Dietary drinks and artificial sweeteners that many people use to reduce their daily sugar intake may actually expose them to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is the result of research by the Faculty of Medicine. Adelaide medicine in Australia. Here is everything you need to know about these suspicious products!
Scientists found that high consumption of low-calorie sweeteners for only two weeks was enough to significantly alter the composition of bacteria in the gut. This changes the way the body absorbs and regulates blood sugar, according to the researchers, which over time increases the risk of developing diabetes.
Sweeteners interfere with blood glucose control in healthy people.
Artificial sweeteners are low-calorie or non-caloric chemicals that are used instead of sugar to sweeten foods and beverages. They are found in thousands of products, drinks, desserts, ready-made meals, cakes, chewing gum and toothpaste. Many people at risk of diabetes consume these so-called less sugary products, but the risk is elsewhere according to a study!
This study was conducted by Associate Professor Richard Young of the Adelaide School of Medicine in Australia, as well as colleagues from other research institutes based in Adelaide. It aimed to examine the effects of consuming large amounts of sweeteners on the body.
This group of experts followed 29 young people in good health for two weeks. Half of them received sweetener capsules containing sucralose and acesulfame-K, equivalent to about four and a half cans of light drink per day. The other half received placebo capsules containing no sweeteners.
The researchers analyzed the bacteria in the intestines of volunteers and found significant impairment in those who had consumed the sweeteners, as well as less release of the hormone GLP-1, which helps control blood sugar levels. None of these measures were modified in volunteers who received placebo.
The authors, who presented their findings at the conference of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Berlin, said that two weeks of consumption of low-calorie sweeteners were enough to disrupt intestinal bacteria and thus increase the abundance those normally absent in healthy people.
Healthy and tasty alternatives to sugar, it exists!
Fortunately, there are natural sweeteners that are healthy and tasty alternatives to refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. According to a study by the American Dietetic Association, substituting healthy sweeteners such as black treacle, maple syrup and honey can increase antioxidant intake.
This study shows that replacing the average daily intake of refined sugars with healthy, alternative natural sweeteners can increase the amount of antioxidants you eat each day, in amounts similar to those of fruits and nuts.
Here are the top 3 natural sweeteners:
Raw honey: contains enzymes, antioxidants, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, riboflavin and niacin. Together, these essential nutrients help neutralize free radicals while promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract.
Stevia: Stevioside, the element of the leaves that makes it more than 200 times sweeter than sugar, is available in drops, packets, tablets, and baking mixes. It has no caloric intake, no carbohydrates and no unpleasant side effects of artificial sweeteners, making it an ideal natural sweetener.
Dates: Dates are loaded with potassium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium and vitamin B6. They are easily digested and help metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Evidence shows that dates can help lower LDL cholesterol in the blood and reduce the risk of stroke.
For light drinks, water and natural juices remain an excellent alternative for a healthy body!
