ZOE Science & Nutrition Artificial sweeteners - worse than sugar?
Aug 25, 2022
The intriguing world of artificial sweeteners is explored, revealing their surprising presence in everyday foods. The podcast dissects common misconceptions about these sweeteners, highlighting their potential risks and benefits. A deep dive into health implications contrasts sugar with artificial alternatives, sparking debates on appetite regulation and gut microbiome effects. With rising sugar consumption concerns, the conversation questions the effectiveness of sweeteners in combating obesity. Overall, the discussion urges continued research into these sweet flavors.
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Saccharin's Accidental Discovery
- Saccharin, the first impactful synthetic sweetener, was discovered accidentally in 1879.
- A Russian chemist tasted a coal and tar chemical, leading to this discovery.
Not All Sweeteners Are Artificial
- "Artificial sweetener" is misleading as some sweeteners are natural, like stevia.
- Sweeteners vary in calorie content and how the body processes them.
Stevia's Long History
- Stevia, a natural sweetener, has been used for about 200 years and is native to South America.
- Its use has surged since becoming legal in the US and EU.