The DeLish Bite

How do artificial sweeteners stack up against sugars and are they dangerous for our health? There is a great deal of ongoing debate about this topic (although I know where I stand). However, before we get to my opinion, I will do my best to give you an objective picture of both sides. For faux sugar On the pro side for artificial sweeteners (also called non-nutritive sweeteners or sugar substitutes) are those who say that these chemical substances pose no danger to our health. These professionals argue that the sweeteners approved by Health Canada (Acesuflame Potassium, Sucralose, Aspartame, Polydextrose , Saccharin, Cyclamate) have been tested rigorously and have been proven to be safe for human consumption with zero adverse effects. Health Canada is actually reviewing its 1970 decision to ban Saccharin following on the heels of the U.S.A. Pro-artificial also suggest that these sweeteners actually fight against heart disease, obesity and diabetes due to the fact that they have zero calories and thus do not influence blood sugars. This is in contrast to sugar, which is highly caloric and does (when consumed frequently and in high doses) create blood sugar and energy imbalances. Against counterfeit sweetness On the flip side of this argument are responsible experts who disagree and suggest that artificial sweeteners are in fact unsafe. They believe that although these sugar substitutes might appear to be healthy at first glance, they are almost always later proven to be full of harmful side effects. One thing appears certain -- the chemicals that these artificial sweeteners are created from are known health hazards. In fact, many studies have shown that laboratory animals have developed cancer along with a host of additional side effects. For example, the possible side effects of aspartame include headaches, migraines, panic attacks, dizziness, irritability, nausea, intestinal discomfort, skin rash, and nervousness. In addition to this, a recent study has indicated that the ingestion of aspartame can lead to accumulation of formaldehyde in the brain (this does not sound healthy to me). These experts would argue that although sugar might be more caloric and cause blood sugar fluctuations, it is a natural product that can be incorporated into a healthy diet based on moderation. Even their claims to reduce calories is being questioned after several studies, including two from Purdue University, showed a link between non-nutritive sweeteners and the body's ability to control calorie consumption. Somehow they trick the body into expecting more calories, making us over-eat -- just what you don't want to do when dieting. Final word My opinion is that how are we to know how safe these compounds are if there have been no long-term studies on humans? I, for one, am pro-sugar as it is a natural product and I believe that it can be incorporated into a healthy diet (see my previous blog for healthy alternatives to sugar). I do my best to avoid artificial sweeteners both in my diet and the recipes that I create. However, as I have always said, life is about moderation and I do enjoy the occasional diet soda...