A sweetener is a portion of food that is sweet but does not contain sucrose. There are two types of sweeteners; Natural sweeteners and artificial sweeteners.
Artificial sweeteners are chemically modified but strictly controlled. These sweeteners are thought to be healthy substitutes for sugar because they give a sweet taste to foods without the calories or the effect on blood glucose. However, data from several epidemiological studies have shown that these sweeteners are harmful to health.
The Link Between Artificial Sweeteners and Weight Gain
According to researchers at the University of Manitoba, People who consume these artificial sweeteners should think twice before relying on them to lose weight. Some products such as aspartame, sucralose, and stevia are increasingly being used to replace sugar; scientists say artificial sweeteners can lead to long-term weight gain and obesity.
Several studies have established a link between artificial sweeteners and health problems, including long-term weight gain. Surprisingly, when people are subjected to high doses of fructose which might be present in preserved foods and soft drinks, they start to gain weight. Similarly, the consumption of soft drinks is frequently associated with a high risk of overweight and obesity in children.
These sweeteners activate sugar receptors in the tongue that trigger the production of dopamine; a hormone related to happiness. Stimulated too often and in great quantity, this reaction can cause problems such as loss of control and irrepressible urge to consume high-calorie foods. Researchers suggest that these products increase hunger, and therefore push you to consume more calories. These excess calories are the ones that lead to weight gain and obesity in the long run.
Other Health Effects of Artificial Sweeteners
- Low Good Cholesterol (HDL)
- Hypertension
- Intolerance to glucose
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Cancer
- Headaches and allergies
To avoid all these health risks, avoid all these sweeteners and opt for better substitutes like honey.
