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Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
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Artificial Sweeteners - Are You Aware Of These Facts?

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Dr. Shiimpy MatharuDietitian/Nutritionist • 21 Years Exp.Bcom-Hons, MBA-Marketing & International Business, Advance Diploma In Nutrition & Dietetics, National Diabetes Educational Programme
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If you like your food sweet, but worry about calories at the same time, chances are you are inclining towards artificial sweeteners to solve your dilemma. The market is flooded with artificial sweeteners, so how do you choose one? And what are their pros and cons?

Besides weight control, artificial sweeteners are also used by people suffering from diabetes. But there is a debate as to how safe artificial sweeteners are, for normal people and diabetics alike. You get multiple choices from aspartame to sucralose, present in stores. However, it is better to be educated about their benefits and disadvantages before you decide to use one. Listed below are the pros and cons of most popular sweeteners available in the market.

1. Saccharin: This sugar substitute has been in the market for the longest.
Pros:

  • It has zero calories
  • It does not elevate the levels of blood sugar
  • 200-700 times sweeter than normal sugar

Cons:

  • It is a possible carcinogen (substances that cause cancer)
  • There is also the danger of saccharin acting as an allergen (substances that cause allergy)

2. Aspartame: It is the most commonly used sugar substitute. Almost all the food items that boast of being sugar-free have aspartame in them.
Pros:

  • 160-220 times sweeter than common sugar
  • A small amount goes a long way, so calorie intake is lesser

Cons:

3. Sucralose: This sugar substitute is derived from sugar itself. It is gradually becoming the most popularly used sweetener as it is found in almost all cooked or baked foods.
Pros:

  • It is heat resistant, so it is used liberally in cooking and baking
  • It has very few calories

Cons:

  • Weight gain is still possible
  • It has chlorine in it, which is a carcinogen in nature

4. Neotame: This is a new invention and is chemically related to aspartame.
Pros:

  • 7000 -13000 times sweeter than common sugar with zero calories
  • Apparently, it is safe for consumption for teens, children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

Cons:

  • There isn't enough research done on Neotame, therefore very little is known about it
  • Since its chemical composition is closer to aspartame, there is much controversy about "neotame" affecting people the same way as aspartame

Now that you are aware of the different variety of artificial sweeteners available, it is advisable that you consult your doctor before using them. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

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