How Sweet It Is… Or is it? Sugar vs Artificial Sweetners

How Sweet it is…or is it?
The Cover up of Artificial Sweeteners

Research by Rev. Kat Carroll

When I was growing up, folks kept a candy dish out for themselves and visiting grandkids. We would walk a mile to pick up the mail in the country, then buy gum, banana flavored candy on bracelets and necklaces, or whatever we could afford with a pocket full of change. Life was sweet back then with little to worry about (from a kids perspective).

But something happened on our journey to adulthood. It became less safe, less fun, and less healthy. What changed?

There was a change in the Food Pyramid and some opinions have been “flipped” like the eggs they said were so bad for us, but are now considered healthy. This seems to happen whenever corporate ambitions come into play and opinions are bought and paid for from “reputable sources”. When a growing number of people became sick with diabetes, obesity and gut problems, research was required to find out why. Remember the trend to get and stay thin created by Hollywood? All the housewives and your women and girls wanted to look a star (or Barbie), an unrealistic goal that most could never emulate without plastic surgery and starvation diets. So, a dietary solution was invented that would keep us light on the scales. But the findings were not sweet after all!

Are artificial sweeteners worse than cane sugar?

Based on search results, here are the key points highlighting the potential drawbacks of artificial sweeteners compared to cane sugar (Thank you Meta AI):

Impact on the receptors of the brain

Artificial sweeteners bind to the same sweet receptors on the tongue as natural sugars, triggering a response in the brain. This binding activates the sweet taste pathway, stimulating the brain’s reward centers and releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction. This also happens with gambling and drug use such as amphetamines and opioid pain killers. However, in the later, they fill up the space were your natural pain killing receptors would go leading to more and more use, since your body doesn’t think it needs to produce those natural pain killers. You become physically addicted. Sweeteners are similarly addictive.

Divergence from Natural Sugars

While artificial sweeteners activate the same receptors as natural sugars, they are not followed by glucose digestion or metabolism. The lack of a metabolic response may lead to confusion in the brain (as with drugs), since it expects a caloric reward but receives none. This makes you crave more. No wonder there has been such an increase in obesity! Part of the problem is many artificial sweeteners are hidden in the day-to-day products we buy. We need to look closer at the ingredients to find and avoid them.

• Impact on Health: Both sugar and artificial sweeteners can be problematic for health, but artificial sweeteners are considered “far worse” than sugar according to functional medicine specialist Melissa Young, MD. This is because artificial sweeteners can disrupt the body’s natural ability to regulate blood sugar levels and insulin response, leading to a range of negative health effects.
• Metabolic Response: Artificial sweeteners can trigger a metabolic response similar to sugar consumption, causing cravings for more sweet tastes and carbohydrates. This can lead to a vicious cycle of overconsumption, glucose intolerance, and weight gain.
• Lack of Nutrients: Artificial sweeteners do not provide any beneficial nutrients like vitamins, fiber, minerals, or antioxidants, whereas cane sugar, although refined, still contains some nutrients like iron and B vitamins.

• Potential for Overconsumption: The intense sweetness of artificial sweeteners can lead to overconsumption, as the body is wired to crave the taste of sugar. This can result in an imbalance of macronutrients and micronutrients in the diet.

Not all artificial sweeteners are created Equal (if you’ll pardon the pun).

Equal is an American brand of artificial sweetener containing aspartame, acesulfame potassium, dextrose and maltodextrin. It is marketed as a tabletop sweetener by Merisant, a global corporation which also previously owned the well-known NutraSweet brand when it was a subsidiary of Monsanto, now Monsanto/Bayer which was involved in the chemical cabal in Germany during WWII. Monsanto introduced some of the most toxic products to the world:

• DDT – The insecticide that was widely used until the 70’s when they realized it’s effect on wildlife and eggshell thinning. (We almost lost the American Eagle to DDT.
• PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) are a group of man-made organic chemicals consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine atoms. They were domestically manufactured from 1929 until 1979, when their production was banned in the United States.
• Agent Orange
• Glyphosate (Roundup)

Artificial sweeteners List. Some are known to be carcinogenic or produce negative impacts on gut health, while others may be beneficial (more long term studies are required).

Below is a comprehensive list of artificial sweeteners, some of which have links and others a brief description:

1. 1. Acesulfame K (Ace K; Sunette; Sweet & Safe; SweetOne) Acesulfame Potassium, or Ace-K, is a zero-calorie sweetener in foods and drinks. Most people don’t recognize the name as an artificial sweetener.
   2. Alitame (limited approval in only 4 countries) Developed in the early 1980s by Pfizer, (the same company with a long list of side effects from their Covid Vaccinations). It is marketed in some countries under the brand name Aclame (which has received little praise or “acclaim”). Sorry!
   3. Aspartame (NutraSweet; Equal) Notes below
   4. Cyclamate (approved in 50 countries; not USA) After saccharin, cyclamate was the most commonly used sweetener until it was banned in the USA in 1970, after which many countries followed suit.
   5. Neotame (derivative of aspartame, more stable than aspartame; approved 2002) Hard on the gut.
   6. Saccharin (Sweet’n’ Low) See below
   7. Sucralose (Splenda; approved 1998) See below
   8. Erythritol (sugar alcohol; fermented from glucose by Moniliella pollinis) may cause digestive issues, including nausea. It may also be associated with blood clots and heart problems. I wouldn’t take it just based on the name!)
   9. Mannitol (sugar alcohol; hydrogenated glucose) Also medical uses to increase excretion
   10. Sorbitol (sugar alcohol; hydrogenated glucose) – Used to sweeten chewing gum, it may cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Medical uses include to relieve constipation. Chew on that!
   11. Xylitol (sugar alcohol; hydrogenated xylose)
   12. Tagatose (galactose isomer; GRAS 2001) – Made from whey and may be used as a prebiotic
   13. Trehalose (disaccharide; patented 2-enzyme process from corn starch; GRAS 2000)
   14. Trehalulose (sucrose isomer; by-product of palatinose production) Made from the honey of non-stinging bees, the sugars are released slower into the blood stream and it may have antidiabetic and antioxidant activities. Still being investigated.

2. Let’s take a look at the worse artificial sweeteners for your health

   Aspartame – aspartame and acesulfame-K — Associated with increased cancer risk. Higher risks were observed for breast cancer and obesity-related cancers. Marketed under the names Nutri-sweet and Equal.

   Advantame – Newest on the market recently approved by the FDA. It is described as a “high intensity sweetener” 20,000 times sweeter than sugar. Manufacturers claim that it is low-calorie, does not raise blood sugar levels, and is good for baking as it does not break down when exposed to high heats. (So, what happens to it in your body?) One of the problems with artificial sweeteners is the addictive nature that can lead to overuse and overeating of sweets.

   Advantame is derived from aspartame and has a similar chemical structure. The details were explored in an earlier article, aspartame is anything but safe, and is actually the most dangerous artificial sweetener on the market.

   Neotame – Neotame has been found to weaken the gut wall, potentially leading to irritable bowel syndrome, insulin resistance, and even sepsis (a life-threatening condition). This damage can occur with consumption of even small amounts of neotame. There are concerns that neotame may have neurological effects, including headaches, migraines, and mood disturbances. It has been shown to cause cell death in the intestines and is potentially damaging to overall gut health. Neotame may increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, anxiety, and mortality in adults.

   Saccharin – Artificial sweeteners have been around for a very long time. Who could forget Tab, the cola made by Coca Cola Company which was popular in the 1960s and 70s? After it was discovered that the soda contained sodium saccharin, a controversial coal tar derivative, sales dropped. Coal tar was discovered and first used as a clothing dye but later found its way into drug manufacturing thanks to the Rockefellers. And when it was found that petroleum-based meds caused cancer, he created a cancer research institute (which helped hide the truth about his meds).

   Scientists were involved in research to re-create synthetic versions of vitamins in a laboratory. In 1935, Vitamin C became the first vitamin to be artificially synthesized in Switzerland. Rockefeller was smart enough to see this as a big opportunity, with the possibility that vitamins and medications could be developed from petroleum.  He saw the chance to control and monopolize multiple industries at once: petroleum, chemical and medical.  And of course, petrochemicals were ideal from a business perspective because they could be patented, owned and sold for high profits. It was always about the profits and not about the people. Sweet soda drinks are everywhere with big profits in every vending machine.

   Sucralose / Splenda: Sucralose can impact blood sugar levels, were at higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease, negatively affects gut bacteria (mice still had abnormal readings 3 months after not receiving sucralose. Sucralose may affect hormones that regulate glucose levels in healthy individuals and those with Type I diabetes. As with many drugs and foods, the FDA has stated that this is safe but long-term effects are still unknown (much like the information coming forward on the Covid-19 vaccinations!).

   If you need a tip to give your food and drinks a sweet lift without health risks, look into natural alternatives such as those listed below.

   Some sweeteners may have health benefits. Natural sweeteners such as from Stevia leaves have a surprising affect in that it produces a neurotropic response in the brain. Don’t worry, I had to look it up too!  Simply put, the use of stevia has potential effects on the nervous system, particularly in relation to synaptic plasticity and cognitive function.  “The neurotropic response to stevia suggests that it may have a positive impact on cognitive function, synaptic plasticity, and neural network adaptability, potentially contributing to neuroprotection and improved memory retention. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and extent of these effects.”

   Mankind has got to get back to the garden and stop depending on corporations to provide our food, mainly due to GMOs and hidden ingredients whose names are often changed to make them harder to identify. If you need a tip to give your food and drinks a sweet lift without health risks, look into natural alternatives such as the ones below.

3. 
4. Natural sweeteners without the side effects
5. Here are some natural sweeteners that are considered safe and effective alternatives to sugar:
6. 1. Fresh or Frozen Fruit: Using fresh or frozen fruit as a sweetener is a great option. Fruits like bananas, apples, and berries are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. I love a banana, strawberries, or dates sliced into my oatmeal or cereal or baked into guilt free deserts!
   2. Monk Fruit Extract: Monk fruit extract is a zero-calorie, low-glycemic index sweetener that is high in antioxidants and has been shown to have potential anti-cancer effects and favorable effects on blood glucose regulation.
   3. Raw Honey: Raw honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and has prebiotic oligosaccharides that help feed gut flora for a healthy tummy.
   4. Pure Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar. However, it is still high in calories and should be consumed in moderation.
   5. Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar is a low-glycemic index sweetener that contains some nutrients like iron and zinc. It is also less processed than refined sugar.
   6. Brown sugar: The benefits lie in its distinct flavor and moisture-retaining properties, making it a suitable choice for specific recipes. However, it is essential to remember that both brown sugar and white sugar should be consumed in moderation due to their high calorie content.

    

7. Below is a lighthearted video that briefly discusses the risks of artificial sweeteners. It is short n sweet, the way you like it!

   Bottom line, all things in moderation (including moderation). Do try and make healthy food choices to help you detox, lose or maintain a healthy weight, and avoid diabetes (which can lead to dementia). Stay healthy in body, mind, and spirit. Because life should be sweet!

   

8.  

   For a deeper dive~

   Detoxing Sugars, Sweeteners, and Addictives

   Effects of stevia on synaptic plasticity and NADPH oxidase level of CNS in conditions of metabolic disorders caused by fructose (PubMed)

   Stevia – Uses, Side Effects, and More  (Web MD)

   Monsanto sold banned chemicals for years despite known health risks, archives reveal

   This Is Why Artificial Sweeteners Are Bad for You

   https://eagles.org/bald-eagles-once-almost-extinct-make-comeback-2/

   Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Toxicity

   COAL TAR, DYES, AND THE UNLIKELY ORIGINS OF PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC DRUGS

   Western Medicine is Rockefeller Medicine – All the Way

   Big Pharma History – How John D Rockefeller Created Western Medicine   (Video)

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