Diet Sweeteners - Boon or Bane?
We noticed a surge in the mid 20th century when diet sweeteners became more prevalent as part of our daily lives - from breakfast cereals to whey protein supplements - from powdered drinks to energy drinks, and so on. This was based on the premise that daily consumption of such items ensures sweetness without calories in a weight management diet.
So what’s the story behind the diet sweeteners anyway? Short answer: They are half as bad as processed or junk food. For example, although a zero coke is infinitely better for you than the 25g of real sugar in a real coke - the toxicity of one Coca-Cola equals to the toxicity of two diet Coca-Colas (according to data). That's half as bad - but when you drink 10 diet coca-cola thinking that you are not getting any fructose or any calories from it, then it turns out to be five times worse.
So why are diet sweeteners bad? The answer: It changes the microbiome (gut microorganisms) and that leads to inflammation and glucose intolerance itself (not related to fructose). When you put it on your tongue, it tells the brain that sugar is coming - the brain tells the pancreas to release the insulin anyway - even if it’s not sugar or even if it’s zero calories. It’s this high insulin that leads to pre-diabetes, diabetes, obesity, higher triglyceride levels etc.
Moreover, diet sweeteners affect your food and drink choices too. They can get your taste buds used to sweeteners. Products made with sugar substitutes may give you a wrong message about processed foods. For example a snack labelled with ‘no sugar’ may not be the most nutritious choice.
Don’t think that diet sweeteners are a boon for weight management - they are, in fact a cause for concern!
Zareer Patell - Black Belt, Personal/Fitness Trainer, Wellness Volumnist and Consultant on Call (since 1972).
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