For a long time, people with diabetes were advised to use artificial sweeteners. However, new research shows that this might be wrong. Artificial sweeteners may not be the healthier option.
So let’s take a quick look at some of the pros and cons of using artificial sweeteners.
The Benefits of Artificial Sweeteners
- Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin contain no calories. Thus, you can fit them into a low-calorie diet.
- They also don’t impact your blood sugar levels. This is why they were considered to be the safe choice for diabetics.
- Some sweeteners do contain calories. However, they are much more effective than sugar. Hence, you can use a very small amount of sweetener to achieve the taste you’re looking for.
The Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners
- They impact your body in different ways than sugar does. Despite the lack of calories, they put you at risk of obesity. You are also more at risk of diabetes if you regularly consume artificial sweeteners.
- These chemicals make it harder to follow your diet plan. Artificial sweeteners can make you want to eat more than usual. In particular, they make you crave sweet foods.
- These sweeteners also alter your gut bacteria. This causes glucose intolerance, which leads to diabetes.
- Since they don’t provide you with enough energy, they cause fatigue. Furthermore, you are likelier to eat more. After all, you want to restore your energy levels.
A Final Word
It’s important to gain a thorough understanding of the pros and cons of using artificial sweeteners. Additionally, you should try to keep up with new research. After all, medical science is still figuring out the best ways to stay healthy if you have diabetes.
