The Skinny on Sweeteners
Health Wednesday, August 17th, 2011
By Felicia Stoler, FoxNews.com
Are you confused by the vast array of sweeteners that are used in foods? I find that our society has demonized the word “sugar,” perhaps because we think of blood glucose as blood “sugar” and for decades we associated sugar with being bad for diabetics.
Many people that I encounter, including patients, tell me that when they read a nutrition facts panel, they look to see how much sugar is in the product. I always follow up by asking them, “Do you know how many grams of sugar you need each day and do you understand the difference between naturally occurring sugars and added sugars?” The answer is always a resounding “no.”
Some studies have linked long-term consumption of sugar to dental problems, diabetes, obesity and heart disease, so moderation is key. But sugar isn’t the only option. Many natural and artificial sweeteners exist out there, but it’s hard to keep track. And new research suggests that no-calorie sweetners may not be the best alternative…
Emerging Alternatives to Sugar
Saccharin was first “discovered” by accident in the lab by Constantin Fahlberg in 1878 and became used commercially shortly thereafter. Its use became widespread during sugar shortages during World War I. Its popularity increased in the 1960s and 1970s – as pink packets of Sweet’n Low were seen everywhere and many diabetics, and consumers, were happy with the calorie-free sweetener that did not impact blood glucose. It is considered to be 200 to 700 times sweeter than sugar, and some find the taste unappealing.
Aspartame was approved for use in 1981 and for use in foods in 1983. It is 180 to 200 times sweeter than sugar and brand names include Equal and NutraSweet. But there has been some controversy over the safety of aspartame. When the FDA approves ingredients, companies must prove there is no harm from consumption – the term often used is carcinogenic (or cancer-causing). However, advances in research and testing methods have researchers questioning safety from a different perspective – neurotoxicity and other illnesses.
To read more, visit: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/08/16/skinny-on-sweeteners/
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