Artificial sweeteners are the replacement that most people think of when quitting sugar. They are promoted to help reduce the risks associated with too much sugar consumption, which includes diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome. But artificial sweeteners have their own set of issues, which are no friend to anti-aging. Here is what you need to know about artificial sweeteners.
Artificial Sweeteners Stimulate Sugar Cravings
The main culprits include aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, neotame, and acesulfame. Mainstream scientists and nutritionists warn of consuming more calories to replace the lack of sugar or that the sweeteners can stimulate sugar cravings, leading to bingeing. But there are worse concerns than these.
Dangers of Aspartame on the Human Body
Aspartame has long been known as a danger for humans. One example is the effect of aspartame on cell life. According to neurosurgeon Russell Blaylock, aspartame is one of a set of neurotoxins that stimulates brain cells to death, resulting in premature cell death and, thus, aging. Studies that show sweeteners like these are “safe” do not test with the more than 24 ounces of sweetened beverages that are consumed on average.
Increased Risk of Health Conditions
One study showed that diet drink consumption was linked to a 36% increased risk of metabolic syndrome and a 67% increased risk for type 2 diabetes, making these artificially sweetened drinks no better than their sugar-laden counterparts. This may be because artificial sweeteners increase blood glucose, and constant consumption leads to chronically high blood sugar, which causes the signs of aging like wrinkles and other skin conditions, as well as age-related diseases.
Stevia is OK in Small Doses
Stevia is the one true sweetener that can be safe in small doses. It is made from the extracts of the green leaves of the plant, resulting in steviol glycosides. This makes stevia up to 300 times sweeter than white table sugar, so be careful how much you use.
Since it has become a popular sugar substitute, read nutrition labels to see if the product is pure stevia. Some brands add synthetic chemicals to save money, so you could be getting a combination of stevia mixed with aspartame or another sweetener that is unhealthy.
Stevia Still Impacts Insulin Level
Another thing to consider is that even though stevia and other natural sweeteners have little effect on your blood sugar level, they still have an effect on your insulin level, and a lot of people who struggle with weight issues are insulin resistant. So even though stevia doesn’t contain many calories, it can still stimulate insulin, which leads to weight gain.
The best solution and alternative to artificial sweeteners is to learn to live without consuming sweets. Try water infused with mint, cucumber and lemon, or herbal teas alone. Your tastebuds will adjust, and then you can save money and your skin by simply going all natural.
Learn About Other Dietary Strategies for Your Health
High insulin levels are the main cause of hormonal imbalances and many skin disorders. Since artificial sweeteners throw your blood sugar balance off, they can cause premature aging. If you’re looking for other nutrition-based strategies to protect your health, check out the Age Defying Video Program.
