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Dear Daniluna,

Thank you for sharing your question about artificial sweeteners with the EmpowHER community. You are certainly not alone when it comes to trying to sort out fact from fiction when it comes to this topic!

According to an article from EmpowHER, artificial sweeteners may actually contribute to metabolic problems. Saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame (known by most as Equal, Splenda, and Sweet'N Low, respectively)  is made by joining together the amino acids aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are found naturally in many foods.

Rumors claiming that aspartame causes a number of health problems, including cancer, have been around for many years. 

According to research studies, no health problems have been consistently linked to aspartame use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the use of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners in the United States and has concluded that aspartame is safe as a general purpose sweetener in food. Research on artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, continues today.

Stevia has certainly grown in popularity as Aspartame has gained a bad reputation among health enthusiasts and consumers. This green, leafy plant is a native to South America and has been used for centuries for various medicinal purposes. It has intense sweetening qualities that make it up to 300 times sweeter than sugar. Hence, stevia is being used as a sugar substitute because of the many health benefits it can give – all of which are confirmed by human benefits.

Here's a great article from the EmpowHER community about the benefits of Stevia

If you really want to go a natural, avoid sweeteners that come in pink, blue, or yellow packets. Fantastic alternatives are agave nectar, honey and blackstrap molasses.

Daniluna, I hope this answered your question. I definitely think that you are on the right track! I personally use honey and agave as natural sweeteners in my drinks and cooking, but I will admit I have a diet soda a day. Everything in moderation is my rule of thumb. I have really enjoyed incorporating the natural elements into my cooking. 

Here's a great link about cooking with honey. Let us know if you give it a try.

Best,

Kristin

January 16, 2015 - 2:45pm

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