I have always wondered with these artificial sweeteners “cheating” the system, whether there’s any downside to consuming them rather than sugar. BBC news elucidates.
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-44208504?SThisFB
1. Not all sweeteners are artificial. Some, like stevia-based sweeteners, are made from the leaves of a plant.
2. Artificial sweeteners are closely regulated and have to pass necessary checks to be used in foods.
3. Children up to the age of 3 should not consume them. Pregnant women can however.
4. Sweeteners help if people consuming them consider them as consuming sugar, rather than discounting them and thus give them the allowance to consume other sugar rich products.
5. Negative press about artificial sweeteners such as leaving people hungrier, upsetting blood sugar levels, and altering our taste such that we find naturally sweet foods such as fruits less sweet are unconfirmed. More studies are required to ascertain these.
All in all, looks like I’m wrong about these sweeteners. They do seem like a really good alternative, especially if I’m approaching old age and my metabolism gives way, perhaps consuming them rather than sugars will make me less fat!
Never Stop Learning! 