Using Artificial Sweeteners May Raise the Risk of Heart Disease

 

Artificial sweeteners— also called sugar substitutes—can be found in everything from soft drinks to baked goods, yogurts, cereals and dairy products. These sweeteners have long been viewed as a way to avoid the health-related risks associated with traditional sweeteners, such as high blood sugar, type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

Also, many people use artificial sweetening alternatives rather than real sugars as a way to cut calories and lose weight.

However, a new study has found that artificial sweeteners may actually be harmful to your health and could potentially lead to heart disease. Artificial sugar substitutes are not necessarily a safe or healthy alternative.

The study found that participants who consumed higher amounts of artificial sweeteners had a 9% increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who did not consume any at all. This included younger individuals who had a higher body mass index (BMI), were less physically active and more likely to smoke.

Researchers also studied different types of artificial sweeteners and found aspartame intake was associated with a 17% increased risk of cerebrovascular events, while acesulfame potassium and sucralose were linked with increased coronary heart disease risk. 

While the authors of the study did their best to ensure the accuracy of the results, limitations and confounding issues remain. For example, people that consume high amounts of artificial sweeteners may be in poorer health status than their counterparts, and perhaps also consume greater amounts of other unhealthy foods. 

Thus rather than establishing that artificial sweeteners are 'bad' and should be avoided at all costs, the more adequate take-home point is that we should be vigilant about the indiscriminate use of these additives and consume them in moderation. 

There are multiple theories about why artificial sweeteners may cause disease, from alteration of insulin and glucose balance to modification of the gut microbiota. Another factor could be the interaction of artificial sweeteners with intestinal sweet taste receptors, which plays a part in insulin secretion and glucose absorption. 

Additionally, the alteration of gut microbiota by some artificial sweeteners could increase glucose intolerance and may be involved in the underlying mechanisms.

Thus if you use artificial sweeteners in foods and beverages, health experts recommend that you use them sparingly or in moderation, rather than relying on them excessively.

Beyond cutting down your consumption of such sweeteners, there are other steps you can take to minimize risk of cardiovascular disease and other health conditions associated with these products: 

• ·         Becoming more aware of how much artificial sweetener you are consuming
• ·         Cutting back on diet sodas or other drinks and foods. Instead drink unsweetened teas, sparkling waters and regular water
• ·         Consuming a healthy well-balanced diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, fish, proteins, legumes, beans and other food items
• ·         Getting regular physical activity