Artificial Sweeteners: Weight Loss or Gain?
/Despite intense scrutiny of artificial sweeteners for years, the product continues to be popular with dieters, diabetics and many just looking for a sweet fix. Even in the face of declining soda sales, the market share of diet soda continues to expand, with the second most popular soda being a diet variety. At the same time, the global market for non-sugar sweeteners has had impressive sales in recent years. In 2010, over 9 million dollars were spent on non-sugar sweeteners, with the industry anticipating continued growth in coming years.
A new report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal analyzed 37 studies on artificial sweeteners to measure their success for weight management. The studies followed over 400,000 people over the course of 10 years. Across the board, artificial sweeteners didn’t help any of the subjects lose weight. Consumption was evaluated over time , by people regularly consuming them and most patients had a higher risk for health issues like weight gain, obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
This new study is an addition to the growing body of research suggesting sugar substitutes are not the cure for sugar addiction. There isn't enough qualified studies and results that would encourage any individual of any health status to use artificial sweeteners. But it’s not yet clear if they are dangerous but there is a correlation to increasing an individual’s appetite for processed foods when consuming sugar substitutes.
Artificial sweeteners have a role in controlling carbohydrate intake by diabetics and dieters, while also decreasing ones risk of dental cavities. Despite extensive studies, epidemiological research has failed to demonstrate any cancer risks. While, diet products are a safe alternative to their full sugar counterparts. Exercising at least 3 days a week, increasing fiber and focusing on healthy choices are the best way to lose weight and stay fit.
What scientists think is happening is that that when we consume sugar-substitutes, the body expects to see surge in glucose. When this expectation is not met, we continue to crave sweets, eating until the craving is met. So it will definitely take much more than replacing real sugar with fake sugar to lose weight. Unfortunately there are no real shortcuts here. The key to weight loss is cutting the total number of calories consumed, with clean eating.
While, diet products are a safe alternative to their full sugar counterparts, diet and exercise for weight loss is what will truly help in the long run. Exercising at least 3 days a week, increasing fiber and focusing on healthy choices are the best way to lose weight and stay fit.
5 crucial bone-building nutrients
/
Our skeleton may seem like a static, inactive part of our body but that is far from the truth. Our bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt.
Read More
How to choose and use the best sunscreen
/
Choosing a sunscreen right for you is the first step in protecting your skin. The second step is now to use it correctly for it to be effective and to use it every day throughout the year. Here’s how:
Read MoreJust what the doctor ordered – laughter and a sense of humor
/
This priceless fun and free gift we all possess can be used anytime, anywhere to get us through the toughest situations in life in addition to boosting the happiness we feel when times are good
Read MoreProbiotic foods to add to your grocery list
/
These “good” bacteria are also known as probiotics which naturally live in the colon.
Read MoreReverse prediabetes by being PROACTIVE
/
You’re chances of developing prediabetes over the course of your lifetime is about 50-50 according to research. A large study from the Netherlands followed 10,000 adults for 15 years testing their blood sugar levels and found at age 45, about half would develop prediabetes, 30 percent full blown diabetes and nine percent would need to take insulin. Factors accelerating the rate of developing prediabetes were increased age, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.
Read MoreGet gorgeous skin by summer with these 7 foods
/
Before you know it summer will be here and that means a lot more skin will be on display. Now is the time to begin revitalizing and renewing our skin that has been covered up all winter and one way is by eating certain foods.
Read MoreRetinoids for wrinkles – effective or not?
/
The look of smooth, wrinkle-free skin has been sought after for centuries by both sexes. One of the most used and studied anti-aging compounds has been retinoids.
Read MoreHow to put fatigue to rest
/
Has fatigue been dragging you down, making life seem incredibly hard? Does the thought of doing daily necessities such as paying bills or doing laundry make you weary just thinking about it?
Read MorePlant waters are making a splash
/
Soda sales have taken a nose dive in recent years as people are looking for beverages containing less sugar. It looks like a possible new beverage fad and thirst quencher has arrived ready to take soda’s place– plant waters. These beverages made from extracts of fruits, vegetables, grains, grasses, and various plant parts such as leaves and even rinds, are making a splash in the water world of drinks.
Read More
How to ease symptoms of GERD naturally
/
If you are one of the estimated 20% of Americans who experience symptoms of regurgitation of gastric acid or sour contents in the mouth, difficult or painful swallowing, chest pain, a chronic cough, bad breath or a feeling like something is stuck in your throat that occurs more than twice a week, there is a good chance it is more than just heartburn. It is likely to be a more serious form of heartburn called gastroesophageal reflux disease or simply known as GERD.
Read MoreSmart ways to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol
/
Your blood cholesterol numbers are important to know as they are a way of assessing or evaluating your future risk of heart disease. One number to pay attention to is your “bad” or LDL cholesterol.
Read MoreWhen friends or family undermine your weight loss efforts
/
Surely your friends and family will be supportive cheering you on in your weight loss efforts every step of the way, right? For some people that is true, but for others, these supposedly supportive individuals may actually be doing things sabotaging your weight loss goals. If may not necessarily be intentional, but there are subtle hints that they really kind of like you as already you are. There could be underlying currents of jealously, worry over the fact you may change in personality, or maybe they would like to lose weight themselves but lack motivation to do so wishing you would get off this weight loss kick.
Read More12 simple and safe ways to naturally lose weight
/
Type in “How to lose weight” and page after page of all sorts of weight loss articles pop up. Some will contain valuable, scientifically-based advice that can provide the information you are looking for. But then there are the rest – the ones providing bad advice on weight loss that is questionable at best and is not based on any actual science.
Read MoreWhy staying active keeps you young
/
Have you ever wondered “what is the fountain of youth?” Is it found in a bottle of skin cream, eating just the right foods or obtaining sufficient sleep each night? Even though all those things can certainly help in the quest for eternal youthfulness, probably one of the best known explanations is staying active throughout our lives.
Read MoreWhen weight loss is unintentional
/
The spontaneous act of dropping pounds unintentionally may seem like a dream for many but not for those who are not deliberately trying to lose weight. Anytime a person’s weight goes down without trying, it could be a sign of something more serious and should be addressed by a doctor. The sooner a person with unintended weight loss sees their doctor, the quicker they can figure out why weight loss is occurring and then work on getting back to a healthy weight.
Read MoreCan supplements in a bottle really boost energy?
/
Nothing beats an all-day long surplus of energy. Wait a minute, did you say you don’t experience that – ever? Don’t worry – there happens to be a surplus of supplements claiming to fulfill the promise of relieving fatigue and providing a shot of an energy boost. But before you head out the door to go spend good hard-earned money on their supposed guarantee, here’s what you need to know.
Read More
