You may be familiar with the big debate between artificial sweeteners and table sugar. We see it all over the news and social media outlets; “substitute all your table sugar with sweeteners”. While there are many good reasons behind lessening your sugar consumption, increasing your intake of artificial sweeteners can cause more harm than good.
Did you know? The American Heart Association recommends that the maximum amount of sugar you should eat a day is 25 g (6 teaspoons). A regular intake of more than 25 g daily can lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, tooth decay, and cancer.
Here are some of the most common myths about artificial sweeteners:
ALL artificial sweeteners are 100% safe
There are only six approved artificial sweeteners. These six sweeteners are: acesulfame potassium (acesulfame K), saccharin, aspartame, neotame, sucralose, advantame.
They can be found in carbonated drinks, baked goods, and can be bought separately as Splenda, Stevia, Sunett, Nutrasweet, and Equal to name a few.
In research studies, these artificial sweeteners have not been linked to or caused any long-term health health problems, such as cancer. This leads us to the next myth.
Artificial sweeteners cause cancer
Some studies have found a link between artificial sweeteners and cancer development in rats, but the results have not been the same in humans.
Artificial sweeteners will help you lose weight
Some studies have found a link between artificial sweeteners and cancer development in rats, but the results have not been the same in humans.
Remember, don’t eat too much of either one. We should all aim to be eating less than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) of sugar per day.
