Artificial Sweeteners: Good or Bad?

What are artificial sweeteners?

The chemical sweeteners that are added to foods or drinks to enhance their sweetness are known as artificial sweeteners.

They have a similar sweet taste to table sugar, except that they are much sweeter. Because of this, they are called "intense sweeteners."

However, sweeteners don't contain many calories and are used in such small amounts that you barely consume any calories.

Artificial sweeteners and weight gain

Weight-loss enthusiasts often prefer artificial sweeteners.

Some people are of the opinion that artificial sweeteners spur appetite and lead to weight gain.

The theory is that artificial sweeteners may not induce satisfaction after eating because they do not activate the food reward pathway.

Sweeteners are even thought to trigger sugar cravings.

Despite this, numerous studies do not support the notion that artificial sweeteners increase calorie intake or hunger.

The replacement of sugary foods and drinks with artificially sweetened ones has been shown to decrease hunger and calorie intake.

Artificial sweeteners and diabetes

Choosing artificial sweeteners for individuals with diabetes may be beneficial, as they can satisfy sweet tooth without increasing blood sugar levels.

Artificial sweeteners aren't linked to blood sugar or insulin levels, scientific studies indicate.

Nevertheless, more long-term effects research is still necessary in different populations.

Artificial sweeteners and cancer

An analysis of 9,000 participants followed over 13 years examined their artificial sweetener intake. Researchers found no correlation between artificial sweeteners and various types of cancer.

Additionally, a recent review of studies published in the last 11 years found no link between artificial sweeteners consumption and cancer risk.

Regulatory authorities from the U.S. and Europe have also looked into this topic. In their opinion, artificial sweeteners do not increase cancer risk when used as recommended.

Artificial sweeteners and dental health

Sugar reacts with bacteria in your mouth, but artificial sweeteners do not. Therefore, they do not cause tooth decay or acid formation in your mouth.

Additionally, sucralose appears to cause less tooth decay than sugar.

The bottom line

It is generally safe to use artificial sweeteners, and they may even help you lose weight, control your blood glucose levels, and improve oral hygiene.

You can use these sweeteners in your diet to decrease the amount of sugar you consume.

As with the adverse effects, the likelihood varies from individual to individual and is based on the type of artificial sweetener consumed.

While artificial sweeteners tend to be safe and well-tolerated, it is possible for some people to feel sick or have negative reactions to them.

Natural sweeteners are a good alternative to artificial sweeteners if you prefer to avoid them.