All About Artificial Sweeteners

What are artificial sweeteners?
Artificial sweeteners are food additives that duplicate the effect of sugar in taste. Artficial sweeteners are generally composed of chemicals, and a few are sugar derivatives. Artificial sweetners are commonly used in sugar-free candies, diet drinks and are usually readily available in cafes and restaraunts in the form of a packet.

Why do people use artificial sweeteners?
There's a vast array of reasons why an individual might use artificial sweeteners. Some individuals use artificial sweeteners to aid in weight loss, due to artificial sweeteners extremely low caloric value. Other individuals who suffer from blood sugar disorders, such as hypoglycemia and diabetes, can't process regular sugars and have to use substitutes to avoid the health problems caused by natural sugars.

What brand names are artificial sweeteners carried under?
Nutrasweet, Equal, SweetOne, Sunett, Sweet'n'Low, and Splenda are popular brands of artificial sweeteners. There are many other, less heard of, but equivalent brands on the market. Splenda is the only artificial sweetner made from real sugar.

What are the dangers of using artificial sweeteners?
The use of artificial sweeteners carry risks, such as an increased chance of developing cancers. Some artificial sweeteners have been directly linked to cancer, such as Saccharrin, which the FDA requires carry a warning on the label of all foods containing Saccharrin, "Use of this product may be hazardous to your health." Aspartame has not been linked with cancer, but has not been ruled out as a factor, and there is a great deal of controversy surrounding this subject, as there has been an increase in individuals who use aspartame, and who develop brain tumors.