Thirteen Pros and Cons of Artificial Sweeteners
February 5, 2010
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With so many options it may be hard to choose artificial sweeteners that are right for you. Most artificial sweeteners have both pros and cons, leaving it hard to decide which one to choose. Each substitute has its own individual set of pros and cons.
Pros
All sugar substitutes have known pros other than just that most of them have no calories. Some of the more common pros include:
- Leaving no effect on your body’s blood-sugar levels.
- A better, sweeter flavor than sugar.
- Helping the body loose weight.
- No adverse changes on taste when heated.
- The ability to use less product to achieve the same level of sweetness.
- Most artificial sweeteners appear to be safe for pregnant women.
- Some artificial sweeteners have been proven to not increase cancer risks.
- Combining certain artificial sweeteners can produce a customized, unique flavor.
- Some products, such as Stevia, have been used before in other countries with no adverse effects on the populace.
- Helping you control diabetes.
- Replacements for less suitable sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup.
- Allowing the common dieter the ability to eat foods they normally wouldn’t be allowed because of high sugar content.
Cons
The bad side effects are the most notorious part of sugar substitutes, some of which are harmful enough to cause death. Some of the more common cons include;
- Unlisted calories.
- Changing the texture of baked goods.
- Adding an ‘artificial’ taste to food or drinks.
- Claims of organ damage in animal testing.
- Certain artificial sweeteners are listed as “anticipated human carcinogens.”
- Possible bodily harm to children who consume it.
- Certain sweeteners contain phenylalanine which some people can’t metabolize.
- Some sweeteners cannot be used for baking.
- Some people are allergic to artificial sweeteners.
- When used alone as a sweetener some artificial sweeteners have a bitter taste.
- Many tests concerning artificial sweeteners have been proven to be poorly conducted.
- Some artificial sweeteners have not been approved by the FDA.
- Possible laxative effect when more than recommended is consumed.
There are also reports of side effects such as:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Mood changes
- Weight gain
- Vision and hearing problems
- Muscle spasms
- Fatigue
- Anxiety attacks
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Heart palpitations
- Lupus
- Epilepsy
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Joint pain
Unfortunately, most new artificial sweeteners are too new to have been tested fully, so many of them may prove to be more harmful in the long run than they appear to be right now. If you happen to have many allergies it may be best to consult your physician before trying any artificial sweeteners.
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