Some questions you want to know about sweeteners

2023-05-16

What are Sweeteners?

Sweeteners are divided into artificial and natural sweeteners, but the line is not clear, for example, some artificial sweeteners are extracted from natural plants or sucrose itself, while some natural sweeteners are extracted and processed in a way that alters their properties and are not as natural as we might think. Both artificial and natural sweeteners are sugar substitutes, but unlike sucrose they have little to no energy, so many drinks are sweetened to control energy and help with weight control.

How do sweeteners work?

Our tongues are covered with many taste buds, each containing several taste receptors that detect different flavours. When eating, the taste receptors encounter food molecules, and the perfect fit between the receptor and the molecule sends signals to the brain, enabling it to recognise flavours. For example, a sugar molecule binds perfectly to a taste receptor, allowing the brain to recognise sweetness. Sweetener molecules are similar enough to sugar molecules to allow sweet receptors to bind to them. But different enough from sugar that the body can't break it down. This provides sweetness without adding calories.

Do sweeteners cause cancer?

Sweeteners have been controversial since the discovery of the first artificial sweetener, saccharin, in 1879. It has been accused of causing a range of health problems from headaches and dizziness to cancer. While some studies have linked artificial sweeteners to cancer, many more have found them to be safe. Although no clear link to cancer has been found, artificial sweeteners may have other equally worrying effects on health.

Can sweeteners help with weight loss?

The effect of sweeteners on weight loss is unclear, and some studies have found that switching to low-calorie sweeteners can lead to moderate weight loss and may help people manage their weight. Other studies have found that using sweeteners for weight loss may have the opposite effect. People who regularly consume sweeteners (both natural and artificial) gain weight and are at higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events because sweeteners may cause glucose intolerance by interfering with intestinal bacteria, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. To add to the confusion, a recent study found that Australians consume less sugar than they did 20 years ago, but obesity rates are still rising. The question of whether sweeteners play a role in weight loss is one on which even scientists cannot reach a consensus.

Previous: Information about some popular artificial sweeteners Next: Expert: Excessive intake of aspartame is harmful!