Artificial sweeteners have also been marketed to us as a healthy alternative to sugar with less calorie consumption and a sweet way to pamper without the attendant shame. Yet are they really as healthy as they claim to be? The truth might shock you! Here are a number of surprising facts about artificial sweeteners that you need to know about—and number 3 will leave you speechless!
- They can also lead the body to crave more sugar
Artificial sweeteners, like aspartame and sucralose, are sweeter by a lot compared to regular sugar. With little to no calories at all, they can actually trigger the brain to crave sweetened foods instead. It can lead to the intake of greater amounts of calories that can actually nullify the very reasons why a lot of people are taking them to start with—to lose weight!
- They can also disrupt the Gut
Recent studies have shown that the microbiome of the digestive system is affected adversely by the intake of artificial sweeteners. An unhealthy microbiome can adversely impact digestion, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Certain research also linked the intake of the sweeteners with increased chances of insulin resistance that can lead to obesity and diabetes.
- They have also been implicated with the increased risk of certain diseases
This is the biggy! Certain sweeteners have also been implicated with a greater propensity to lead to serious illness like heart disease and certain cancers. Despite the FDA and EFSA stating that they are safe to consume within reasonable amounts, extensive research is still being conducted to discover if they are a threat to us. Controversy about the chemicals means that they might possibly not be as harmless as was originally believed.
4. They have negative side effects
Many people have had headaches, bloating, and digestive disorders after ingesting artificial sweeteners. Some research also indicates that aspartame is connected with inducing migraine and other neurological disorders. If you notice that you have recurring side effects after eating artificial sweeteners, they might very well be the culprit.
5. They are present in more products than you might expect
You might avoid diet soda sweeteners, but do you know that they are also added to protein bars, yogurt, dressing on a green salad, and medications? Many processed foods contain them, although they are not necessarily “diet” or “sugar-free.” Check the ingredients if you want to avoid them.
Final Thoughts
While artificial sweeteners can appear to be a miracle solution to lowering the consumption of sugar, the actual story is much more complex. They contain potential threats that you should learn about. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative, go to the all-natural sweeteners like honey, stevia, or monk fruit instead. Your body—and taste buds—will thank you!
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