We live in a world that is obsessed with health and fitness, so much so that we now question everything we put in our bodies – whether that be food, drink, or medicine.
Because of this, some people tend to gravitate toward products that do not contain sugar, as they wish to maintain their weight and diet. However, this does not mean that all sugar-free products are beneficial, as many contain artificial sweeteners that can have a profound impact on our health.
So if you want to introduce these products into your diet, you have to consider the pros and cons of artificial sweeteners first.
In the article below, we will take an in-depth look at the different artificial sweeteners available and how they could prove more detrimental than natural sugars.
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Different Artificial Sweeteners
Despite their questionable side effects, there are numerous artificial sweeteners available on the market, which include the following brands:
- Saccharin
Considered the oldest artificial sweetener still in use, this compound is made from benzoic sulfilimine and is known to be seven hundred times sweeter than normal sugar.
- Sucralose
Otherwise known as splenda, this sweetener is made from a combination of chlorine and sugar molecules.
- Aspartame
Sometimes referred to as equal, this sweetener contains amino acids, phenylalanine, and aspartic acid. It also includes methanol and other chemicals.
- Stevia
This sweetener is derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. However, this does not mean it is natural, as the extraction undergoes a chemical process before being bottled and sold.
- Neotame
Like aspartame, this sweetener is made from a combination of phenylalanine and aspartic acid. However, it does not contain methanol and is commonly used in candies and carbonated drinks.
- Sugar Alcohols
These sweeteners are made from sugar molecules with the alcohol attached, which can sometimes be found in ripened fruit.
Pros Of Artificial Sweeteners
While artificial sweeteners do come with their drawbacks, they also come with a range of benefits that can help to improve your diet:
- Sweetness
Of course, the main selling point of artificial sweeteners is that they can sweeten food without the addition of actual sugar.
Because of this, many people use artificial sweeteners to lessen their sugar intake and control their weight.
- Calories
Artificial sweeteners are known to contain fewer calories than natural sugar, with some even boasting zero calories.
Despite this, most sugar substitutes do contain calories. However, the amount is so small that they are branded as calorie-free.
- Diet
Because of their flavor, artificial sweeteners can be used by dieters to bridge their previous eating habits – allowing them to overcome their sugar reliance and remove the substance from their usual routines.
For this reason, sweeteners are recommended to people on weight-loss programs, as they make the initial transition much easier overall.
- Blood Sugar
In contrast to natural products, artificial sweeteners do not have a profound impact on a person’s blood sugar, which makes them suitable for those managing diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Cons Of Artificial Sweeteners
Despite their many benefits, artificial sweeteners also come with notable disadvantages, which need to be addressed before you can add them into your diet:
- Disease
Since the advent of artificial sweeteners, there have been numerous studies that link the products with cancer and other conditions.
Some scientists even believe that certain sweeteners will need to be banned in the US due to their association with fatal diseases.
- Chemicals
Of course, one of the more prominent drawbacks of artificial sweeteners is their composition, as they are made from various man-made chemicals.
Since these chemicals are not derived from natural sources, our bodies may not be able to handle them, which could result in countless problems.
- Cravings
Despite their powerful flavor, artificial sweeteners do not contain sugar, which means you could crave sweet foods during your diet.
These cravings could result in overeating, which can have a profound impact on your health and fitness.
Natural Alternatives
In most cases, we recommend consuming natural products over artificial ones, especially when they contain harmful chemicals such as the ones mentioned above. So if you would rather consume natural sweeteners, we have compiled a list of products that can be used as viable alternatives:
- Agave Nectar
This natural sweetener is derived from several species of agave and can be used in cakes and candies.
- Honey
Honey is produced by bees and remains a popular sweetener among fitness enthusiasts due to its low-calorie content.
- Maple Syrup
Derived from the sap of the maple tree, this sweet syrup is commonly used as a condiment at breakfast. However, it can also be used as a natural sweetener in baking.
- Molasses
Otherwise known as black treacle, molasses is a natural product derived from sugar cane, which can be used as a sweetener and sugar alternative.
If you are still interested in artificial sweeteners, you can visit this site to learn more. Here you will find a collection of healthy recipes, as well as important information about how to maintain a balanced diet.
