Once again, non-nutritive or “artificial” sweeteners are in the news. New evidence shows that there are negative biochemical changes in the body in response to these low-calorie sugar substitutes. 1

We already know that sugar has detrimental effects on blood sugar, insulin, and waistlines. It is common knowledge today that the consumption of sweets should be reduced and kept to a minimum. Then came those nifty no-calorie sweeteners that promised a similar taste without all the unhealthy side effects. While initially considered safe and approved by the FDA, research has suggested for some time that they are not as benign as advertised. We now have even more evidence that they are doing more harm than good.

In this new study, the researchers took several groups of rats and fed them diets rich in glucose, fructose, or artificial sweeteners (aspartame or acesulfame potassium). Acesulfame is sold in stores at Sunnett or Sweet One, and aspartame is sold as Equal or NutraSweet. Both are currently FDA-approved artificial sweeteners.

Within three weeks, the researchers found noticeable differences between the groups based on the blood samples collected. They noticed that the artificial sweeteners seemed to change the way their bodies processed fat and energy in general. They also noted that acesulfame potassium accumulated in the blood and had a negative impact on the cells that line the blood vessels.

Bottom line? Don’t think switching to artificial sweeteners is the answer. For one thing, how many skinny people do you see walking around drinking diet soda all day? They don’t seem to work. This study helps us understand why. Additionally, continuing to drink sweetened beverages hinders the ability to acclimate to less sweetened beverages and foods. It keeps the sweet tooth going, so to speak, and doesn’t solve the craving problem. In fact, it can make things worse by initiating an insulin response but, without sugar entering the body, you end up with lower blood sugar and a “crash,” so to speak. The cycle of desire continues.

The article ends by trying to answer the question, which is better? Sugar or artificial sweeteners? How about none? My advice is to ditch sweet-tasting beverages altogether and switch to good water, just as nature intended.

But you hate water, you say? If that’s you, think about some simple flavors like lemon, lime, or other fruit soaked in your H2O. Maybe dilute a favorite beverage half and half and keep increasing the water until you crave the sweet taste less and less. Drink sparkling mineral water and lime if sodas are your thing. There are ways to make better choices to keep these harmful chemicals out of your body forever.

In the end, if weight loss, blood sugar control, and heart health are your goals, artificial sweeteners have to go. Period.

1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180423085440.htm