Surely on more than one occasion you have heard that artificial sweeteners are not healthy. Because for a long time there has been talk about the negative effects of these health products. However, under the premise that saccharin is better than sugar, it continues to be consumed without taking into account the disadvantages of this common product.
At this time when food is so carefully taken care of, in which more and more people learn to read and decipher product labels in order to discard the most harmful ones, why not learn and discover more about the dangers of substances that a priori may seem harmless? If you are one of those who drink coffee and infusions with sweeteners, we invite you to discover the health risks of its consumption.
Are sweeteners dangerous for health?
According to studies carried out, the continued consumption of artificial sweeteners can damage the healthy intestinal bacteria that we have in the body. These bacteria are part of the intestinal microbiota and have a role in the functioning of the body. When something disturbs them, healthy bacteria can get sick and become dangerous to health.
This is what determines the study on the consumption of artificial sweeteners. Specifically, they can alter two types of intestinal bacteria, E-coli and E-faecalis. Apparently the components of some artificial sweeteners can alter the amount of said bacteria or produce another type that can alter the natural composition of the intestinal microbiota.
As a consequence, these bacteria can damage the wall of the intestine, pass through it and reach the bloodstream. These diseased bacteria can lodge and accumulate in areas such as lymph nodes, spleen or liver and the consequences can be very dangerous. Among other problems, all kinds of infections can occur, including one of the most dangerous, septicemia.
How to substitute sugar in a healthy way
When you use an artificial sweetener, it is because you want to reduce your sugar intake. Either as part of a slimming diet or as a healthier way of eating. They are already known dangers of sugar and its addiction, but little by little they begin to discover the risks of artificial products such as sweeteners. Therefore, it is preferable to look for other ways to sweeten food with products that are not dangerous to health.
An example of a natural sweetener is the date. A fruit with a large amount of natural sugar that is perfect for sweetening homemade desserts and sweets without using sugar. The drawback of dates is that their high sugar content makes them a very caloric food. So if you are looking to lose weight you should consume them in moderation.
To sweeten coffee or infusions, you can use the best natural sweeteners, such as honey or agave syrup. Although they are also quite caloric, as a very small amount is enough to sweeten a glass should not have too much problem, unless you exceed in consumption. As for artificial sweeteners, they are not all equally dangerous.
Among the best options are stevia which comes from plants, so it is natural, or erythritol. This natural sweetener comes from many foods such as corn or mushrooms, among others. In any of the cases, the best option is always to choose a natural sweetener to avoid chemical compounds that are harmful to health.
Finally, remember that sugar is nothing more than an ingredient that is used to camouflage the taste of food. Learn to enjoy the natural flavor of products that are often hidden between huge amounts of sugar and you will discover that your palate gradually gets used to them. Soon you will enjoy many more flavors and with it you will be able to eat healthier.