are diet sweeteners bad for you?
909
Artificial sweeteners have been scrutinized intensely for decades. Critics of artificial sweeteners say that they cause a variety of health problems, including cancer. That's largely because of studies dating to the 1970s that linked the artificial sweetener saccharin to bladder cancer in laboratory rats.
861687
Although many people use artificial sweeteners to help cut calories for weight maintenance or loss, studies have shown they can be counterproductive and actually cause weight gain. Yes, consuming sugar substitutes as a replacement for regular sugar will decrease your calorie intake.
455483
It's generally considered to be safe, but some new studies disagree. Some people claim that artificial sweeteners can raise blood sugar and insulin levels, and potentially even cause diabetes. While aspartame remains a popular artificial sweetener, it continues to be controversial.
177823
BOTTOM LINE: Stevia is widely considered to be safe when used as a sweetener, and no health concerns have been raised during its 10-plus years in wide circulation in the U.S. But as with any sugar substitute, it's wise not to go overboard.
598628
Natural sweeteners are generally safe. But there's no health advantage to consuming any particular type of added sugar. Consuming too much added sugar, even natural sweeteners, can lead to health problems, such as tooth decay, weight gain, poor nutrition and increased triglycerides.
935536
The majority of diet drinks have no sugar and should not raise blood sugar levels. However, it is worth checking the carbohydrate value on the packaging if you are unsure or are trying a new diet soft drink.
1228097
But the truth is, diet soda is just as bad for you as regular soda, and even worse for your hair. What makes diet soda bad for your hair, are all the artificial sweeteners. Specifically aspartame, which is linked hair loss. According to the FDA, aspartame can cause hair loss as well as thinning hair.
942470
The consumption of artificial sweeteners can therefore lead to abnormal pancreas functioning and insulin levels, in addition to changes in other functions that affect our metabolism, which may put us at risk for related illnesses such as type 2 diabetes.
1095875
As a sweetener, xylitol is an excellent choice. Whereas some sweeteners may cause health risks, studies show that xylitol has actual health benefits. It doesn't spike blood sugar or insulin, starves the plaque-producing bacteria in your mouth and feeds friendly microbes in your digestive system.
1039878
Some artificial sweeteners may cause unpleasant symptoms, such as headaches, depression, and seizures in some individuals. While most studies find no link between aspartame and headaches, with two noting that some people are more sensitive than others ( 62 , 63 , 64 , 65, 66 ).
1099132
Excess insulin production with no sugar storage that impacts your health in negative ways. Research suggests that drinking too much diet soda induces a complication called metabolic syndrome, which comes with side-effects like increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, and weight gain, to name a few.
920504
The bottom line. Saccharin appears to be generally safe for consumption and an acceptable alternative to sugar. It may even help reduce cavities and aid weight loss, though only slightly. However, any associated benefits are not due to the sweetener itself, but rather to reducing or avoiding sugar.
267366
Share on Pinterest Diet soda may contain artificial sweeteners rather than sugar. Diet soda is soda that mimics the taste of traditional soda but provides less or no sugar. Diet soda uses artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin or aspartame, to achieve the same sweet taste.
818692
Diet sodas increases the risk of diabetes by negatively affecting gut bacteria, insulin secretion, and sensitivity. They also cause blood sugar levels to spike when a person eats carbohydrates, increasing waist circumference and body fat.
1004925
Artificial sweeteners (sometimes called sugar alternatives) can replace sugar in foods and drinks to give you a sweet taste but with few or no calories. They are often several hundred times sweeter than sugar. So compared to sugar, only a little is needed for the same sweet taste.
1240026
In the short-term, eating too much sugar may contribute to acne, weight gain, and tiredness. In the long-term, too much sugar increases the risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
756155
They are safe for people with diabetes, and they can be used to reduce both your calorie and carbohydrate intake. Sugar substitutes also can help curb those cravings you have for something sweet. You'll find artificial sweeteners in diet drinks, baked goods, frozen desserts, candy, light yogurt and chewing gum.