Artificial Sweeteners

Aspartame was discovered by a chemist; you probably know it as Equal and NutraSweet. It’s found in thousands of food and drink products -- namely, diet sodas. Studies have shown that it can cause imbalances in your brain; aggravate migraines and... Full Answer

Saccharin (pink packets), aspartame (blue packets) and sucralose (yellow packets) are known as excitotoxins, which contain neurotransmitters that “overexcite” neurons in the brain, causing degeneration and even death in these critically... Full Answer

Beyond the commonly used serving packets, artificial sweeteners are often hidden in everyday items not advertised as diet foods such as cereal, vitamins, sauces and even baby food. Look for these key words on food labels to spot artificial... Full Answer

The average American consumes 24 pounds of artificial sweeteners each year. Sugar substitutes are added to nearly 6,000 products sold in the United States, including baby foods, frozen dinners, and even yogurts. Examine the health risks linked to... Full Answer

Many people use artificial sweeteners to cut their caloric intake, but the very opposite effect can occur. New research shows that artificial sweeteners stimulate taste receptors that sense sweetness in both the esophagus and stomach.  Anticipating... Full Answer

Instead of artificial sweeteners, try one of these natural alternatives: honey: Unlike white table sugar, honey is a complex food. One teaspoon contains 25 other compounds including proteins, amino acids and trace minerals. agave: A distilled... Full Answer

Our "sweet" set-point is a mess - as a country. The numbers don't lie. We're the fattest industrialized nation in the world, and even as our sugar consumption has soared, so too has our intake of artificial sweeteners in everything from diet sodas to... Full Answer

Aspartame, the artificial sweetener found in NutraSweet, has been extensively studied since it was approved by the FDA in 1974. Despite numerous articles and claims that aspartame may cause cancer and other deleterious effects on the human body, a 2007... Full Answer

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that's sold under the names of Equal and NutraSweet. Some studies have shown that aspartame may be carcinogenic and may affect brain function as well as contribute to health issues such as diabetes, birth... Full Answer

Xylitol, a sweetener, prevents tooth decay, rather than causes it, which is why it is often used in sugar-free gum as well as oral hygiene products such as toothpaste, fluoride tablets, and mouthwashes. Studies have shown that xylitol may also... Full Answer