Artificial sweeteners have gained huge popularity among those who want to lose weight fast. Men and women looking forward to getting dream body are the most loyal customers of these sweeteners. However, do these really contribute towards keeping you slim? Unfortunately not! They even pose some dangerous health conditions. Hence, it is advised to use natural alternatives. Here’s how artificial sweeteners can harm your body:
The Aspartame Theory
Aspartame is one of the most popular artificial sweeteners sold on the market. This is available as an over-the-counter alternative to regular sugar. The sweetener is also used in diet colas and many of the ‘sugar-free’ products you buy from the supermarkets. The main ingredients of aspartame are phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Both ingredients occur naturally as amino acids. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid human body derives from food. On the other hand, the body produces aspartic acid.
Aspartame breaks down into methanol when processed by the body. Methanol in large quantities is toxic for the body. As per a report by the American Cancer Society, aspartame is known to be roughly 200 times sweeter as compared to the regular sugar. Hence, it is required in only very small quantity to supply sweet flavor to food and beverages. According to FDA, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) approvals are 50 milligrams per kilogram of one’s body weight.
The Dangerous Effects of Artificial Sweeteners
Weight Gain
You must be shocked to hear this! Most people add artificial sweeteners to their diet thinking that it will help them lose weight. A study at the San Antonio Heart acknowledged weight change in men and women and proposes evidence that obesity and weight gain were higher among those consuming diet beverages than those who avoided these drinks.
Increase Risk of Kidney Disease and Stroke
A few studies have revealed that daily consumption of diet colas and sodas will increase vascular event risks (such as stroke). Another study conducted in the year 2011 also suggests that consuming artificial sweeteners regularly can increase the overall risk of developing kidney disease.
The Cancer Link
Artificial sweeteners are also linked to cancer. Although the general overview of American Cancer Society provides no “clear” association between the sweetener and cancer, evidence of a possible link is still there. In the year 2005, lab studies found that rats that were fed very high levels of aspartame were more likely to leukemias and lymphomas. On the other hand, studies have revealed inconsistent results.
Metabolic Syndrome
Many studies have reported an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome for consumers drinking diet colas and sodas. The syndrome is a cluster of conditions such as abnormal cholesterol levels, increased blood pressure, excess body fat around the waist region, and higher blood sugar levels. All of these conditions may occur together and increase the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and others.
You Crave for More Sugar
Yes, artificial sweeteners make you crave for more sugar! For instance, saccharin is known to be three hundred times as sweet as sugar. This indicates that manufacturers may use less for creating a similar level of sweetness to save money. Products sweetened with artificial sweeteners taste sweeter than those prepared using real sugar.
Non-nutritive sweeteners are known to be stronger than table sugar. These are also high in fructose corn syrup. This means they are capable of over-stimulating sugar receptors, which may restrict tolerance for complex tastes. Consumption of foods and beverages sweetened with sugar substitutes tends to train the brain to crave sweeter. This boosts sugar addiction.
