Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial Sweeteners
 

News: Recently, WHO released recommendations against the use of artificial sweeteners for weight control and prevention of lifestyle diseases.
 

What are artificial sweeteners?
 Artificial sweeteners are sugar substitutes that are used as alternatives to natural sugars. These sweeteners are chemically synthesized and provide a sweet taste without the high calorie content of regular sugar.
 They are commonly used in various food and beverage products, including diet sodas, sugar-free desserts, and low-calorie snacks.
 Examples - saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), sucralose, neotame, and advantame.
 Such sweeteners claim to offer benefits for weight management, diabetes control, tooth decay prevention etc
 

Key Findings:
 WHO advises against using artificial sweeteners as a means of achieving weight control or reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases. WHO said that in long term, eventually such sweeteners are responsible for weight gain.
 A potential link between artificial sweeteners and bladder cancer and preterm birth in pregnant women.
 Higher intake linked with increased risk of type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease etc.
 

What did the WHO recommened??
 Opt for higher intake of naturally occurring sugars from fruits.
 Diabetics are also advised to be cautious, as they are at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Experts highlight the potential risk of insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes associated with artificial sweetener consumption.
 Avoid drinking of Diet colas as they use artificial sweeteners to achieve their zero-sugar claims!
 Avoid erythritol due to its potential health risks. (It's a type of carbohydrate called a sugar alcohol that people use as a sugar substitute)