Cebu City - Why are artificial sweeteners gaining popularity all over the world?

Artificial sweeteners give the feeling of satisfaction minus the guilt because it does not contain any calories. These are man-made alternatives to sugar. However, they might be made from naturally existing materials like sugar or even herbs.

According to the ADA Standards of Care, nonnutritive sweeteners can be used in place of sugar in moderation to assist regulate blood sugar and cut calories, so long as there isn't an increase in the consumption of other calorie-dense foods.

Common artificial sweeteners include Acesulfame K (brand names: Sunett and Sweet One), Aspartame (brand names: Equal and NutraSweet Natural), Neotame (brand name: Newtame), Sacharrin (brand names: Sweet 'N Low and Sugar Twin) and Sucralose (brand name: Splenda).

In addition to its advantages, animal studies have shown that artificial sweeteners are linked to weight gain, brain tumors, bladder cancer, and a host of other health risks. Carcinogenicity and other health-related negative effects have been observed in people.

There are also drinks and foods that contain these sweeteners and as consumers, we just need to look at the ingredients to make sure of what we are putting inside our bodies.

It is important to keep in mind that the principle of “too much of anything can be bad” is applicable in this scenario. Artificial sweeteners may have benefits, but excessive intake of these products may be hazardous to human health. //PDO I Noah Vincent D. Gallo, RND, MSPH