your energy level, while fiber may help you feel full so you don’t overdo it on the sweets. Zinc is also said to help maintain a healthy immune system.

If you do, however, end up having too many sweets you’ll want to have Pulsatilla on hand. Pulsatilla can offer relief for stomach discomfort, bloating and belching caused by eating too much candy, as well as fatty foods, cakes and ice cream.*

Discover more homeopathic possibilities for digestive upsets by exploring our free Medicine Finder app.

*These “Uses” have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

References:

Main E. 7 Legitimate Health Benefits Of Chocolate. Rodale’s Organic Life. http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/food/health-benefits-dark-chocolate. Published February 3, 2016. Accessed October 26, 2016.

Candy USA. Halloween Central – NCA. NCA. http://www.candyusa.com/life-candy/halloween-central/. Accessed October 24, 2016.

Herndon J. What Are the Benefits of Eating Sunflower Seeds? Live Strong. http://www.livestrong.com/article/343568-what-are-the-benefits-of-eating-sunflower-seeds/. Published June 14, 2015. Accessed October 26, 2016.

Kids with Food Allergies. Recipe Substitutions for Peanut or Nut Allergy. http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/page/peanut-nut-allergy-recipe-substitutions.aspx. Accessed October 26, 2016.