If you have been around at all for the last decade, you certainly are aware of the raging debate about just which artificial sweeteners are safe and which ones impact your health in a negative way. We all know the drill, some impressive calorie free sweetener gets approved by the FDA and the manufacturer guarantees it is safe. Then, in the coming months, the horrifying stories begin to trickle in.
I have to admit, it can really be a tough decision to make. In current societal trends, a person is always concerned with their appearance, which to a large degree can be dependent on how comfortable you are with your weight. So, it is almost a balance that you are trying to strike here. You want to get some satisfaction from your food and beverages tasting good, and you want to look good. Those calorie free sweeteners seemed to be the answer we were all hoping for. At least until the stories started.
Drill Doctor
Aspartame has frequently flown to the top of the lists in terms of artificial sweeteners that might have some negative health influences. I searched for the most complete explanation detailing how exactly aspartame is bad for your health. I found a pretty succinct and interesting description that I really liked from Dr. Ben Kim (drbenkim.com). According to Dr. Ben Kim, simply put, aspartame is toxic to your nervous system and enough exposure to aspartame can lead to nerve cell death. Wow, that certainly does qualify as succinct, and pretty finite too!
The FDA has repeatedly documented that aspartame has contributed to the development of the following symptoms:
* Inability to concentrate
* Short-term memory loss
* Headaches
* Dizziness
* Trouble sleeping
* Depression and irritability
* Seizures
* Nausea
* Numbness
* Muscle spasms
* Fatigue
* Difficulty breathing
* Heart irregularities
* Joint Pain
Wow! That's a lot to swallow! Even with a calorie free sweetener mixed in.
So, it is understandable that people have developed kind of a distrust and fear of calorie free sweeteners. What's the point in looking good if you have to struggle with seizures, nausea, muscle spasms, etc, AH! Looking good, maybe we should first address what's the point in living!
Is there any calorie free sweetener on the market that is actually SAFE for your health too?
Are you ready? Stevia is reportedly ALL NATURAL and considered SAFE.
Considered safe? By who? Well, not the FDA, not at least for the moment. The FDA has not yet approved nor blocked Stevia into food supply. Interestingly enough, I have noticed that certain cola companies do have plans to begin introducing beverages sweetened with Stevia shortly.
Just what to make of all of this? Well, I would go with Stevia if I am going to use an artificial sweetener. However, I personally try to consume all of my beverages (tea being my absolute favorite) unsweetened.
Please, let me know your thoughts!