Artificial sweeteners are low calorie substances used as sweeteners to replace sugar and other caloric sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are helpful in controlling weight and insulin levels. Natural sweeteners are mainly table sugar (sucrose), fruit (fructose) and milk (lactose). They must be used with caution by diabetics and excessive consumption can contribute to obesity. Some of the Commonly used Artificial sweetners are -
Aspartame
Aspartame is a sugar substitute and is available under the brand name of Nutrasweet and Equal. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar.It has been approved by FDA in 1993 for inclusion in all foodstuffs such as fast food items with no restrictions and as an ingredient in sugar-free sodas. This chemical changes to formaldehyde, phenylalanine and methanol in the human body, or when a product containing it is heated to more than 30 degrees C. Formaldehyde is typically used to preserve dead bodies, and methanol is a deadly neurotoxin, commonly known as wood alcohol. Over 92 known side-effects are caused by ingestion of Aspartame (known to the Food and Drug Administration), including vomiting, anxiety attacks and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Ingestion of Aspartame-containing foods has resulted in several deaths. It's even a component in most chewing gums. Symptoms may be delayed or immediate. Like MSG, its effects are both immediate (in particularly sensitive people) and delayed. However, there is no supportive research to prove the harmful after effects of Aspartame but the sensitivity may differ with the individual.
CYCLAMATES Cyclamate is the sodium or calcium salt of cyclamic acid (cyclohexanesulfamic acid). It is 30 times as sweet as sugar It is used in food,soft drinks,canned fruits, candy, salad dressings.
In the United States, the FDA banned the sale of cyclamate in 1970 after lab tests indicated that large amounts of cyclamates caused bladder cancer in rats. However, there are other views on this subject. Cyclamates are still used as sweeteners in many parts of the world. They are used with official approval in over 55 countries.
It is often used synergistically with other artificial sweeteners, especially saccharin; the mixture of 10 parts cyclamate to 1 part saccharin is common and masks the off-tastes of both sweeteners. It is less expensive than most sweeteners, including sucrose, and is stable under heating |
