If you’re like millions of Americans, you’ve decided to cut back on sugar and now you’re using artificial sweeteners instead. Unfortunately, there are some reports that using artificial sweeteners may actually be leading to weight gain.
You’re probably wondering how this can make sense. Isn’t the goal of an artificial sweetener to give your foods a sweet flavor without adding calories? It’s true, they do actually sweeten, but what they also do is increase the cravings for sweet foods. Studies have shown that many people figure if they have are having a diet soda they can indulge in a few extra treats. How many times have you seen someone with a double-bacon cheeseburger and fries and a diet soda? Probably more often than you realize.
There is some concern about the safety of artificial sweeteners, too. While the FDA has approved sweeteners, some people report migraines, and in extreme cases even seizures, and wonder about the long term effects that these products have on the body, particularly the brain. One of the most popular sweeteners of the past, Saccharin (aka "Sweet 'N Low) was studied in 2003 by the National Cancer Institute and some evidence was found that heavy saccharin users had a higher risk of bladder cancer. Even Aspartame, while approved by the FDA, was found in a non-industry study to have a link between its use and cancer in rats.
So what’s a person supposed to do, you ask? The main thing to take into account when debating the sugar vs. artificial sweetener issue is to look at your overall diet. If you are eating a healthy diet and getting exercise, chances are that a little sprinkle of real sugar in your tea is not going to hurt you. If you are eating an unhealthy diet, too many calories, and too much fat, is a packet of artificial sweetener really going to make a difference in your weight? To be frank, probably not.
If you insist that artificial sweeteners make your eating more pleasurable and they help you manage your diet, go for it. It’s generally recommended that artificial sweeteners be limited each day, however. A naturally healthy diet with a little sugar now and then will pay off in good health in the long run.
