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So you’ve probably seen artificial sweeteners in yourdiet soda.
Dana Leigh Smith/Eat This, Not That!
You’ve also spotted them in yourprotein bars.
And many other “diet” or “sugar free” products.
How Do Artificial Sweeteners Work?
What are artificial sweeteners?
We tapped nutritionists and gastroenterologists to dive into the potential side effects of consuming artificial sweeteners.
Potential harms from the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners could not be excluded."
Artificial sweeteners can impact your brain.
“When you consume artificial sweetenerssome data suggeststhat artificial sweeteners cross the blood-brain barrier and disrupt hippocampal function.
Artificial sweeteners can retrain your taste buds.
And not necessarily for the better.
“Those who consume artificial sweeteners may be become accustomed to ultra-sweet flavors.
Artificial sweeteners may impact your gut health.
…which can lead to diabetes.
“Artificial sweeteners can alter your gut microbiota,” says Freirich.
Impaired glucose tolerance raises blood sugars and increases the risk fordiabetes.”
Artificial sweeteners simply love chilling in your gut.
And artificial sweeteners may be linked to a host of gastrointestinal issues.
Beware that some artificial sweeteners have calories.
Artificial sweeteners can be non-nutritive or nutritive, although most artificial sweeteners fall under the non-nutritive umbrella.
“Non-nutritive sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes that are free of calories and carbohydrates.
The other category of artificial sweetener is nutritive, which only includes aspartame.
Artificial sweeteners can usher in overeating.
“While artificial sweeteners are supposed to help us reduce our calorie intake, the opposite may be true.
See more on the connection between artificial sweeteners and obesity from a 2017 review inCurrent Gastroenterology Reports.
Aspartame isn’t for all.
“Aspartame (NutraSweet or Equal) is approved for use in food as a nutritive sweetener.
“It loses its sweetness when heated, so it typically isn’t used in baked goods.
For more on specific sweeteners, read aboutevery added sweetener ranked by nutrition!
Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad For You And Should You Avoid Them?
Looking to cut down sweeteners artificial or otherwise?
Check outeasy ways to stop eating so much sugar.
