The new generation of artificial sweeteners was meant to be less harmful than the previous generation. A new study suggests they might be just as harmful.
Research on possible links between aspartame consumption and cancer is ongoing and far from conclusive.
celsopupo/iStock via Getty Images Plus
An expert panel found a potential association with liver cancer, but too little research exists to assume a causal connection. For now, the WHO left current consumption guidelines unchanged.
Reports have indicated the artificial sweetener aspartame will be classified as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ by the WHO. Here’s what that means – and doesn’t mean.
Sugar alternatives go by many names including artificial sweeteners, low-calorie sweeteners and nonsugar sweeteners.
Marie LaFauci/Moment via Getty Images
Lindsey Schier, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and Scott Kanoski, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
The WHO report concluded that habitual use of nonsugar sweeteners is linked to a modest increase in diabetes, hypertension and stroke. But the research it’s based on has limitations.
There is more sugar and other sweeteners in our food and drinks globally than a decade ago, with manufacturers prioritising healthier options in richer countries.
The sweetener aspartame is found is many common foods and drinks, such as diet sodas.
Kmpzzz/ Shutterstock
Just because something is sweet doesn’t necessarily mean it is sugary. There are a number of molecules that taste sweet. To understand how and why takes a little bit of chemistry.
There are dozens of options for children’s drinks in most supermarkets. Choosing the healthy options is difficult.
ferrantraite/E+ via Getty Images
A new study looked at advertising and purchase data for children’s drinks and suggests that ads and pricing strategies contribute to sweetened children’s drink purchases.
Sugar and artificial sweeteners comes in many shapes and colors.
New Africa/Shutterstock.com
There is a huge variety of sugar substitutes available. What’s the difference? Is one better for controlling blood sugar levels for diabetes? Is one better for individuals trying to lose weight?
Genes not only influence how sweet you think something is, but also how much sugary food you eat.
from www.shutterstock.com
People with a sweet tooth can (partly) blame their genes for their sugar habit. New research shows how the brain also gets involved.
Coca-Cola is the world’s most popular carbonated soft drink. The original is made with sugar, but the others contain artificial sweeteners that are now linked to a rise in obesity and diabetes.
By Chones/shutterstock.com
Eunice Zhang, University of California, Los Angeles
Mounting evidence suggests that artificial sweeteners are linked to chronic health problems like obesity and diabetes. Should there be a tax on these foods?
Artificial sweeteners used in diet sodas and other low-calorie foods can actually contribute to weight gain and type 2 diabetes. The more you use, the higher the risk.
Coca Cola has begun carefully rolling out its green-labelled “Life” brand, filling its iconic hour-glass bottles with a new fizzy drink which has nearly a third fewer calories than Coke Original. It is…
It’s the quantity of sugar we consume that’s bad for us.
Carol Green
People have been eating sweet foods for eons. Fruit (fructose), milk (lactose), cane (sucrose), and honey (fructose and glucose) provide us with energy for growth and development. But in these days, we…