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Dietician Sheela Seharawat

Avoid artificial sweeteners

Sugar contains simple carbohydrates and cutting down on it and using artificial sweeteners is a common dieting strategy. Aspartame, sucralose - these words are now part of our daily lives. Presented as alternatives to sugar, these artificial sweeteners would reduce calorie intake. But what is it really?

New studies have suggested that the consumption of artificial sweeteners could increase the risk of obesity, diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

According to Health Canada, artificial sweeteners can be used to monitor weight when incorporated into a healthy diet – this is as per dietician Sheela sherawat. However, replacing healthy foods such as fruits and milk with harmful foods such as candies and sodas increases the risk of developing heart disease and osteoporosis.

Increase in risk of obesity
What emerges from recent research is worrying, to say the least. In the long term, the researchers found that the consumption of artificial sweeteners could be linked to weight gain, increased risk of obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. But to confirm these results, further research is needed.

Among the various theories proposed by researchers to explain the existence of a link between sweeteners and obesity, there would be the psychological effect 'people would replace the calories' spared' by foods rich in fat 'and the biological effect' sweeteners would deceive the brain, creating a feeling of dissatisfaction and pushing people to ingest more calories.
People who count their calories or try to limit their consumption of sugar generally turn to artificial sweeteners. Since they are found in lean yogurt, sugar-free gum, and many diet dishes, it's hard to avoid these sweet-flavored substances.

Risk of cancer
Are sweeteners harmless? In studies of laboratory animals, some of those sold as substitutes for table sugar (for example, to sweeten coffee or tea) and which are added to processed foods have been associated with cancer.

Eat healthy to be healthy- as suggested by diet clinic
Therefore, eat a balanced diet and, if you want to consume an artificial sweetener, make wise choices: in their search for balance between flavor and preservation, manufacturers offer a wide range of food products.

Adopt a balanced diet and focus on natural and unprocessed foods. Also keep in mind that no matter which diet pattern you follow, the important thing to lose weight is to have a calorie deficit at the end of the day.