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Using Sugar Substitutes And Artificial Sweeteners For Weight LossThere are a variety of sugar substitutes on the market today, and the safety of some of the products in use has been called into question. Artificial sweeteners are widely used in place of sugar by diabetics and dieters alike. Two products that may be potentially unsafe are Saccharin and Aspartame, and although only small amounts are required it is considered safer to use a natural sweetener such as Stevia instead.
Types Of Artificial SweetenersThere are two types of sugar substitutes; sugar alcohols and non-caloric sweeteners. Sugar Alcohols or low-calorie sweeteners include sorbitol and mannitol. These contain the same amount or slightly lower calories than sugar and therefore do not help people trying to lose weight. They are commonly used in chewing gum and candy. Sugar alcohols and low calorie sweeteners are absorbed more quickly into the body than sugar and have been known to cause stomach upsets. Non-caloric sweeteners or true artificial sweeteners such Saccharin and Aspartame are used in snack foods and drinks. They are useful for individuals wanting to lose weight since they have no calories.Properties Of Common Non Caloric Sweeteners
Aspartame And PhenylketonuricsPeople who have have a metabolic disorder in which phenylalanine cannot be correctly processed by the body are known as Phenylketonurics. Aspartame is unsafe for use by Phenylketonurics, as it breaks down into phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol that are further metabolized by the body. For this reason, all products that contain aspartame have to indicate the presence of aspartame, along with a warning that the product may not be safe to use by Phenylketonurics. This includes products such as diet sodas.
Health Risks Of Artificial SweetenersIn the US, artificial sweeteners are regulated by the FDA. In 1969, the FDA banned the use of Cyclamate, a type of artificial sweetener after studies showed that it caused bladder cancer in animals. Additional research also linked Saccharin with bladder cancer, but in December 2000, the FDA declared that Saccharin did not constitute a major risk for bladder cancer in humans. Researchers however, did conclude that people who were heavy users of Saccharin, having more than 6 servings a day in food or more than 2 servings of 8 ounce diet drinks a day were at higher risk for bladder cancer.A link between Aspartame and cancer was suggested in some laboratory experiments with rats which were fed very high doses of Aspartame. However, as there were inconsistencies in the findings, the FDA ruled that Aspartame was safe for human consumption. In the light of this controversy, it may be prudent to use Stevia instead, as it is a natural product, and not man-made as the rest of the sugar substitutes in use today.
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