We’re talking about a very controversial topic tonight and that’s the use of artificial sweeteners. Can no-calorie sweeteners actually lead to weight gain?
This latest study looked at two sweeteners that are often used in diet soda.
For three weeks rodents and human cell cultures were exposed to aspartame and acesulfame potassium.
Researchers found that these sweeteners may affect how the body gets energy and processes fats which could lead to obesity and diabetes.
Now I asked our social media fans today what their experience was with artificial sweeteners and Gina Teresa posted that “Artificial sweeteners cause so many different effects on me. Foggy minded, tired, and shaky”.
Now there are people like Gina who are sensitive to sweeteners. In fact, the FDA says that sensitive consumers should avoid aspartame. And that if you have an adverse reaction to any of their approved high-intensity sweeteners to talk to your doctor about it.
Shirley Sanders Better from Detroit says, “Better to use little of regular sugar. Just wait they say Stevia is not good for you”
I agree with Shirley that it’s better to use a little sugar. Our bodies can handle sugar if we eat it in moderation.
The dietary guidelines set by the US Department of Agriculture says most people can have 10 teaspoons of sugar every day.
But if you eat too much sugar, which many of us do, then it can lead to the health issues we hear so much about like obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Now Stevia is often used as a sweetener used in hot drinks, on yogurt and you can cook with it too.
The FDA has approved only the purified form of Stevia, deeming it safe to use. So please don’t buy Stevia leave or crude Stevia extracts.
Whatever sweetener you use I recommend you only use a small amount, read ingredients on the foods you buy so you really know what you're eating, and also pay attention to how they make you feel.
Sugar substitutes have also been linked to cravings and overeating because your brain may feel unsatisfied.
