Artificial sweeteners sound like such a great idea. You can have the sugary taste you love with zero calories, so you don’t have to worry about gaining weight, right?
Even organizations like Health Canada, the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association approve the use of artificial sweeteners to some extent.
On the other hand, a growing body of research suggests that these products may be contributing to the same health conditions they are supposed to prevent, such as cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.
One issue I have with artificial sweeteners is that … they are artificial. They are artificial, synthetic and chemically processed food additives. Even the ones that are sugar-based are still chemically processed.
In a world where many of us are trying to eat whole, wholesome, minimally processed foods, artificial sweeteners fly in the face of our efforts.
The other problem is that artificial sweeteners are so prevalent that it’s hard to avoid them, especially if your diet consists more so of processed foods and diet sodas.
When we consume artificial sweeteners, the following can happen:
1. You may gain weight rather than lose weight
Weight loss is one of the most common reasons for using artificial sweeteners. However, you may gain more pounds using artificial sweeteners if you don’t keep track of what you are eating and how much. Keep track of how much you eat, including nutritious foods that are relatively high in calories like nuts and healthy fats.
2. Your taste buds will get used to the sickly sweetness of artificial sweeteners
Some artificial sweeteners are almost 10,000 times sweeter than sugar. Over time, they could condition you to reject the milder flavors of natural food and the natural sweetness of fruits and some vegetables. Be sure to make whole foods the main part of your diet.
3. You may increase your risk of metabolic syndrome
Recent studies have found that daily use of sugar substitutes can actually raise the risk of metabolic syndrome, which is associated with increased body fat, diabetes, and heart conditions. It is another good reason to avoid artificial sweeteners as much as possible.
Some experts postulate that limited use of artificial sweeteners may be helpful for some. On the other hand, you can eat healthier by cutting back on both sugar and sugar substitutes.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with something more nutritious instead.
Are you ready to learn more about sugar and how it affects your health and well-being?
Join me on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern for my FREE webinar, Sugar, Not So Sweet – How sugar affects your health!
I’ll be giving you the lowdown on how sugar affects your hormones and health, the different types of sugar and ways you can kick your sugar cravings to the curb!
Click here to register for this “sweet” webinar!
Remember, it’s FREE!!
Until next time!
Yours in health and wellness,
Francine Alleyne (RHNP™)
Holistic Nutritionist, Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner™
Email: fran@francinealleyne.com
Website: http://www.midlifehealthy.com
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DISCLAIMER: Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you are experiencing any symptoms. I am not a doctor. This post and anything else you find on my website is intended for informational, educational and self-empowerment purposes ONLY and is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition or disease.