Recognizing the Dangers of Artificial Sugars

You are likely the same as most people today in that you’re conscious of your weight and your health. You may be trying to find a way to reduce or eliminate the sugar in your diet. It is tempting to do what many others do and just replace sugar with artificial sweeteners. However, it is important for you to recognize the dangers of artificial sugars.

Although these artificial sugar substitutes have been in use for many years, it is vital that you take a close look at recent research to see if they are safe enough for you to use on a regular basis. Of course, you realize that consuming too much sugar is not good for you either. Therefore, it is important to weigh all the pros and cons in order to make informed and educated choices.

It has become a common trend to substitute unhealthy foods with alternative “light” versions. These are designed to deliver a similar taste and mouth feel as the food we are replacing without having the same harmful effects on our health. However, we need to exercise caution that these artificial substitutes – which are not real foods like the ones we are attempting to replace – do not cause us more harm than good.

Saccharin is a popular artificial sugar that has been around for over 100 years. This is the sweetener you are familiar with as Sweet’N’Low in the pink packet.

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that became popular around 30 years ago, and it is usually in a blue packet. You will likely equate this with the brand name Equal.

Sucralose is the most recent addition to the artificial sugar list. It is often presented in a yellow packet and goes by the brand name Splenda.

All of these artificial sugars create a metabolic response in your body the same as if you had eaten regular sugar. You are eating something sweet, and so your brain gets confused and thinks you have actually eaten sugar.

When no actual calories come pouring into the blood stream, your brain tells your body to find some food because it was expecting it. Because of this reaction, you are more likely to increase your appetite and your desire for sweets by continuing to sweeten your food and drinks with artificial sugars.

Also, the very nature of the fact that these substances are artificial makes them difficult for your body to metabolize. You are essentially putting chemicals into your system, and your body has a hard time digesting and using these unnatural substances that you are consuming.

Artificial sweeteners have been linked to various troubling medical conditions. There are some studies that show there could be a connection between the use of these artificial sugars and various illnesses, including headaches, joint pain, kidney or liver problems and possibly even the development of tumors.

You need to make responsible and informed decisions about what you put into your body. Learning about the effects of on your body and the potential health risks can aid you in recognizing the dangers of artificial sugars.