Health Effects of Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are a cheap food ingredient used to replace more costly natural sugars. They are also promoted as being healthier alternatives to sugar. They are said to be safe for consumption by the FDA and studies done by the WHO. I'm sure both of those are pretty biased. Surprisingly, the WHO actually came out last summer and said artificial sweeteners shouldn't be used for weight control or reducing disease risks. According to Dr. Robert Lustwig sweet tastes, even with artificial sweeteners, can stimulate appetite and cause the body to release insulin which increases fat storage. Ever see sugar free ice cream? It doesn't contain sugar, but instead contains artificial sweeteners like acesulfame potassium and aspartame. The same with diet soda. People with diabetes often choose foods with artificial sweeteners instead of sugar thinking it's better for them. It won't increase their blood sugar, but it will cause other issues. Studies have shown that diet drinks cause weight gain more than naturally-sweetened drinks. They have also been found to alter the microbiome and metabolism, not for the better. They have been linked to heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Not to mention that some people have headaches, dizziness, rashes, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and digestive problems after consuming artificial sweeteners. Some of the more common artificial sweeteners to watch out for are: acesulfame potassium aspartame advantame aspartame-acesulfame salt - sold under the brand name Twinsweet neotame - sold under the brand name Newtame saccharin - sold under the brand names Sweet’N Low, Sweet Twin, or Necta Sweet sucralose - sold under the brand name Splenda I would choose sugar any day over an artificial sweetener. It is more natural, but it also doesn't have the odd taste artificial sweeteners tend to have. I also like to use local honey, maple syrup, molasses, coconut sugar and fruit that is naturally sweet. Even monk fruit and stevia, I try to avoid. Chobani has a zero sugar yogurt that is sweetened with those. I'm not sure what it is, but there's something in it that gives me an anxiety attack. Artificial sweeteners are chemicals created in a lab. The chances of them being good for you are pretty slim. Challenge: Review the ingredient list of foods you eat regularly. If there are any artificial sweeteners, look for an alternative without artificial sweeteners or try making the item yourself. Resources: https://www.bmj.com/content/378/bmj-2022-071204 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3198517/ https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/artificial-sweeteners-good-or-bad#types https://www.healthline.com/health-news/diet-soda-no-better-than-regular-soda-for-heart-health#Sugary-and-artificially-sweetened-drinks-are-on-the-rise https://www.drpeterosborne.com/artificial-sweeteners-toxic-side-effects/ #ads More Artificial Sweetener Resources