There was a time when you couldn't open up a newspaper without seeing headlines about the cancer rist linked to artificial sweeteners. Was there ever any science to back up these claims? I think let's take a step back and think of the four main arguments that i typically think are used against the use of sweetners. One is that, as you've said, they may increase the risk of cancer. Two is that they impair the effect of glucose control. Three is that they may modify our microbion composition. And four is that they increase the desire in people for sweetness.
Artificial sweeteners are everywhere. Not only in diet soft drinks but in many foods that you wouldn’t expect. You’ve probably eaten some today without realising.
Sweeteners have been around for over a hundred years yet remain the subject of much debate. It's hard to know how they stack up next to the alternatives.
In today’s short episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Sarah ask: are artificial sweeteners worse than sugar?
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Studies referenced in the episode:
- Stevia Leaf to Stevia Sweetener: Exploring Its Science, Benefits, and Future Potential from The Journal of Nutrition here
- Chronic Intake of Commercial Sweeteners Induces Changes in Feeding Behavior and Signaling Pathways Related to the Control of Appetite in BALB/c Mice from Biomed Res Int here
This podcast was produced by Fascinate Productions.