Artificial Sweeteners: Would you sprinkle formaldehyde on your breakfast cereal?
Of course you wouldn’t!
Yet there are hundreds of pages on dozens of sites on the internet that suggest that’s exactly what you’re doing when you use artificial sweeteners. Specifically, they say that aspartame metabolizes into formaldehyde.
So, we ask the question, “Is it true?” Are we poisoning ourselves by enjoying diet soda or any other products on the market containing aspartame?
The answer may surprise you… ready?
Yes and no.
Aspartame has replaced saccharin as the number one non-nutritive sweetener. You’ll find it in just about every product that claims to be “diet” or “light,” from sugar-free gum to baked goods, and from yogurt to ice creams (Splenda has also become quite popular in diet ice cream).
Some sites will tell you it causes depression, slurred speech, dizziness, headaches, vomiting and cancer (like saccharin did in laboratory rat tests). Others say it’s completely safe for human consumption and vehemently deny any physical ailments associated with its use.
So, where does the conspiracy theory end and the truth begin?
Well, I was tired of the conflicting stories. I’m sure you are, too…
Because of this, I decided to have a look for myself at the hyped-out, doom-and-gloom sites, as well as the reputable claims.
Earlier, when I answered “yes and no” to the question of whether or not we’re ingesting poison, I was being honest.
Yes, it’s true. Aspartame does metabolize in the body as formaldehyde – and then into formic acid. However, the Mayo Clinic, the National Cancer Institute, and MedicineNet.com clearly state that there is no scientific evidence that aspartame specifically causes cancer.
The amount of formaldehyde produced by normal servings of this simulated sweet stuff is easily eliminated by the body and poses no threat of poisoning, even if you’re drinking a diet soda on a hot day, as one site suggests.
That said, here’s some more truth for you to think about…
There have been studies done with recorded proof that aspartame does cause headaches, depression and increased hunger, which defeats its purpose as part of a weight-loss plan.
The results of those studies are as follows:
3 random studies were done on over 200 migraine sufferers who were randomly given aspartame and a placebo. The group who consumed aspartame suffered more headaches and with increased severity.
40 patients suffering from depression were also treated in a control group. The study was quickly brought to an end after only 13 people were tested. Why? Because their mood swings intensified so greatly after they took the aspartame, it was easy to conclude that aspartame was dangerous to consume.
14 dieters were given beverages sweetened with aspartame in addition to regular sugar drinks. Over the course of the study, there was no decrease in caloric intake in the diet group. In fact, during certain “test days,” the caloric count actually increased while they were drinking diet beverages! Talk about things that make you go “hmmmm!”
What about Splenda? Noxious or nice?
Again, many sites condemn Splenda as being a dangerous chemical that’s toxic and causes bodily harm. Once more, there is no conclusive evidence supporting this claim. But, then there’s this…
Splenda is made from sucralose. The makers of Splenda have assured us that 15% of this artificial sweetener substance is absorbed harmlessly into the body. Trouble is, sucralose also contains chlorine and the Big Guys at Splenda have no idea how much of the chlorine is flushed out, versus how much of it is absorbed for uncertain periods of time.
Also, to make Splenda comparable to sugar for cooking and baking, they’ve added “bulking agents” that can tally around 12 extra calories per tablespoon – and they don’t put that on the package.
Finally, some animal research has been revealed by critics suggesting that Splenda causes organ damage.
So, what to do? Do we or don’t we use artificial sweeteners? I suppose all this information should be taken with a grain of sugar. We have to decide for ourselves, “Are we okay with putting anything artificial in our bodies?” As a proponent of the natural health remedies and lifestyle, I’m not convinced this stuff is what I want floating around in me.
Personally, I prefer raw, organic honey as a sweetener. It works and I’m certain it’s not going to make me or my family depressed, hungry, give us headaches or an unknown dose of chlorine that may or may not be okay.
Now, you need to ask yourself:
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1. How much toxic artificial sweeteners am I using per day?
2. What are YOU going to do about it?
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