Recent news reports have gone crazy with findings from studies showing that artificial sweeteners could actually cause you to GAIN weight. Personally, I’m thankful that I’ve never been into diet pops or other “diet” foods. I always wanted the real thing! Fake sugars never come close to tasting as good, (similar to fake fats), and as the studies show, you often just end up with a sluggish metabolism and more cravings later anyway. I don’t care if some say they’re “safe” (wonder who sponsored those studies?), all those weird chemicals can’t be good for us, it’s just common sense - in my opinion all studies need to be evaluated with the “common sense filter” first!
And just so you know, I do realize that “real” sugars, even more natural ones like honey, maple syrup, evaporated cane juice, etc., aren’t perfect either, to say the least, and should be consumed in very limited amounts. (I’m getting a little better, honest!) Read more on sugars and the best choices!
photo by yeah im kenny
Here’s an interesting article on artificial sweeteners by Jordan Rubin. Read a short excerpt:
“Here’s my take: God created sweet taste to represent quick energy. That’s why you see tennis players at the U.S. Open peeling a banana during changeovers; they need the quick energy from bananas and other sweet fruits. When artificial non-caloric sweeteners are consumed, the sweet taste but not the calories are there, and the body receives mixed signals. In addition, since the body expects calories with sweet taste, the body craves other foods to get those calories. Another point that captured my attention was the fact that the number of Americans who consume soda, yogurt, snack cakes, and other sugar-free treats containing artificial sweeteners more than doubled to 160 million in 2000 from 70 million in 1987, according to the report. I don’t think it’s any coincidence at all that the incidence of obesity among U.S. adults doubled as well from 15 percent to 30 percent of the population.”
I hope you’ll read the whole article (and the related posts below) and let me know what you think!
RELATED POSTS/LINKS:
- Dieting issues: Does fat make you fat? Read more about saturated fat, cholesterol & heart disease issues.
- Time/CNN: Our bodies can’t be fooled or Can sugar substitutes make you fat?
- This post is FULL of information about Agave Nectar and other sweeteners down in the comment section.
- Read about why you should avoid low-fat dairy.
- Read how coconut can help you lose weight.
- 16 ways to help an overweight child.
- One more: a well-rounded article on sugar substitutes and potential dangers
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Natalie 04.02.08 at 5:03 am
An excellent book to read on the ill effects of Aspartame is “Sweet Poison” by Janet Starr Hull published by New Horizon Press. It is an older book as it has a copyright date of 1999. I’m not sure how I came upon this book so many years ago (I have a hardcover copy), but ever since reading it, I was sure I wasn’t interested in eating anything that has Aspartame in it. This can be difficult if you are looking for reduced calorie foods as Aspartame seems to be the most prevalant artificial sweetner.
Just as a side note, my husband gets headaches from Aspartame. If you read the book, there are stories of people having seizures, excessive sweating, and racing heartbeats all of which is attributed to Aspartame.
Holly 04.03.08 at 11:09 am
Great post. I agree that I don’t trust THEM when THEY say it is safe to consume these chemicals. THEY say lots of things that I don’t believe.