Artificial sweeteners: zero calorie, sweeter than sugar, possible weight control…sounds good right? Think again.

There are several types of sweeteners out there. Here’s the low-down from the Oshman Family JCC Monthly Wellness Guide:

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER
Synthetic sugar substitutes are known for being many
times sweeter than regular sugar. Examples: aspartame
(Equal), saccharin (Sweet’N Low), sucralose (Splenda).
Possible benefits include weight control, good sugar
alternative for diabetics and has no contributions to tooth
decay. Critics of artificial sweeteners say that they cause a
variety of health problems, including cancer.
SUGAR ALCOHOLS
Generally found in processed foods, sugar alcohols usually
replace sugar on an equal basis. They also help food stay
moist, prevent browning when heated and adds a cooling
sensation to products. Sugar alcohols are used in a range
of products, including chocolate, candy, frozen desserts,
gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, baked goods and fruit
spreads. When eaten in large amounts or over as little as
10 grams, sugar alcohols a cause bloating, intestinal gas
and diarrhea.
NATURAL SWEETENERS
Natural sweeteners are sugar substitutes often promoted
as healthier options than processed table sugar or other
sugar substitutes. Among the natural sweeteners are
honey, agave nectar, molasses and maple syrup. Natural
sweeteners are usually bought and consumed based on
how it tastes and its uses rather than on its health claims.
However, they have higher calories than other substitutes.

WHICH SUGAR TO USE?
When choosing sugar substitutes, it pays to be a savvy
consumer. Get informed and look beyond the hype.
While artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes may help
with weight management, they aren’t a magic bullet and
should be used only in moderation. Just because a food is
marketed as sugar-free doesn’t mean it’s free of calories. If
you eat too many sugar-free foods you can still gain weight.
Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols may not be high in
calories, but they contain hard-to-read ingredients. They
still leave you craving more artificial sugar. Remember that
processed foods, which often contain sugar substitutes,
generally don’t offer the same health benefits as fresh
foods do, such as fruits and vegetables.

[taken from: http://www.paloaltojcc.org/clientuploads/Fitness_Sports/Wellness_Nutrition/Monthly_Wellness_Guide/2013/October/October_Nutrition.pdf]

Advice to you: Limit artificial sweeteners, as they have many chemicals in them (like those in diet soda!). If you want something sweet, try it nature’s way with a nice piece of fruit!