While regular sugar is often the most talked about food to avoid when suffering from type 2 diabetes, artificial sweeteners can be just as harmful. This type of sweetener is a substitute for sugar, a food additive that provides a sweetness similar to the taste of sugar. Usually an artificial sweetener …
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it contains much less dietary energy than sugar, which means it is a low-calorie sweetener.
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They can be derived from the manufacture of plant extracts or processed by chemical synthesis.
These sweeteners, although marketed as low-calorie or no-calorie, will still trigger food cravings. Unhealthy sugar replacement substitutes have been linked to conditions like glucose intolerance and can even lead to prediabetes or full-blown type 2 diabetes. Not only that, but artificial sweeteners have been found to disrupt healthy gut bacteria. When there is a disturbance of the bacteria in the gut, you are more likely to experience an increase in fat storage.
So with all that being said, let’s take a look at a quick breakdown of some of the dangers of artificial sweeteners, and then the three worst you’ll want to keep out of your diet.
The dangers of artificial sweeteners …
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can lead to unhealthy food cravings,
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can alter the bacteria in your gut,
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can cause digestive disorders,
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help cause inflammation,
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can help cause headaches,
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cause dizziness
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can cause mood disorders,
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can damage your metabolism and
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It can even increase your risk of developing cancer.
The 3 worst artificial sweeteners …
1. Aspartame. Aspartame is at the top of this list as it has been found to have carcinogenic effects and can even affect your brain. Aspartame is also known to cause headaches and dizziness.
2. Saccharin. Saccharin is another hotly debated sweetener you’ll want to steer clear of as it has been linked to digestive disorders and can even cause cancer.
3. Sucralose. Lastly, sucralose is another unhealthy sugar substitute that should be avoided in your diet. Sucralose can trigger food cravings and has been found to create toxic compounds when heated to high temperatures.
It’s best to avoid artificial sweeteners entirely, as your body can’t recognize them and they can lead to a cascade of unwanted symptoms and increased risk for many conditions. Instead, try using stevia or small amounts of raw honey or pure maple syrup. Stevia is not synthetic; It has been extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant. Using natural sweeteners instead of artificial ones is the best way to maintain your health.