Studies were carried out to prove whether or not sweeteners are harmful to the health of the body. And what benefits they provide.
Sweeteners have become popular as an alternative to replace sugar in food. However, despite being very popular with many, there is some question as to whether sweeteners are bad for your health. So, is it worth ditching the old sugar for a sweetener?
In principle, people who suffer from diabetes or obesity are the best suited to consume sweeteners. Because, they have a low glycemic index. In this aspect, sweeteners also contribute to weight loss. Since they have a low caloric value, which can promote weight loss.
In short, there is no evidence that sweeteners are harmful. However, there are some contraindications to its use. For example, children under three years of age cannot consume this product. Furthermore, people who suffer from phenylketonuria cannot consume it either. And, pregnant women should use it in moderation.
Who can use sweeteners?
Initially, sweeteners were created in order to benefit a specific group of people. Furthermore, the objective was to replace the use of sugars in food. Therefore, people who suffer from obesity and diabetes are the best suited to use sweeteners. Because, they are products that have a low glycemic index.
Therefore, these people can consume it without harming their health. It later became popular and began to be used by anyone who wants to escape the harm caused by traditional sugars. However, before adding this product to your diet, consult a nutritionist to avoid incorrect use.
Do they help you lose weight? And who has diabetes?
Some people point out that sweeteners are harmful. However, it has benefits if you consume it properly. Furthermore, sweeteners have low caloric value. In this way, it helps with weight loss.
However, to use it, it is necessary to adapt its use with other eating habits. For example, investing in a menu with fruits and vegetables. But, always pay attention to the nutritional value present in each fruit, as they also contain natural sugars. Finally, exercising also helps with weight loss.
On the other hand, people with diabetes need to control the sugar level in the body. Therefore, sweeteners act as a healthy escape. Well, they have a very low caloric level. So, they give a sweet taste to food, but reduce and control the intake of sugars and carbohydrates that can be harmful.
Furthermore, they also help with glycemic control and reduce calorie intake. However, it is essential to consult a specialist doctor to prevent sweeteners from harming you.
Contraindications
Sweeteners are only harmful in some cases. For example, aspartame is contraindicated for those with phenylketonuria. Because, it is a source of phenylalanine, an amino acid that people in this state cannot metabolize.
On the other hand, people who need to limit their potassium intake should avoid consuming acesulfame K, due to kidney changes.
Furthermore, there is no evidence that sweeteners are harmful to pregnant women. However, it is essential that intake is moderate and monitored by a specialist doctor. Children under three years of age cannot consume the sweetener. Since, at this age, the digestive system is not prepared to consume food additives.
Sweeteners are bad for you: do they cause cancer?
Science does not have any evidence that shows that sweeteners are harmful to health, causing diseases such as cancer. And, this product is approved by Anvisa and the FDA. However, according to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), excessive consumption can cause headaches, malaise, mood changes and even diarrhea.
Are sweeteners bad for your health?
It is a myth that sweeteners are bad for your health. Furthermore, it is common to hear rumors that sweeteners are harmful, that they cause Alzheimer’s, cancer and other diseases. However, this product is safe when taken correctly, without exaggeration.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an international organization that studies Alzheimer’s, there is no evidence between the use of the product and the development of the disease. Therefore, science does not present enough data to show that sweeteners are harmful.
However, avoid excessive consumption, as mentioned previously, to avoid causing headaches, malaise and even diarrhea.
Do sweeteners have an action against cavities?
Sweeteners can have an action against cavities. In principle, cavities originate when dirt accumulates on the teeth. For example, food and drink remains, along with the participation of bacteria from the mouth.
Furthermore, these bacteria produce an acid in a fermentation process, causing cavities. In this aspect, the sweetener has anticariogenic action, as it inhibits the action of fermentation.
Since the necessary component for the process is sucrose, present in sugars, the sweetener contains erythritol, xylitol and other substances. Therefore, it prevents the process that causes cavities.
Are all sweeteners artificial?
Sweeteners are not all artificial, and can be of two types: natural or synthetic. In principle, artificial ones are those produced by reformulations in the laboratory. For example, sucralose, which comes from a cane sugar molecule modified in the laboratory.
On the other hand, natural ones are obtained through plants, fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the production processes usually involve extracting the substance. For example, stevia, which is acquired in the sweet molecules of the leaves of the stevia reubadiana plant, soaked in water. Or also, erythritol, which is obtained by fermenting plants, such as non-GMO corn together with yeast.
Ultimately, they become sweeteners similar to traditional sugar. However, they have fewer calories and are more natural than other sweeteners.
Are sweeteners harmful if they are cooked?
Some people point out that sweeteners are harmful when heated, which is partly true. In short, when they are placed in ovens or hot pans they end up losing their characteristics. For example, when aspartame is put on fire, it loses its sweetening function. So, they don’t necessarily harm your health, they just lose their function.
However, sweeteners dissolve well in drinks and hot liquids. Also, some types can be used in oven-baked recipes. For example, erythritol, which sweetens like sugar (1 cup of erythritol corresponds to 1 cup of sugar) and, in the case of some products, such as Zero-Cal Bem Natural.
Anyway, to find out more about the subject, read also: Sweetener – Benefits, harms and difference between synthetic and natural.
