Are artificial sweeteners bad for you? 

Are artificial sweeteners bad for you? 

I get asked this question a lot. Let’s dive into it.

The FDA has approved five artificial sweeteners: saccharin, acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, and sucralose.

These sweeteners affect you in different ways and do save you on calories. The problem is that, by offsetting calories saved through sweeteners, individuals may be incentivised to replace them with other sources like cake.

Furthermore, your sense of taste is affected, and the overstimulation from these potent sweeteners may diminish your overall taste tolerance. This implies that naturally sweet foods, like fruit, may become less appealing, while other staple foods, like vegetables, might become intolerable.

In essence, your taste receptors might work against you, making nutritious whole foods taste worse. Additionally, these sweeteners can lead to an increased craving for sweets over time, and they exhibit addictive properties.

For instance, in a study, rats exposed to cocaine or oral saccharine mostly chose saccharine.

In terms of health risks, daily consumption of diet drinks is correlated with a 67% heightened risk of type 2 diabetes, as reported by Harvard. Over the long term, these beverages are associated with an elevated risk of stroke, heart disease, and overall mortality.

As an alternative to sugar and a tool for weight loss, I personally believe that artificial sweeteners can serve as a viable substitute. However, it's crucial to note that not all sweeteners are created equal, and some are healthier choices.

My personal recommendation is Monk fruit sweetener. It is calorie and carb-free, and certain research indicates that it may contribute to better blood sugar management.

In terms of daily practice, if you’re craving something sweet always go for fruit and, if necessary, then use a sweetener but don’t make it a habit. 

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