Once again, non-nutritive or “artificial” sweeteners are in the news. New evidence shows that there are negative biochemical changes in the body in response to these low-calorie sugar substitutes. 1

We already know that sugar has detrimental effects on blood sugar, insulin, and waistlines. Today it is common knowledge that the consumption of sweets should be reduced and kept to a minimum. Then came those nifty calorie-free sweeteners that promised a similar taste without all the bad health side effects. While initially deemed safe and FDA approved, research has hinted for some time that they are not as benign as advertised. We now have even more evidence that they are doing more harm than good.

In this new study, the researchers took several groups of rats and fed them diets high in glucose, fructose, or artificial sweeteners (aspartame or acesulfame potassium). Acesulfame is sold in Sunnett or Sweet One stores, and aspartame is sold as Equal or NutraSweet. Both are artificial sweeteners currently approved by the FDA.

At three weeks, the researchers found perceptible differences between the groups for blood samples collected. They noticed that artificial sweeteners seemed to change the way their bodies processed fat and energy in general. They also noticed that acesulfame potassium accumulated in the blood and had a negative impact on the cells that line the blood vessels.

Bottom line? Don’t think switching to artificial sweeteners is the answer. For one thing, how many thin people do you see walking around drinking diet soda all day? They don’t seem to work. This study helps us understand why. In addition, continuing to drink sweet beverages hinders the ability to acclimate to less sugary foods and beverages. It keeps the sweet craving active, so to speak, and it doesn’t solve the problem of cravings. In fact, you can make things worse by initiating an insulin response, but, with no real sugar entering the body, you end up with lower blood sugar and a “crash,” so to speak. The cycle of desire continues.

The article ends trying to answer the question, which is better? Sugar or artificial sweeteners? How about none? My advice is to ditch the sweet-tasting drinks entirely and switch to good water, as nature intended.

But you hate water, you say? If that’s you, think of some simple scents like lemon, lime, or other fruits soaked in your H2O. Maybe you dilute your favorite drink half and half and keep increasing the water until you want the sweet taste less and less. Drink club soda and lime if sodas are your thing. There are ways to make better decisions to keep these harmful chemicals out of your body forever.

Ultimately, if your goals are weight loss, blood sugar control, and heart health, artificial sweeteners should go away. Period.

1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180423085440.htm

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