While regular sugar is often the most talked about food to avoid when suffering from type 2 diabetes, artificial sweeteners can be just as harmful. This type of sweetener is a sugar substitute, a food additive that provides a sweetness similar to the taste of sugar. Usually an artificial sweetener…
- it contains much less food energy than sugar, which means it is a low-calorie sweetener.
- it can be obtained through the manufacture of plant extracts or processed through chemical synthesis.
These sweeteners, even though they are marketed as low-calorie or no-calorie, will still trigger food cravings. Unhealthy replacement sugar substitutes have been linked to conditions like glucose intolerance and can even lead to prediabetes or full-blown type 2 diabetes. Not only that, but artificial sweeteners have been found to disrupt healthy gut bacteria. When there is a disruption in the bacteria in your gut, you are more likely to experience an increase in fat storage.
So, with all of that said, let’s take a look at a quick breakdown of some of the dangers of artificial sweeteners, and then the three worst ones you’ll want to keep out of your diet.
The dangers of artificial sweeteners…
- can lead to cravings for unhealthy foods,
- can disrupt the bacteria in your gut,
- can cause digestive disorders
- help cause inflammation,
- can help cause headaches,
- cause dizziness,
- can lead to mood disorders,
- can harm your metabolism, and
- it can even increase your risk of developing cancer.
The 3 Worst Artificial Sweeteners…
1. Aspartame. Aspartame is at the top of this list, as it has been found to have carcinogenic effects and can even affect your brain. Aspartame is also known to cause headaches and dizziness.
2. Saccharin. Saccharin is another hotly debated sweetener you’ll want to stay away from, as it’s been linked to digestive upset and can even cause cancer.
3. Sucralose. Lastly, sucralose is another unhealthy sugar substitute that should be kept out of your diet. Sucralose can trigger food cravings and has been found to create toxic compounds when heated to high temperatures.
It’s best to avoid artificial sweeteners altogether, as they can’t be recognized by your body and can lead to a cascade of unwanted symptoms and an increased risk of many health conditions. Instead, try using stevia or small amounts of raw honey or pure maple syrup. Stevia is not synthetic; It has been extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant. Sticking to natural sweeteners instead of artificial ones is the best way to support your health.