5 Facts about Artificial Sweeteners that are Often Labeled Bad for Health

Jakarta –

Behind its sweet taste, it is considered an intake that needs to be avoided. It turns out there are several facts about artificial sweeteners that are rarely known.

For Indonesians, sweet food and drinks seem to stick to their tongues and are liked by almost everyone. Unfortunately, the sweet taste provided is not as sweet as the side effects that can be caused.

Many food and beverage products use artificial sweeteners as additional flavors. Artificial sweeteners are one component that is said to be avoided because they trigger diabetes and other diseases caused by sugar intake.

It turns out that behind its title as an enemy of health, artificial sweeteners also contain several facts. Facts about this artificial sweetener are still rare and not widely known by the general public.

Also read: 3 Croissants from Bali that are popular in Jakarta, which one is the most crunchy and delicious?

Here are 5 facts about artificial sweeteners according to Consumer Reports:

There are many types of artificial sweeteners. Photo: Getty Images/NoDerog

1. Meaning of artificial sweeteners

Many artificial sweeteners are actually referred to as non-nutritive sweeteners. This is because artificial sweetener products are dominated by calorie content but without any nutrients.

Some of these non-nutritive artificial sweeteners include acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), sucralose, saccharin, steviol glycosides and monk fruit. Even sweeteners such as stevia and monk fruit or lo han kuo still have to go through high processing to make them suitable for consumption as sweeteners.

It turns out that there are also artificial sweetener products that contain nutrients such as aspartame. Aspartame is also widely used in packaged foods and drinks. When used in small quantities, it is up to 200 times sweeter than sugar.

2. Triggers the risk of heart disease

The Food and Drug Administration has revealed toxic levels of artificial sweeteners that have been studied in humans and animals. Research shows that consuming artificial sweeteners can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer and heart disease.

In research published in 2019, it was found that women who consumed 680 grams of artificial sweeteners experienced a 35% increased risk of heart disease. Not only that, there is also the threat of a 26% increase in the risk of stroke and a 19% increase in premature death.

This research looked directly at the participants’ habits without adjusting their eating patterns and habits during observation. Although many further observations are still needed for validation, the side effects are highly emphasized by experts.

Fact artificial sweeteners others are on the next page.