You May be Sweet, but Wrinkled!
Through a process called glycation, described as abnormal attachment of sugar molecules to cells in the body, aging is accelerated. When this occurs, tissue elasticity reduces to cause skin sagging, arterial stiffness and poor organ function. Sugar also causes the brain, nervous system and eyes to age. Finally, don't forget that sugar is terrible for your healthy mouth and smile. Studies clearly show it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Are Artificial Sweeteners Better?
Food additives and artificial sweeteners are subject to rigorous controls under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations. Currently, under the Act, several artificial sweeteners have been deemed safe for use by adults, children and pregnant women. These include aspartame (Nutrasweet or Equal), acesulfame-potassium (Sweet One), sucralose (Splenda) and sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol and xylitol.
If Health Canada says the sweeteners are fine and we know sugar is bad for us, should we eat these sweet alternatives? Think again ...
Saccharin
According to the Health Canada website, Saccharin, the first artificial sweetener developed, is currently not permitted to be added to foods due to results of studies completed in the 1970s that found it may be related to bladder cancer. But, it may appear as a table-top sweetener with point of sale warnings and labeling restrictions. In comparison to other artificial sweeteners, it's not recommended for pregnant women.
Get Over Aspartame and Acesfulame-Potassium
When aspartame is broken down in the body, methanol is produced. Methanol is a type of alcohol which we know is neurotoxic and is suggested to be hundreds of times more potent than alcoholic beverages. Neurological disease and related symptoms can arise from consumption of aspartame including headaches, muscle spasms, dizziness, twitching, memory loss, migraines and even seizures. Surprisingly, aspartame has been found in high concentrations in patients with brain tumors. Aspartame is contraindicated for individuals suffering from phenylketonuria, a disease which prevents the proper metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine. I also believe it is especially important to avoid aspartame during pregnancy because of its potential negative effects on the baby's developing brain and nervous system.
