5 Best Natural Sweeteners To Use As WHO Classifies Aspartame Sweetener Possibly Carcinogenic

Aspartame, an artificial sweetener that millions of people ingest every day as a sugar substitute in goods such as diet soft drinks, has long been the subject of heated controversy about its health side effects. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer classified aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," finding "limited evidence" to support the claim.

What Is Aspartame?

A Searle pharmaceutical chemist discovered aspartame, a synthetic sweetener, in 1965 for ulcer therapy. It has the same energy level as sugar but is 200 times sweeter, making it a better alternative to sugar for sweetening food while keeping calorie levels stable.

Also Read: WHO Classifies Aspartame Sweetener, Used In Cold Drinks, As Possibly Carcinogenic To Humans

Aspartame was not the first artificial sweetener, but it has grown in popularity in recent times. Soft beverages, chewing gum, candies, jelly, yogurts, dairy products, cough drops, toothpaste, and desserts are just a few of the millions of products that include it. It is also used as a minor sweetener in tabletop sweeteners and in over 600 medications to help the pill dissolve.

As per the statement by Dr Mary Schubauer-Berigan of the IARC Monographs Programme, in the statement, said, "The findings of limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and animals, and of limited mechanistic evidence on how carcinogenicity may occur, underscore the need for more research to refine our understanding on whether consumption of aspartame poses a carcinogenic hazard."

Stevia

Stevia is one of the most natural sweeteners and comes from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is sold as a powder under the trademarks Truvia and PureVia. Stevia contains 3 grams of carbohydrates per package and is heat stable. Its distinctive aftertaste is well accepted, but it may be perceptible to some. Stevia can also be cultivated as a potted plant indoors, giving a natural alternative to powdered versions.

Also Read: 5 Health Benefits Of Starting Your Day By Consuming Soaked Chia Seeds

Xylitol

Xylitol, a sugar alcohol molecule found in fruits and vegetables, has 40 percent fewer calories than sugar and has no effect on blood sugar or insulin levels. It can be obtained from birch trees or from xylan plant fiber.

Yocan Syrup

Yacon syrup, a fiber-rich Andean plant sweetener, is high in fructooligosaccharides, which support prebiotic microorganisms. It has been examined for weight loss, but its true value is due to its high fiber content, which aids in the regulation of glucose levels. Because of its deep caramel sweetness, it is ideal for baked products, sauces, and desserts.

Erythritola

Erythritol, a sugar alcohol, is popular due to its sweetness and low calorie content. It contains 70 percent sugar and 6 percent calories per gram. Although it is harmless, excessive consumption may induce gastric distress. Erythritol enters the bloodstream and is eliminated intact, keeping blood sugar levels stable.

Monk Fruit Extract

Monk fruit, also known as Luo Han Guo, is a diabetic-friendly sugar substitute made from dried melon. It has no calories or carbs, is 150 times sweeter than table sugar, and does not cause blood glucose levels to rise. Monk fruit is considered safe for all people by the FDA. While it is utilized in TCM for anti-inflammatory and sore throat purposes, no long-term scientific investigations have been conducted on its use. Products containing monk fruit, such as Monk Fruit In the Raw and Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener, have several advantages.

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)